Effect of Right-Lateral Versus Left-Lateral Tilt Position on Compression of the Inferior Vena Cava in Pregnant Women Determined by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

(Anesth Analg. 2019;128(6):1217–1222) Because of multiple studies conducted in the 1970s, it is currently standard procedure to tilt a cesarean delivery patient 15 degrees through table repositioning or right hip elevation following spinal anesthesia administration. More recent investigations contradict this practice, calling into question which direction of tilt would be more beneficial for expectant mothers. In this study, Fujita and colleagues used magnetic resonance imaging to monitor abdominal aortic and inferior vena cava compression from a right-tilt angle compared with a left-tilt angle in pregnant women.