Remifentanil-based fast-track cardiac anesthesia combined with the postoperative serratus anterior plane block for transthoracic device closure of atrial septal defect in pediatric patients.

<bold>Background: </bold>To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of remifentanil-based fast-track cardiac anesthesia (FTCA) combined with the postoperative serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) for transthoracic device closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) in pediatric patients.<bold>Methods: </bold>A total of 70 children who underwent transthoracic device closure of ASDs from January 2018 to June 2020 were divided into two groups according to different anesthesia strategies administered, namely group F (fast-track anesthesia, n = 38) and group R (routine anesthesia, n = 32), and relevant clinical data were collected and analyzed.<bold>Results: </bold>There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in general preoperative data, intraoperative hemodynamics, and FLACC score 1 h after extubation (p > .05). FLACC score of Group F was significantly lower than that of group R at 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after extubation (p < .05). The number of postoperative PCA press and the dose of PCA infusion in group F were lower than those in group R (p < .05). The mechanical ventilation duration, the length of intensive care unit stay in group F were statistically significantly lower than those in group R (p < .05).<bold>Conclusion: </bold>Remifentanil-based FTCA combined with the postoperative SAPB for transthoracic device closure of ASD in pediatric patients could effectively reduce postoperative pain of the children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]