Anesthetic Management Of Patient Research Articles

Anesthetic key points in a patient with a terminal ileum neuroendocrine tumor and a rare carcinoid left heart disease presented for non-cardiac surgery: case report

BackgroundCarcinoid tumors are rare neuroendocrine malignancies presenting in an increasing number in our center. The incidence of carcinoid tumors is approximatively between 2.5 and 5 cases per 100,000 people of whom about 50% develop carcinoid syndrome. Once the carcinoid syndrome has developed, a carcinoid cardiomyopathy can occur. Carcinoid heart disease (CaHD) remains a serious and rare complication associated with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. Although carcinoid tumors have been known and studied for several years, there are still scarce data on the anesthetic management and the peri operative period.Case presentationWe describe a case of a Caucasian 44-year-old woman with an unusual presentation of left CaHD with an ileal neuroendocrine tumor and liver metastases. Our preoperative somatostatin administration protocol, limit the cardiac damage. The maintenance of stable hemodynamics, the use of balanced anesthetic technique, all along with a good understanding of the pathology, played a major role in the successful management of anesthesia. This case report allows us to introduce our decision algorithm for the management of this type of pathology in our tertiary hospital, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc.ConclusionDespite the paucity of data, anesthetic management of patients with carcinoid tumor can be safely performed with effective hemodynamic monitoring and a good understanding of the pathophysiology. Knowledge and application of a clear institutional algorithm for octreotide administration and multidisciplinary consultation at a referral center are essential for the management of these patients.

The use of point of care gastric ultrasound and anesthesia management in pediatric patients with preoperative fasting non-adherence scheduled for elective surgical procedures: a retrospective study

BackgroundFailure to adhere to perioperative fasting requirements increases aspiration risk and can lead to delay or cancellation of surgery. Point of care gastric ultrasound may guide decision-making to delay, cancel or proceed with surgery.MethodsThis study aimed to describe gastric contents using point of care gastric ultrasound in pediatric patients with known fasting guideline violations presenting for elective surgery. This was a single-center retrospectivechart review of gastric ultrasound scans in patients presenting for elective surgeries with “nothing by mouth” violation (per fasting guidelines) or unclear fasting status. The primary outcome is description of gastric contents using point of care ultrasound. The ultrasound findings were classified as low-risk for aspiration (empty, clear fluid < 1.5 ml/kg), high-risk (solids, clear fluid > 1.5 ml/kg), or inconclusive study. Gastric ultrasound findings were communicated to the attending anesthesiologist. For patients proceeding without delay the estimated time saved was defined as the difference between ultrasound scan time and presumed case start time based on American Society of Anesthesiologists fasting guidelines.ResultsWe identified 106 patients with a median age of 4.8 years. There were 31 patients (29.2%) that had ultrasound finding of high-risk gastric contents. These patients had cases that were delayed, cancelled or proceeded with rapid sequence intubation. Sixty-six patients (62.3%) were determined to be low-risk gastric contents and proceeded with surgery without delay. For these patients, a median of 2.6 h was saved. No aspiration events were recorded for any patients.ConclusionsIt is feasible to use preoperative point of care gastric ultrasound to determine stomach contents and risk-stratify pediatric patients presenting for elective surgical procedures with fasting non-adherence. Preoperative gastric ultrasound may have a role in determining changes in anesthetic management in this patient population.

Anesthetic management integrated in "Aorta Team" approach for Total endovascular aortic arch repair: A case series.

Total endovascular aortic arch repair is nowadays a promising alternative for selected patients with aortic arch disease. These endovascular procedures are technically challenging and require a diligent planning among all members of a multidisciplinary "Aorta Team" integrating cardiovascular anesthesiologists. In fact, endovascular aortic arch repair is a major challenge for anesthesiologists because of the risk of hemodynamic instability, cerebral events and acute kidney injury. In order to achieve the success, it is fundamental to discuss each patient in an individual basis, including perioperative management and care, and to be aware of surgical steps and their potential complications. Considering our previous experience with endovascular thoracoabdominal aortic surgery, we herein summarize our experience with anesthetic management of patients who underwent total endovascular aortic arch repair and its principal outcomes.

