Propofol Anesthesia In Children Research Articles

Evaluation of prediction effect of perfusion index for supraclavicular brachial plexus block in children: protocol for a randomized trial

BackgroundPulse perfusion index (PI) reflects blood perfusion. It has been reported that PI can be used to evaluate the effect of nerve block, but currently, it is mainly focused on awake adults. In pediatric general anesthesia, it has been reported that PI can evaluate the effect of the sacral block. Still, there is a lack of relevant research on the impact of brachial plexus blocks. Our objective is to assess the prediction effects of PI on the success of supraclavicular brachial plexus block in pediatric patients under sevoflurane or propofol general anesthesia.Methods/designThis is a mono-center, parallel, 2-arm randomized superiority trial. One hundred four children aged 1 month to 12 years who undergo upper limb surgery will be enrolled in this study. According to anesthesia induction and maintenance medication, they will be divided into sevoflurane and propofol groups. The PI values of the index and little finger will be recorded on the blocked and non-blocked sides of supraclavicular brachial plexus block (SCB) in all children. The primary outcome is to assess the effects of PI on the success of supraclavicular brachial plexus block in pediatric patients under sevoflurane or propofol general anesthesia. The secondary outcome includes mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and correlation between baseline PI and 10 min after SCB (PI ratio).DiscussionThis trial will provide evidence on the changes in PI after SCB in sevoflurane or propofol anesthesia in children. SCB may lead to changes in PI values under sevoflurane or propofol anesthesia. After the children wake up at the end of the surgery, the changes in PI values on the block side and non-block side may be helpful to judge the effect of nerve block when excluding the influence of anesthetics.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04216823. Registered on 15 July 2020.

Comparison of target-controlled infusion and manual infusion for propofol anaesthesia in children

BackgroundOne major criticism of prolonged propofol-based total i.v. anaesthesia (TIVA) in children is the prolonged recovery time. As target-controlled infusion (TCI) obviates the need to manually calculate the infusion rate, the use of TCI may better match clinical requirements, reduce propofol dose, and shorten recovery time. MethodsChildren of ASA grade 1, aged 1–12 yr, were recruited and randomly assigned to TCI or manual infusion. Children in the TCI group had propofol delivered by TCI. Children for manual infusion had a loading dose of 2.5 mg kg−1 with subsequent infusion rates of 15, 13, 11, 10, and 9 mg kg−1 h−1. Attending anaesthesiologists adjusted the propofol dosage to keep the Bispectral Index™ (BIS) between 40 and 60. ResultsSeventy-four children completed the study. The time taken to extubate the trachea after cessation of propofol was 15.1 (5.5) and 16.2 (6.1) min for children who had TCI and manual infusion, respectively (P=0.42). The mean propofol infusion rate was 16.7 [standard deviation (sd) 4.2] mg kg−1 h−1 in the TCI group and 14.6 (3.1) mg kg−1 h−1 in the manual infusion group (P=0.036). The percentage of time when BIS was >60 was significantly lower in the TCI than the manual infusion group [10.2% (18.4%) vs 23.2% (26.3%), P=0.016]. DiscussionUse of TCI led to higher propofol doses but not prolonged recovery time in children compared with manual infusion. It was associated with a greater percentage of time when the BIS was in the desired range and it may be an easier method for titration of propofol administration during anaesthesia or sedation. Clinical trial registrationChiCTR-IOD-16010147.

Design and Clinical Evaluation of Robust PID Control of Propofol Anesthesia in Children

This paper describes the design of a robust proportional-integral derivative (PID) controller for propofol infusion in children and presents the results of clinical evaluation of this closed-loop system during endoscopic investigations in children age 6-17. The controller design is based on a set of models that describes the interpatient variability in the response to propofol infusion in the study population. The PID controller is tuned to achieve sufficient robustness margins for the identified uncertainty. 108 children were enrolled in this study, and anesthesia was closed-loop controlled in 102 of these cases. Clinical evaluation of the system shows that closed-loop control of both induction and maintenance of anesthesia in children based on the WAV <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">CNS</sub> index as a measure of clinical effect is feasible. A robustly tuned PID controller can accommodate the interpatient variability in children and spontaneous breathing can be maintained in most subjects.

