Diaphragmatic Dysfunction after Open Heart Surgery on Infant: A Case Report

Abstract

This case study aims to understand the diaphragmatic dysfunction that occurs after open heart surgery, which often results from injury to the phrenic nerve. This dysfunction has a significant impact on the breathing capacity of patients, especially children undergoing such procedures. Methods of examining diaphragm dysfunction can be done by clinical observation, laboratory evaluation and fluoroscopic imaging analysis in pediatric patients with complex congenital heart defects. The results of this case study show that phrenic nerve injury causes diaphragmatic paralysis, thus slowing down the healing process and prolonging the need for mechanical ventilation in patients. Appropriate early management, including diaphragmatic plication intervention, can accelerate the ventilator weaning process and reduce the complications of pulmonary infection. These findings highlight the importance of close monitoring of patients' respiratory function postoperatively and provide insight into diaphragm injury management strategies to improve clinical outcomes.