Chapter 13 covers the low cardiac output state (LCOS) in children following cardiac surgery. It begins by explaining how LCOS is defined, risk factors for its development, and how to assess and investigate a child with LCOS. The role of echocardiography is discussed, and the limitations of other measurement techniques are examined. Modifiable causes of LCOS in postoperative cardiac surgical patients are examined, including residual cardiac lesions and arrhythmias—and their management discussed. Important physiological concepts in the understanding of LCOS are addressed, including preload, afterload, systolic and diastolic function, and fluid responsiveness. Finally, options for managing patients with LCOS are covered, including the role of drugs, surgery, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.