Complications of pediatric cardiac catheterization and system of catheterization laboratories minimizing complications—A Japanese multicenter survey

SummaryBackgroundPediatric cardiac catheterization is sometimes associated with serious complications. However, there are no data regarding the organization of pediatric cardiac catheterization laboratories to minimize complications.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the current organization of pediatric cardiac catheterization laboratories with regard to patient safety in Japan.Methods and resultsWe sent questionnaires to 105 institutions and obtained data from 82. Major complications requiring surgical therapy or death occurred in 22 institutes (27%). The incidence of major complications did not relate to the number of procedures performed. The procedures were performed without written informed consent in 21% of all institutions. The time to inform about the procedures was within 30 min in 43 institutes (52%). A pre-procedure meeting was held in 56 institutions (68%). The anesthetist attended the diagnostic procedures in 23% and the therapeutic procedures in 53%. The drugs and defibrillator for resuscitation were available in almost all institutions, but a pacemaker was not in 23 institutions (28%). The procedures were performed under the “back-up” of cardiovascular surgeons in 38 institutions (46%).ConclusionThere are still large numbers of institutions in Japan, which need much improvement in the organization of pediatric cardiac catheterization laboratories as an aspect of patient safety.