Update on the anesthesia management in adult patients with moyamoya disease.

The anesthetic management of patients with Moyamoya disease (MMD) is challenging and continues to evolve. The goal of this review is to provide updated recommendations on the anesthetic management of adult MMD patients based on the relevant existing literature. Key findings include the importance of aggressive hydration preoperatively to sustain cerebral perfusion. Hypertension induced intraoperatively may prevent cerebral hypoperfusion. Vigilance against cerebral hyperperfusion after revascularization is necessary, with specific blood pressure targets recommended. Fluid management should aim for normovolemia to mild hypervolemia. Maintaining body temperature helps prevent cerebral vasospasm induced by hypothermia. Maintaining adequate oxygen supply during surgery is crucial. In cases of ischemic stroke, managing hematocrit and oxygen carrying capacity is essential to prevent further ischemia. Extubation decisions should consider baseline neurological function, while postoperative normocapnia helps prevent cerebral hyperperfusion and hypertension. In intensive care, cautious blood pressure management is crucial to prevent secondary complications. Strategies in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anesthetic management of MMD patients should aim to maintain adequate cerebral perfusion to prevent cerebral ischemia.

Anesthesia management for a child with the Koolen-de Vries syndrome: a case report

BackgroundThe Koolen-de Vries syndrome (KdVS) is a relatively new rare disease caused by micro-deletion of 17q21.31 which was first reported by Koolen in 2006. Typical phenotypes for KdVS include hypotonia, developmental delay, moderate intellectual disability, and characteristic facial dysmorphism. Up to now, there was only one case report about anesthesia management of patient diagnosed KdVS. It was a 2-year-old girl who experienced an MRI exam under anesthesia.Case presentationWe described a 21-month-old boy who planned to undergo an orchidopexy under general anesthesia diagnosed with KdVS. He had an intellectual disability, characteristic facial dysmorphism, tracheo/laryngomalacia, patent foramen ovale, and cryptorchidism related to KdVS. Due to the complex condition especially the presence of tracheo/laryngomalacia, we took some special measures, including reducing the amount of long-acting opioid, keeping the spontaneous breath, performing a caudal block, and applying the laryngeal mask. But the laryngeal mask was changed to an endotracheal tube because it failed to provide adequate ventilation. The boy experienced mild laryngeal spasm and hypoxia after extubation, but lateral position and etomidate eased his breathing problem and re-intubation was avoided. It is indicated that anesthesia management for patients with orphan disease is a real challenge for all anesthesia providers.ConclusionsThe Koolen-de Vries syndrome is a relatively new orphan disease involving multiple systems. Keeping spontaneous breath, evaluating airway potency to anesthetics, applying endotracheal tube, and post-extubation lateral or prone position may be helpful for airway management for patient with hypotonia and tracheo/laryngomalacia. KdVS patient needs prolonged post-anesthesia monitoring and/or medication for airway complications.

Anesthesia Considerations in Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery with Evoked Potential Monitoring

Intra-operative neuromonitoring (IONM) facilitates monitoring of the functional integrity of neural structures under general anesthesia. It aids in early detection of injury and minimizes postoperative neurologic deficit. IONM may be used during spine surgery, where either the blood supply to the spinal cord could be compromised or the surgical procedures where there is manipulation of the spinal cord. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) are used to monitor the sensory and motor tracts in the spinal cord, respectively. Preoperatively, a team of surgeons, anesthetists, and neurophysiologists must discuss about modalities of IONM to be used, expected changes, and alarm criteria. Anesthesia drugs need to be appropriately selected to facilitate IONM, as they affect the SSEP and MEP response obtained. Both total intravenous anesthesia and balanced anesthesia technique may be used, with appropriate titration of drugs. False-positive changes in evoked potentials (EPs) must be prevented by a steady anesthesia state and physiologic parameters. It is preferable to have a checklist to follow whenever changes in EP response are observed to rule out surgical, anesthetic, and monitoring-related causes for change in response. Risk–benefit must be assessed before the selection of a patient for EP monitoring as it may be rarely associated with complications such as burns, seizures, and bite injuries to lips, tongue, and endotracheal tube. Teamwork with meticulous planning, preparation, and multidisciplinary communication is essential for the safe conduct of spine surgeries with SSEP and MEP monitoring. In this review, we discuss various considerations for anesthesia management in patients with intraoperative EP monitoring.