Effect of mild hypocapnia on hemodynamic and bispectral index responses to tracheal intubation during propofol anesthesia in children

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of mild hypocapnia on hypertension and arousal response after tracheal intubation in children during propofol anesthesia. Forty-four children, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II patients, aged 3-9 years were randomly allocated to either the normocapnia group [end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (ETCO2=35 mmHg, n=22)] or the hypocapnia group (ETCO2=25 mmHg, n=22). Anesthesia was induced with propofol 2.5 mg/kg. Five minutes after the administration of rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg, laryngoscopy was attempted. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), SpO2 and bispectral index (BIS) were measured during induction and intubation periods. The maximal change in the BIS with tracheal intubation (ΔBIS) was defined as the difference between the baseline value and the maximal value within the first 5 min after intubation. Before tracheal intubation, the change in BIS over time was not different between the groups. After tracheal intubation, the changes in the MAP, HR and BIS over time were not significantly different between the groups. The mean value±SD of ΔBIS was 5.7±5.2 and 7.4±5.5 in the normocapnia and hypocapnia groups, respectively, without any intergroup difference. This study showed that mild hypocapnia did not attenuate hemodynamic and BIS responses to tracheal intubation in children during propofol anesthesia. Our results suggested that hyperventilation has no beneficial effect on hemodynamic and arousal responses to tracheal intubation in children.

Evaluation of closed‐loop anesthesia delivery for propofol anesthesia in pediatric cardiac surgery

The objective of this study was to compare the feasibility of closed-loop anesthesia delivery with manual control of propofol in pediatric patients during cardiac surgery. Forty ASA II-III children, undergoing elective cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in a tertiary care hospital, were randomized to receive propofol either through a closed-loop anesthesia delivery system (CL group) or through traditional manual control (manual group) to achieve a target BIS of 50. Patients were induced and subsequently maintained with a propofol infusion. The propofol usage and the efficacy of closed-loop system in controlling BIS within ±10 of the target were compared with that of manual control. The maintenance of BIS within ±10 of target and intraoperative hemodynamic stability were similar between the two groups. However, induction dose of propofol was less in the CL group (2.06±0.79mg·kg(-1) ) than the manual group (2.95±1.03mg·kg(-1) ) (P=0.006) with less overshoot of BIS during induction in the closed-loop group (P=0.007). Total propofol used in the off-CPB period was less in the CL group (6.29±2.48mg·kg(-1) h(-1) vs 7.82±2.1mg·kg(-1) h(-1) ) (P=0.037). Phenylephrine use in the pre-CPB period was more in the manual group (16.92±10.92μg·kg(-1) vs 5.79±5.98μg·kg(-1) ) (P=0.014). Manual group required a median of 18 (range 8-29) dose adjustments per hour, while the CL group required none. This study demonstrated the feasibility of closed-loop controlled propofol anesthesia in children, even in challenging procedures such as cardiac surgery. Closed-loop system needs further and larger evaluation to establish its safety and efficacy.

Impact of propofol on mid-latency auditory-evoked potentials in children

Propofol is increasingly used in paediatric anaesthesia, but can be challenging to titrate accurately in this group. Mid-latency auditory-evoked potentials (MLAEPs) can be used to help titrate propofol. However, the effects of propofol on MLAEP in children are unclear. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between propofol and MLAEP in children undergoing anaesthesia. Fourteen healthy children aged 4-16 yr received anaesthesia for elective surgery. Before surgery, propofol was administered in three concentrations (3, 6, 9 µg ml(-1)) through a target-controlled infusion pump using Kataria and colleagues' model. MLAEPs were recorded 5 min after having reached each target propofol concentration at each respective concentration. Additionally, venous propofol blood concentrations were assayed at each measuring time point. Propofol increased all four MLAEP peak latencies (peaks Na, Pa, Nb, P1) in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the differences in amplitudes were significantly smaller with increasing propofol target concentrations. The measured propofol plasma concentrations correlated positively with the latencies of the peaks Na, Pa, and Nb. Propofol affects MLAEP latencies and amplitudes in children in a dose-dependent manner. MLAEP measurement might therefore be a useful tool for monitoring depth of propofol anaesthesia in children.

