Five days later, following extubation, the saturations were 86-88% in 50% facial oxygen.
Extubation was carried out at a median of 3 hours (30 minutes to 8 days) after arrival in the intensive care unit.
After 5 days of conventional ventilation, extubation could be performed.
All infants had received methylxanthines prior to extubation.
The median time to extubation after leaving the operating room was 3 hours (30 minutes to 8 days).
Positive pressure ventilation was maintained until extubation was deemed feasible.
Preoperative mean arterial oxygen saturation measured by cardiac catheterization was 62.3+15.57% and it increased to 78.6+10.75% after extubation and at room air.
The mean birthweight was 831 193 gm, gestation of 26.3 1.8wks, and the age at extubation was 7.6 9.7 days.
