Multimodality Neuromonitoring for Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Our Approach and a Critical Appraisal of the Available Evidence

• Published in: World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery Vol. 3; no. 1; pp. 87 - 95
• Main Authors: Clark, Joseph B., Barnes, Mollie L., Undar, Akif, Myers, John L.
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-01-2012
• Subjects: cerebral perfusion; cerebral complications; congenital heart surgery; brain; neurologic; ultrasound; cerebral protection
• ISSN: 2150-1351; 2150-136X
• DOI: 10.1177/2150135111418257

Brain injury remains a source of morbidity associated with congenital heart surgery. Intraoperative neuromonitoring is used by many centers to help minimize neurologic injury and improve outcomes. Neuromonitoring at our institution is performed using a combination of near-infrared spectroscopy, transcranial Doppler ultrasound, electroencephalography, and somatosensory evoked potentials. Adverse or concerning parameters instigate attempts at corrective intervention. A review of the literature regarding neuromonitoring studies in pediatric cardiac surgery shows that evidence is limited to demonstrate that intraoperative neuromonitoring is associated with improved neurologic outcomes. Further clinical research is needed to assess the utility and cost-effectiveness of intraoperative neuromonitoring for pediatric heart surgery.