Can concurrent use of king vision video laryngoscope and fiberoptic bronchoscope improve efficacy and safety of awake intubation in patients with limited mouth opening? - A case report

Securing the airway by endotracheal intubation in a patient with a restrictive mouth opening poses a challenge to anesthesiologists. Awake tracheal intubation using flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is the gold standard in the anesthetic management of patients with restricted mouth openings. Awake video laryngoscopy (VL) is being increasingly used for the management of the anticipated difficult airways. We report a case of temporomandibular joint ankylosis with restrictive mouth opening posted for laparoscopic nephrectomy managed by awake intubation with the combined use of king vision VL (KVVL) and fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB). KVVL provided an improved and clear view of the airway structures and FOB helped in guiding and maneuvering the tube safely into the larynx. The combined use of KVVL and FOB enhanced the effectiveness and safety of the procedure.

Quality Improvement in Anesthetic Management of Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Device Support Presenting for Non-Cardiac Surgery: A Single Center Experience.

With the growing number of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients requiring non-cardiac surgery and the limited availability of cardiac anesthesiologists, our study reviewed non-cardiac surgeries in HeartMate III patients with LVAD at our institution. We focused on anesthesiologist roles, detailing patient characteristics, anesthetic management, and outcomes and identifying improvement opportunities in this specialized care setting. A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients with LVAD who underwent non-cardiac surgery at our institution between 2017 and 2022. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, anesthetic management, and 30-day mortality rates were also assessed. A total of 23 patients were identified, with 17 (73.9%) males and a median age of 61 [53.5, 67.5] years. Cardiac anesthesiologists were present in nine (39.1%) cases. Elective surgeries were more common (73.9%), with intermediate-risk surgeries accounting for 52.2% of all surgeries. General anesthesia was administered to 18 patients (78.3%), with a median duration of 40 [24, 63.5] min. A single patient required reoperation because of bleeding, and two patients (8.7%) experienced 30-day mortality. Despite guidelines lacking detail, involving non-cardiac anesthesiologists in certain cases is essential. Sharing our experience aims to enhance the evolving discourse on non-cardiac surgeries for patients with LVAD, improving their outcomes and safety.

Difficult Airway in a Patient with Well-Differentiated Epidermoid Carcinoma: A Case Report

Introduction: Cutaneous epidermoid carcinoma (SCC) is a common skin tumor that can arise from precursor lesions or de novo. It is the second leading cause of death from skin cancer and its incidence is expected to double by 2030. Risk factors include gender, ionizing radiation, alcohol and tobacco use, and HPV infection. SCC can be classified into five types according to the Peniche classification, with the ulcerative form being the most frequent. Anesthesia management for head and neck cancers is challenging due to airway complications. Case presentation: An 82-year-old female with a history of biomass combustion smoke exposure and hypertension presented with a painful papular lesion on the left nasal wing. Biopsy revealed well-differentiated epidermoid cancer. Despite treatment, the lesion progressed rapidly, leading to a request for surgical resection. The patient had predictors of difficult intubation and ventilation, and initial intubation attempts were unsuccessful. After aspiration of secretions and intracavitary bleeding, successful intubation was achieved on the second attempt. Controlled ventilation was initiated with specific settings. Clinical discussion: A difficult airway can pose challenges for anesthesiologists, especially in patients with head and neck cancer. Pre-anesthetic evaluation and preparation for rescue devices or maneuvers are crucial. In this case, the patient had a difficult Intubation Prediction Index. General anesthesia allowed for invasive monitoring, venous access, and reliable mechanical ventilation. Direct laryngoscopy was performed due to retro nasal bleeding, with equipment available for difficult airway management and aspiration. Conclusion: Anesthetic management for patients with head cancer presents challenges in airway management and carries the risk of complications. Pre-anesthetic and airway assessment are crucial to prevent complications and ensure successful intubation.

