Predicted clinical factors associated with the intensive care unit length of stay after total cavopulmonary connection

Abstract Objectives A longer length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) after the total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) is thought to be a predictive sign of late Fontan failure. This study was performed to determine the clinical risk factors for ICU LOS. Methods In total, 483 patients who underwent a TCPC between May 1994 and December 2016 were included the study. Patients' main diagnosis, morphologic characteristics, palliative procedures, hemodynamic parameters, and perioperative variables, were analyzed to identify risk factors influencing ICU stay based on Cox regression. Causes of longer ICU LOS and the impact of ICU LOS on late outcomes were evaluated. Results Age at TCPC, type of TCPC, and fenestration at TCPC did not affect the ICU LOS. With multivariable model, hypoplastic left heart syndrome ( P  = .001) and anomalous systemic venous drainage ( P P  = .037), and low aortic oxygen saturation ( P  = .031) were risks for longer ICU LOS. Of postoperative variables, pleural effusion ( P P  = .001), ascites ( P P  = .028) were risks for longer ICU LOS. The ICU LOS was found to be significantly associated with late mortality ( P P  = .007). Conclusions Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and anomalous systemic venous drainage had longer ICU LOS. Extended cyanosis and elevated pulmonary artery pressure affect the ICU LOS. Special care should be provided during the initial postoperative phase in patients with such risk factors.