Electro-acupuncture (EA) in Children Undergoing Procedures for Congenital Heart Defects.

This investigation is a single site, randomized, blinded, sham controlled, parallel group study to identify whether EA is a beneficial anesthesia adjunct in children undergoing procedures on their congenital heart defects.

Study subjects age's birth to eighteen years, undergoing cardiac surgery for their congenital heart lesions will be considered for entrance into the study. The randomized subjects will receive either EA or sham during their surgery for CHD. Subjects are expected to remain in the hospital 48 hours post procedure. Standard of care blood samples will be obtained pre-operative and post-operative. The only study specific blood sample will be Troponin I levels which will be obtained before surgery begins after the IV lines have been placed, and 6 hours after bypass. Urine samples will be obtained before surgery after placement of the foley catheter and every 6 hours post bypass aortic cross clamp removal for 48 hours while the foley catheter is still in place.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients 0-18 years of age undergoing procedures on their congenital heart defects where an aortic cross clamp will be placed.

Additionally, patients with coarctation of the aorta for repair will be considered as a separate group and eligible for enrollment.

• Willing to provide written Assent/Consent in English.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with skin lesions over more than 50% of EA sites.
• Patients in renal failure.
• Patients on chronic opioid therapy.
• Unwilling to provide written Assent/Consent in English.