Anaesthesia Management for Giant Intraabdominal Tumours: A Case Series Study.

Due to a lack of randomised controlled trials and guidelines, and only case reports being available in the literature, there is no consensus on how to approach anaesthetic management in patients with giant intraabdominal tumours. This study aimed to evaluate the literature and explore the current status of evidence, by undertaking an observational research design with a descriptive account of characteristics observed in a case series referring to patients with giant intraabdominal tumours who underwent anaesthesia. Twenty patients diagnosed with giant intraabdominal tumours were included in the study, most of them women, with the overall pathology being ovarian-related and sarcomas. Most of the patients were unable to lie supine and assumed a lateral decubitus position. Pulmonary function tests, chest X-rays, and thoracoabdominal CT were the most often performed preoperative evaluation methods, with the overall findings that there was no atelectasis or pleural effusion present, but there was bilateral diaphragm elevation. The removal of the intraabdominal tumour was performed under general anaesthesia in all cases. Awake fiberoptic intubation or awake videolaryngoscopy was performed in five cases, while the rest were performed with general anaesthesia with rapid sequence induction. Only one patient was ventilated with pressure support ventilation while maintaining spontaneous ventilation, while the rest were ventilated with controlled ventilation. Hypoxemia was the most reported respiratory complication during surgery. In more than 50% of cases, there was hypotension present during surgery, especially after the induction of anaesthesia and after tumour removal, which required vasopressor support. Most cases involved blood loss with subsequent transfusion requirements. The removal of the tumor requires prolonged surgical and anaesthesia times. Fluid drainage from cystic tumour ranged from 15.7 L to 107 L, with a fluid extraction rate of 0.5-2.5 L/min, and there was no re-expansion pulmonary oedema reported. Following surgery, all the patients required intensive care unit admission. One patient died during hospitalization. This study contributes to the creation of a certain standard of care when dealing with patients presenting with giant intraabdominal tumour. More research is needed to define the proper way to administer anaesthesia and create practice guidelines.

Anaesthetic Management for Charcot Joint Surgery in a Previously Operated Meningomyelocele Patient: A Case Report

Charcot joint, a degenerative condition characterised by bone and joint destruction, often requires surgical intervention to alleviate pain and prevent complications. However, when this condition coexists with a history of meningomyelocele repair, additional considerations are necessary to ensure patient safety. The anaesthesia management for Charcot joint surgery in a meningomyelocele patient who has previously undergone surgery presents a unique challenge. Preoperative assessment should involve a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s medical history, including previous surgical procedures, neurological status, and associated co-morbidities. Given the possible problems such as scarring, adhesion, and altered anatomy that may affect the choice of anaesthetic approach and airway management, particular attention should be paid to the site of the meningomyelocele repair. Here, the authors report a case of failed spinal anaesthesia in a 20 years old male patient with a history of operating meningocele who underwent surgery for Charcot’s joint. Charcot’s joint is a rare complication of syringomyelia or meningomyelocele, which can cause severe neurological deficits and deformities. Surgery is often required to correct the deformity and relieve the symptoms. Spinal anaesthesia is a commonly used technique for surgeries involving the lower limbs. This abstract highlights anaesthetic management in patients with Charcot joint and a history of meningomyelocele repair.