Robust closed‐loop control of induction and maintenance of propofol anesthesia in children

During closed-loop control, a drug infusion is continually adjusted according to a measure of clinical effect (e.g., an electroencephalographic depth of hypnosis (DoH) index). Inconsistency in population-derived pediatric pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models and the large interpatient variability observed in children suggest a role for closed-loop control in optimizing the administration of intravenous anesthesia. To clinically evaluate a robustly tuned system for closed-loop control of the induction and maintenance of propofol anesthesia in children undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy. One hundred and eight children, aged 6-17, ASA I-II, were enrolled. Prior to induction of anesthesia, NeuroSENSE™ sensors were applied to obtain the WAVCNS DoH index. An intravenous cannula was inserted and lidocaine (0.5mg·kg(-1) ) administered. Remifentanil was administered as a bolus (0.5μg·kg(-1) ), followed by continuous infusion (0.03μg·kg(-1) ·min(-1) ). The propofol infusion was closed-loop controlled throughout induction and maintenance of anesthesia, using WAVCNS as feedback. Anesthesia was closed-loop controlled in 102 cases. The system achieved and maintained an adequate DoH without manual adjustment in 87/102 (85%) cases. Induction of anesthesia (to WAVCNS ≤60) was completed in median 3.8min (interquartile range (IQR) 3.1-5.0), culminating in a propofol effect-site concentration (Ce ) of median 3.5μg·ml(-1) (IQR 2.7-4.5). During maintenance of anesthesia, WAVCNS was measured within 10 units of the target for median 89% (IQR 79-96) of the time. Spontaneous breathing required no manual intervention in 91/102 (89%) cases. A robust closed-loop system can provide effective propofol administration during induction and maintenance of anesthesia in children. Wide variation in the calculated Ce highlights the limitation of open-loop regimes based on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models.

Closed-Loop Anesthesia in Children using a PID controller: A Pilot Study

The first study with a PID controller based automatic drug delivery system for propofol anesthesia in children is presented. It is shown that a robustly tuned PID controller is capable of delivering safe and adequate anesthesia. The design process of the control system is reviewed. Results are discussed and compared to those of two previous studies in adults.

Ketamine versus propofol for strabismus surgery in children

To compare the effects of intravenous infusion of ketamine and propofol anesthesia in children undergoing strabismus surgery. Sixty pediatric patients aged 4-11 years were enrolled for the study. Patients in Group K were infused ketamine 1-3 mg/kg/hr (n = 30) and patients in Group P were infused with propofol 6-9 mg/kg/hr (n = 30). After giving fentanyl 1 mug/kg and rocuronium bromide 0.5 mg/kg, patients were intubated. The consumption of anesthetics (P = 0.0001) and antiemetics (P = 0.004), the incidence of oculocardiac reflex (P = 0.02) in Group K were significantly lower than in Group P. The recovery time (P = 0.008), postoperative agitation score (P = 0.005), Face Pain Scale (P = 0.001), Ramsay Sedation Score (P = 0.01) during awakening and at postoperative 30th min (P = 0.02) in Group K were significantly lower than in Group P. The postoperative agitation score during awakening was significantly lower than the preoperative values in Group K (P = 0.0001). The infusion of ketamine is more advantageous than the infusion of propofol in children for use in strabismus surgery.

Who Is Doing What to Whom: A Large Prospective Study of Propofol Anesthesia in Children

Who Is Doing What to Whom: A Large Prospective Study of Propofol Anesthesia in Children

EEG variables as measures of arousal during propofol anaesthesia for general surgery in children: rational selection and age dependence

Clinical benefits of measuring processed EEG during anaesthesia in adults, such as improved recovery and reduced risk of awareness, may also be valid in children. This study evaluated a rational selection of EEG variables as measures of arousal during surgical anaesthesia in children. Sixty children undergoing surgical anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil were enrolled. The performance of 33 single EEG variables and bispectral index (BIS) was assessed by simultaneous analysis of prediction probability (Pk) of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Sedation Scores and their signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Variables performing best in Pk and SNR analysis were selected as potential measures of arousal. Their performance was investigated in five age groups, 0-1, 1-2, 2-5, 5-8, and 8-13 yr. Single EEG variables such as relative power from frequency bands 13-20 and 20-26 Hz, SEF95, and approximate entropy performed best with Pk>0.59 and SNR>5.50. The Pk and SNR of BIS were 0.71 and 15.76, respectively. Their performance was significantly better in children aged 1-13 yr than in 0-1 yr. BIS may provide a measure of arousal during propofol anaesthesia in children, but its accuracy is less in infants younger than 12 months. Single EEG variables such as high-frequency components of EEG, SEF95, and approximate entropy may be of limited value to detect arousal in the individual paediatric patient.

