Effect of electroacupuncture on postoperative outcome in patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)on postoperative outcome in the patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB). Methods Forty-four patients of both sexes, aged 18-55 yr, with body mass index of 18-25 kg/m2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅲ, with New York Heart Association Ⅱ or Ⅲ, scheduled for elective cardiac valve replacement with CPB, were divided into 2 groups(n=22 each)using a random number table: control group(group C)and group EA.In group EA, patients received EA stimulation with needles at bilateral Neiguan, Ximen, Shenmen and Baihui acupoints(disperse-dense waves, frequency 2 Hz, intensity 1.0-1.2 mA)from 20 min before anesthesia induction to the end of surgery.After induction of general anesthesia, the patients were endotracheally intubated and mechanically ventilated, and combined intravenous-inhalational anesthesia was used to maintain anesthesia.Quality of Recovery 9 and Minimum Mental State Examination scores were assessed on the day before surgery and 1 and 3 days after surgery.The development of nausea and vomiting, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, requirement for rescue analgesics and ventricular arrhythmia was recorded within 3 days after surgery.The consumption of sufentanil in surgery, extubation time, the first flatus time, the first postoperative off-bed time, duration of stay in the intensive care unit and length of hospital stay after sugery were recorded. Results Compared with group C, the consumption of sufentanil in surgery was significantly decreased, Quality of Recovery 9 scores were increased at 1 and 3 days after surgery, the incidence of nausea and vomiting, postoperative cognitive dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmia was decreased within 3 days after surgery, and the extubation time, the first flatus time, the first postoperative off-bed time and length of hospital stay after surgery were significantly shortened in group EA(P<0.05). Conclusion EA can promote postoperative outcome in the patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement with CPB. Key words: Electric stimulation therapy; Cardiopulmonary bypass; Prognosis