Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation for bilateral diaphragm paralysis after pediatric cardiac surgery
Lubica Kovacikova 1*,
Dusan Dobos 1,
Martin Zahorec 1
1 Pediatric Cardiac Center, Bratislava, Slovakia
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: lkovacikova{at}yahoo.com.
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Abstract |
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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. Keywords: Ventilation; Congenital heart disease; Diaphragm; Complications