The Effect of Varying Continuous Propofol Infusions on Plasma Cyclic Guanosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate Concentrations in Anesthetized Children

The glutamate-nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) pathway is potentially an effective target for general anesthetics. Plasma cGMP concentrations are reduced after an increase in predicted plasma propofol concentrations during sedation in healthy adult volunteers. We hypothesized that an increase in measured plasma propofol concentration leads to a reduction in plasma cGMP in anesthetized children. Eighteen healthy children aged 46.8 (+/-19.6) mo, requiring general anesthesia for lower body surgical procedures were enrolled. After inhaled induction, tracheal intubation and initiation of intermittent positive pressure ventilation, caudal epidural analgesia was performed. Anesthesia was maintained using a continuous propofol infusion adapted from a previously published regimen to achieve predicted propofol plasma concentration of 6, 3, and 1.5 microg/mL after 30, 50, and 70 min, respectively. Samples for propofol and cGMP plasma concentrations were collected and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography and an enzyme immunoassay system. The plasma cGMP concentrations varied significantly (median [range]) 19.2 [11.8-23.5], 21.3 [14.6-30.8], and 24.9 [15.7-37.8] nmol/L among each predicted plasma propofol concentration, P < 0.0001. The correlation coefficient (r) was -0.62. This study demonstrates that an increase in plasma propofol concentration leads to a decrease in plasma cGMP in healthy children, and could serve as a biochemical marker for depth of propofol anesthesia in children.

Outpatient arthroscopic knee surgery under combined local and intravenous propofol anesthesia in children and adolescents

This prospective observational study included a case series of children and adolescents receiving light intravenous propofol anesthesia combined with local anesthesia (LA) for arthroscopic knee procedures. The aim was to examine the merits of anesthesia, to discuss the indications for the procedure and to analyze recovery/discharge times from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). A cohort of 147 children and adolescents (ASA 1 and 2) aged 12-18 years admitted for outpatient arthroscopic knee procedures between January 2004 and May 2005 were studied. After IV access in the operating theater, the patients received propofol (10 mg.ml(-1)). Arthroscopy was performed approximately 15 min after injecting local anesthetic (15 ml 2% lidocaine with epinephrine 1:200,000) partly at the site of insertion of the arthroscope and other instruments (5 ml), and the rest intra-articular. The following parameters were assessed: airway patency, propofol requirement, vital signs, procedure time, surgical operating conditions, patient satisfaction score, time to discharge, postoperative analgesia and adverse events. Of 147 patients, 133 patients (90.5%) underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, whereas knee arthroscopy alone was performed in 14 patients (9.5%) without indication for operative treatment. The arthroscopy was well tolerated in 96.6% patients (no pain, movement or discomfort during the procedure) and only five patients required conversion to general anesthesia. Pain experienced during the injection of lidocaine was more severe than pain experienced during the surgical procedure itself (P < 0.001). The surgical evaluation of operative conditions (visualization and access to intra-articular structures) was generally satisfactory and completely acceptable. Almost 94% (138/147) of patients said they would have the same procedure again under the same type of anesthesia. The mean propfol induction dose was 1.4 mg.kg(-1) (range: 0.9-3.8) and mean propofol infusion rate 167 microg.kg(-1).min(-1) (range: 130-250). Movement was more likely at lower infusion rates (mean: 151 microg.kg(-1).min(-1)). The maximal decrease in respiratory rate was 5.9 +/- 5.1 br.min(-1) (27.2 +/- 21%) and no patient became hypoxic. Patients recovered to preoperative values at 9.8 +/- 7.5 min following infusion discontinuation. There were no respiratory or cardiovascular complications. The mean stay in PACU was 47 min (range: 32-150). As many as 71% (105/147) of patients required no analgesics during the first two postoperative hours. The combination of light intravenous propofol anesthesia combined with local anesthesia for arthroscopic knee procedures provided effective sedation, good preservation of upper airway patency, rapid recovery and pain relief without major side effects and offers a good alternative to the methods already available. The majority of patients did not require postoperative analgesia.

