Prolonged and Long-Term Mechanical Ventilation in Children with Cardiac Diseases

In children with cardiac disease, the duration of mechanical ventilation should be evaluated in the context of several pathophysiologic backgrounds, depending on the condition and underlying disease. With innovations in surgical techniques and advances in medical devices, many children with chronic heart disease now require mechanical ventilation. Early track extubation after surgery for congenital heart disease is becoming more common, and in this context, the terminology of prolonged mechanical ventilation is used in a specific sense that requires special attention. In both the acute and chronic phases of care for children with cardiac disease, further development of clinical evidence is needed to ensure that long-term ventilation can be provided safely and appropriately and to avoid unnecessary prolonged mechanical ventilation.