Abstract
Inhaled nitric oxide (INO) and the high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) are useful for post-operative management after pediatric cardiac surgery. INO therapy is effective in patients with pulmonary hypertension and after the Fontan procedure. HFNC therapy is effective as pulmonary support after extubation. INO is generally used in patients on ventilators. Hence, it is sometimes difficult to decide whether or not ventilator management should be continued solely for INO therapy. Combining HFNC and INO therapy allows continuation of NO administration. We successfully treated 3 patients (2 total anomalous pulmonary venous return patients, and 1 post-Fontan procedure patient) with HFNC-NO therapy. HFNC-NO therapy can stabilize circulation, improve respiratory function, and is effective in patients with severe residual pulmonary hypertension and after the Fontan procedure.