The comparative effect of single dose mivacurium during sevoflurane or propofol anesthesia in children

We aimed to randomly compare intubating conditions, recovery characteristics and neuromuscular effects of single dose of mivacurium (0.2 mg.kg(-1)) during sevoflurane vs. propofol anesthesia in 60 healthy children, undergoing inguinal surgery. All children were randomly allocated to receive 2 mg.kg(-1) propofol iv or sevoflurane 8% inspired concentration for induction of anesthesia. Anaesthesia was maintained with 66% nitrous oxide in oxygen and 100-120 microg.kg(-1) propofol or sevoflurane approximately 2-3% inspired concentration with controlled ventilation. The ulnar nerve was stimulated at the wrist by a train-of four (TOF) stimulus every 20 s and neuromuscular function was measured at the adductor pollicis. When the response to TOF was stable, 0.2 mg.kg(-1) mivacurium was given. The trachea was intubated successfully at the first attempt in all patients. Onset time following a single dose of mivacurium was shorter in the sevoflurane group (2.99 min), than in the propofol group (4.42 min). The times to 25, 50, 75, and 90% recovery were significantly longer in the sevoflurane group (13.1, 15.7, 18.6, and 21.2 min, respectively) than in the propofol group (11.4, 13.2, 14.4, and 17.2 min respectively). TOF ratios of 50, 70, and 90% were significantly occurred later in sevoflurane group than propofol group. Our results indicate that when compared with propofol group, the sevoflurane group had an accelerated onset and a delayed recovery of neuromuscular block induced by mivacurium in children.

Desflurane increases cerebral blood flow velocity when used for rapid emergence from propofol anesthesia in children

Desflurane may be used to replace propofol at the end of anesthesia to facilitate rapid emergence. This study determined the effect of administering desflurane during emergence of anesthesia on middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (Vmca) in children anesthetized with propofol. Thirty healthy children aged one to six years scheduled for orchidopexy or hypospadias repair under general anesthesia were enrolled. Anesthesia was maintained with a propofol infusion targeting an estimated serum level of 3 microg x mL(-1), remifentanil 0.2 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) and a caudal epidural block. Transcranial Doppler sonography was used to measure Vmca at five-minute intervals. In half the patients, propofol was substituted with desflurane 1 MAC, 30 min prior to the end of the surgical procedure. Once steady-state had been achieved recordings of Vmca, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure were resumed. Upon termination of the surgical procedure, the maintenance agent was discontinued and recordings continued at one-minute intervals during emergence of anesthesia. There were no demographic differences between the two groups. Vmca increased from 37.2 +/- 3.1 cm x sec(-1) to 57.7 +/- 4.1 cm x sec(-1) when propofol was changed to desflurane (P < 0.01). Upon emergence of anesthesia, Vmca decreased from 57.8 +/- 4.2 cm x sec(-1) to 37.8 +/- 3.2 cm x sec(-1) in the desflurane group (P < 0.01) but remained unchanged in the propofol group. Desflurane is associated with an increase in cerebral blood flow velocity when used to facilitate rapid emergence following a propofol infusion in children. This may be of clinical significance in patients with intracranial pathology.

Remifentanil requirements during propofol-anaesthesia in children and adults

Remifentanil requirements during propofol-anaesthesia in children and adults

Propofol anesthesia in children does not induce sister chromatid exchanges in lymphocytes

Background: Propofol is frequently used for general anesthesia in children although little is known about possible genotoxic effects in humans. We investigated the formation of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in metaphase chromosomes of T-lymphocytes of children as a marker for possible genotoxocity following total intravenous anesthesia with propofol for minor surgical procedures. Methods: 40 children ASA classification I–III were included (ASA I n=34, ASA II n=5, ASA III n=1) in the study. Anesthesia was induced by propofol (3 mg/kg) and alfentanil. Succinylcholine or rocuronium were administered for muscle relaxation. After tracheal intubation anesthesia was maintained by continuos propofol infusion at 12 mg/(kg h). Blood samples were drawn before induction and after termination of anesthesia. Following a 72 h cell culture period, 25 T-lymphocyte metaphases per blood sample for all children were analyzed for SCE frequencies. Results: Total intravenous anesthesia with propofol on children did not influence SCE rates in metaphase chromosomes of T-lymphocytes. No SCE differences could be detected between blood samples before initiation and after termination of anesthesia (Wilcoxon signed rank test). Slightly elevated SCE rates were obtained in T-lymphocytes of girls compared to boys, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Propofol anesthesia under the chosen conditions did not induce the formation of SCE in children in vivo. No genotoxic effect of a short term exposure to propofol during pediatric anesthesia had been observed.

