Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Explained

There is a surgical procedure to address many of the medical conditions we experience. From removing the appendix to putting tubes in the ears, our children are having surgery more frequently than ever before. These types of procedures may cure minor issues and address the major illnesses that today’s children face. However, even with all the medical advancements that have been made, danger still exists.

As the parent of a pediatric patient, surgery on a child can be an emotional and overwhelming process. It is only normal and natural to be concerned about your child undergoing a surgical procedure. Even though numerous successful surgeries are performed each day, plenty of patients still face unfortunate outcomes. One possibility is your child going into cardiac arrest during the procedure.

An Overview Of Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is a condition where the heart’s electrical system malfunctions unexpectedly. To put it simply, the heart suddenly stops beating. This can occur instantly during a surgical procedure, or it may hit a patient shortly after symptoms begin to appear. During an incidence of cardiac arrest, the pumping of the heart is disturbed, which begins to deplete the blood flow and oxygen levels throughout the body.

Some of the general risk factors for cardiac arrest include:

• Arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats, like ventricular fibrillation)
• Congenital heart conditions
• Heart disease
• Heart medications
• Blood vessel abnormalities
• Scarred or enlarged heart
• Prior heart attack
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)
• Abnormalities in the heart’s electrical system

The Frequency Of Cardiac Arrest In Children

A high-profile example of cardiac arrest occurred in January 2023 when Damar Hamlin, an NFL player for the Buffalo Bills, collapsed during a game after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. Immediate medical intervention with cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the field saved his life, underscoring the critical importance of rapid response. While there is a significant age difference between professional athletes and children, both pediatric and adult cardiac arrest share vulnerabilities.

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 20,000 children in the United States experience cardiac arrest each year. Various risk factors, including congenital heart defects, heart rhythm disorders, and underlying medical conditions, contribute to these alarming statistics. The potential for cardiac arrest in children can be daunting for parents, especially if their child has one or more risk factors.

For pediatric patients who do survive cardiac arrest, the aftermath often includes significant challenges, such as impaired consciousness and brain damage. These complications can lead to long-term developmental and cognitive issues. In the most severe cases, cardiac arrest can result in death, making awareness and prompt intervention essential for improving survival outcomes.

Emergency Response And Outcomes For Pediatric Cardiac Arrest

Effective emergency response improves survival rates in pediatric cardiac arrest cases. Pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) are essential components of emergency cardiovascular care science. These life-saving techniques focus on high-quality chest compressions and timely interventions to restore circulation and breathing. Emergency medical services (EMS) are vital in managing out-of-hospital and in-hospital cardiac arrest among pediatric and neonatal patients.

Out-of-hospital pediatric cardiac arrest often results from respiratory failure or conditions such as ventricular tachycardia and pulseless electrical activity. The timely arrival of EMS and the administration of pediatric CPR can significantly improve outcomes. For pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) cases, rapid response teams are trained to administer targeted treatment swiftly, enhancing the chances of hospital discharge with minimal neurological impairment.

The importance of continuous training for healthcare providers in pediatric advanced life support and emergency cardiovascular care cannot be overstated. Such training helps improve responses to both respiratory failure and arrhythmias that may lead to cardiac arrest. Outcomes for pediatric patients vary depending on factors like the initial rhythm at the time of arrest, whether ventricular tachycardia or pulseless electrical activity is present, and the speed of resuscitation efforts. Successful resuscitation and management increase the likelihood of hospital discharge and reduce the risk of long-term complications. 

Steps To Take After Your Child’s Cardiac Arrest

Even though you were fully aware of the risks associated with your child’s surgical procedure, nothing could truly prepare you for what you would experience if the possibility of cardiac arrest became a reality. If you are dealing with this today, we are here to help.

While nothing will change what has already been done, you can do your part to ensure that your child receives the best care possible. Was a thorough medical history taken before your child’s surgery? Was the entire medical staff aware of any conditions or problems your child was facing? Was all of the hospital equipment working properly? Did the medical team in the operating room respond properly once the cardiac arrest began?

Let Ross Feller Casey’s team of leading doctors and lawyers work with you to determine if your child’s cardiac arrest could have been prevented or treated more efficiently. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. You owe it to yourself and your child to rule out any possibility of medical malpractice.

We handle all our cases, including those involving pediatric cardiac arrest, on a contingency basis. That means you will never pay a thing until a financial recovery is made in your case.