Congenital Heart Disease: Complications Before and After Surgical Repair

Children with congenital heart disease represent a unique group of patients presenting to the emergency department. Providing appropriate care to this population requires that the involved medical personnel have an understanding of basic anatomy and physiology both precorrective and postcorrective surgery. Providers must recognize common presentations of illnesses and complications specific to these patients, as well as routine general pediatric illnesses. This chapter covers the basics of congenital heart disease for emergency medical services providers, nurses, and physicians as well as key aspects for managing both routine and complicated illnesses in this population.