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Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation for bilateral diaphragm paralysis after pediatric cardiac surgery

Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Cardiac Center, Limbova 1, 833 51 Bratislava, Slovakia

*Corresponding author. Tel.: +421-2-59371729; fax: +421-2-54792317.

E-mail address: lkovacikova{at}yahoo.com (L. Kovacikova).

We present the case histories of two children having respiratory failure due to bilateral diaphragm paralysis after cardiac surgery. In both children non-invasive positive pressure ventilation alleviated respiratory distress, improved gas exchange, and prevented the need for endotracheal intubation. Following unilateral recovery of diaphragmatic function both children were successfully weaned from non-invasive positive pressure ventilation.

Key Words: Ventilation; Congenital heart disease; Diaphragm; Complications