A Comparison of Recovery from Mivacurium during Enflurane or Propofol Anesthesia in Children

A Comparison of Recovery from Mivacurium during Enflurane or Propofol Anesthesia in Children

The Neuromuscular Effects of Mivacurium Chloride During Propofol Anesthesia in Children

Previous studies examined the neuromuscular effects of mivacurium in doses up to, but not exceeding, 2.5 times 95% effective dose (ED95) in children. To determine whether larger doses offer clinical advantages, we compared the onset and duration of neuromuscular block, intubating conditions, and changes in plasma histamine concentration (PHC) after mivacurium (0.2, 0.3, or 0.4 mg/kg) with those after succinylcholine (2.0 mg/kg) during propofol/N2 O anesthesia in 48 children aged 3-10 yr. The evoked electromyograph (EMG) of the adductor digiti minimi after supramaximal train-of-four (TOF) stimulation was recorded. When T1 was 10% of control, laryngoscopy and intubation were performed. PHC was measured immediately before and at 2 and 5 min after administration of the relaxant. Venous blood was sampled for determination of plasma cholinesterase activity. Axillary temperature was measured. Increasing the dose of mivacurium from 0.2 to 0.3 mg/kg accelerated the onset of block (time to 90% block, 1.6 +/- 0.2 vs 1.2 +/- 0.2 min) (P < 0.001), but did not significantly prolong recovery (time to 95% recovery, 16.0 +/- 3.8 vs 18.6 +/- 3.6 min). A further increase in dose to 0.4 mg/kg produced no significant decrement in onset time, but did prolong recovery (time to 95% recovery, 23.8 +/- 5.0 min) (P < 0.001). The duration of action of mivacurium 0.3 and 0.4 mg/kg correlated inversely with plasma cholinesterase activity. PHC increased significantly after mivacurium 0.3 and 0.4 mg/kg; however, mean arterial pressure did not change significantly. We conclude that mivacurium 0.3 mg/kg provides a relatively rapid onset and short duration of neuromuscular block in healthy children. Increasing the dose to 0.4 mg/kg does not significantly accelerate the onset of neuromuscular block. (Anesth Analg 1996;82:1170-5)

Outpatient Transesophageal Echocardiography With Intravenous Propofol Anesthesia in Children and Adolescents

Outpatient transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed in 10 children and adolescents (aged 3 to 19.5 years, mean 13.5 years; weight 12 to 91 kg, mean 49 kg), including two with Down's syndrome and one with autism, for diagnostic evaluation of issues unresolved by transthoracic echo examination (TTE). Issues for TEE: evaluation for atrial septal defect (two patients); anatomy of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (one patient); aortic valve anatomy before valvuloplasty for insufficiency (one patient); evaluation for cause of cyanosis after Fontan operation (one patient); determination of source of high-velocity intracardiac turbulence after atrioventricular septal defect repair (one patient); rule out cardiac embolic source in patient with stroke (one patient); evaluate prosthetic valve function and rule out thrombus (one patient); determination of anatomic relationship of mitral valve to a ventricular septal defect before surgery for complex cyanotic heart disease (one patient); and evaluation for aortic dissection in Marfan's syndrome (one patient). Intravenous propofol anesthesia administered without endotracheal intubation by an anesthesiologist allowed successful outpatient TEE in nine patients; midazolam-conscious sedation was used in one. Outpatient TEE resolved diagnostic issues in all patients without complication, thereby avoiding cardiac catheterization in six patients and supplementing catheterization for preoperative planning in four patients. TEE can be performed safely and effectively with propofol anesthesia in the outpatient setting in carefully selected children and adolescents to provide vital diagnostic information. However, given the invasive nature of the procedure and the use of anesthesia, outpatient pediatric TEE should be used judiciously.