Assessing the Feasibility of Right Atrial Line Removal at Hospital Discharge
Abstract
Background: Right atrial lines are routinely used postoperatively in pediatric cardiac patients, but data and guidelines on their optimal long-term use and removal remain limited. Methods: This was an observational retrospective cohort study to characterize the safety and feasibility of right atrial line removal at hospital discharge in pediatric cardiac patients between 2011 and 2018 at a tertiary children's hospital. Results: A total of 686 children had 804 right atrial line placements during cardiac surgeries. Median age and weight were 22 (interquartile range [IQR], 7-134) days and 3.6 (IQR, 3.1-5.3) kg. In this cohort, single ventricle physiology constituted 35.3%, and 38% underwent palliative procedures. Median line duration was 11 (IQR, 7-19) days, with a median interval between line removal and hospital discharge of 0 (IQR, 0-4) days. Most right atrial lines (61.4%) were safely removed on the day of discharge without complications, discharge delays, or readmissions. Single-ventricle physiology, shunts, and palliative surgeries did not impact this practice. Conclusions: The removal of right atrial lines at discharge seems to be feasible and safe in the postoperative care of pediatric cardiac patients, including those with single-ventricle physiology, shunts, and palliative surgeries. Prospective studies are warranted to further refine and optimize right atrial line removal practices.
Publication Title
Annals of Thoracic Surgery Short Reports
Recommended Citation
Anton-Martin, P., Nigro, J., Ray, M., Zook, N., Kochanski, J., & Vellore, S. (2026). Assessing the Feasibility of Right Atrial Line Removal at Hospital Discharge. Annals of Thoracic Surgery Short Reports, 4 (1), 324-328. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atssr.2025.08.016
