Early warning systems that utilize dense physiologic data and machine learning may aid prediction of decompensation after congenital heart surgery (CHS). The Compensatory Reserve Index (CRI) analyzes changing features of the pulse waveform to predict hemodynamic decompensation in adults, but it has never been studied after CHS. This study sought to understand the feasibility, safety, and potential utility of CRI monitoring after CHS with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

A single-center prospective pilot cohort of patients undergoing pulmonary valve replacement was studied. Compensatory Reserve Index was continuously measured from preoperative baseline through the first 24 postoperative hours. Average CRI values during selected procedural phases were compared between patients with an intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) <3 days versus LOS ≥3 days.

Twenty-three patients were enrolled. On average, 17,445 (±3,152) CRI data points were collected and 0.33% (±0.40) of data were missing per patient. There were no adverse events related to monitoring. Five (21.7%) patients had an ICU LOS ≥3 days. Compared to the ICU LOS <3 days group, the ICU LOS ≥3 days group had a greater decrease in CRI from baseline to immediately after CPB (−0.3 ± 0.1 vs −0.1 ± 0.2, P = .003) and were less likely to recover to baseline CRI during the monitoring period (20% vs 83%, P = .017).

Compensatory Reserve Index monitoring after CHS with CPB seems feasible and safe. Early changes in CRI may precede meaningful clinical outcomes, but this requires further study.