Effects of Anesthetics on Cardiac Repolarization in Adults: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Prolongation of cardiac repolarization, especially the heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval, is associated with life-threatening dysrhythmias. This study aimed to identify the anesthetic with the lowest risk of prolonging cardiac repolarization and provide guidance for anesthesia management in patients with cardiac diseases or long QT syndrome. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of anesthetics on cardiac repolarization indices were searched for in multiple databases. The primary outcome was QTc; and the secondary outcomes were other repolarization indices. A network meta-analysis was conducted using a frequentist approach and registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42022304970). Thirteen RCTs investigating 953 adults with normal QTc interval and without cardiovascular diseases were included. Direct meta-analyses found that propofol had less influence than sevoflurane (95% confidence interval (CI): 16.10, 33.54) and desflurane (95% CI: 4.85, 35.36), and sevoflurane had less influence than desflurane (95% CI: 6.96, 19.39) on QTc prolongation. Network analysis found that propofol had less influence than sevoflurane (95% CI: 17.78, 29.63), halothane (95% CI: 11.29, 41.24), desflurane (95% CI: 23.79, 39.88), and isoflurane (95% CI: 20.11, 46.10), and sevoflurane had less influence than desflurane (95% CI: 0.43, 15.82) on QTc prolongation. The rank order of cumulative ranking curve analysis was propofol (100%), sevoflurane (63.8%), halothane (49.5%), desflurane (21.1%), and isoflurane (15.6%). The direct meta-analysis found that propofol had less influence than sevoflurane on QT prolongation (95% CI: 23.12, 57.86). Other secondary outcomes showed no conclusive findings. This meta-analysis found that propofol had a minimal effect on QTc prolongation, followed by sevoflurane and desflurane in adults with normal QTc interval and without cardiovascular diseases. Propofol is the best anesthetic for adult patients with long QT syndrome or cardiac diseases, but still needs more robust evidence.

Axillary Plexus Block for Anesthesia Management in Patients with Acute Compartment Syndrome after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Transradial Approach: A Case Report

Background: Acute compartment syndrome is a rare complication of the percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) transradial approach but it is very hand-threatening. Treatment for acute compartment syndrome is emergent fasciotomy of the affected compartments to reduce intracompartmental pressure. Axillary plexus block is an excellent choice of anesthesia technique for elbow, forearm, and hand surgery.&#x0D; Case presentation: An 80-year-old, 60 kg, 168 cm man was consulted to our department with a painful swelling on his right upper arm and hand that began three hours after a primary PCI procedure. Previously, the patient had a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The supporting examination results were notable for anemia (Hemoglobin 7,5 g/dL), thrombocytopenia (78 x103/uL), elevated hemostasis function (International Normalized Ratio 1.43), and high blood sugar (360 mg/dL) from echocardiography results anteroseptal and lateral hypokinetic. Before we did block, the patient was given ketamine 10 mcg IV and fentanyl 25 mcg IV for sedation. Axillary plexus block, as a type of regional anesthesia under ultrasound guidance, is a reliable substitute for general anesthesia in high-risk patients, and we do it with a dose of 20 ml of solution (50 mg (10 ml) isobaric bupivacaine 0.5% + 200 mg lidocaine 2% diluted with 20 ml normal saline). During the surgery, the patient was hemodynamically stable. After the operation, the patient was readmitted to the intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU).&#x0D; Conclusion: Axillary plexus block can be an alternative to general anesthesia in patients who will undergo fasciotomy surgery after percutaneous coronary intervention transradial approach with stable hemodynamics during surgery and well-controlled pain after the surgery.

General anesthesia versus nongeneral anesthesia during endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study compares the safety and efficacy of general anesthesia (GA) and nongeneral anesthesia (non-GA) on functional outcomes in patients receiving endovascular therapy for ischemic stroke. All available studies on the anesthetic management of patients with acute ischemic stroke in PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase were included. We also compared the clinical outcomes in the studies with subgroup analyses of the occlusion site (anterior vs. posterior circulation) and preretriever group versus retriever group. Functional independence, mortality, successful recanalization, hemodynamic instability, intracerebral hemorrhage, and respiratory complications were considered primary or secondary outcomes. A total of 24,606 patients in 60 studies were included. GA had a lower risk of 90-day functional independence (OR=0.67, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.77), higher risk of 90-day mortality (OR=1.29; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.45), and successful reperfusion (OR=1.18; 95% CI 1.94 to 6.82). However, there were no differences in functional independence and mortality between GA and non-GA at 90 days after the procedure. The study shows poorer results in the GA group, which may be due to the inclusion of nonrandomized studies. However, analysis of the RCTs suggested that the outcomes do not differ between the two groups (GA vs. non-GA). Thus, general anesthesia is as safe as nongeneral anesthesia under standardized management.

Cochlear Implantation with Fontan Circulation: A Rare Case of Non-Cardiac Pediatric Surgery

Background: Fontan circulation is a cardiac circulation following the Fontan procedure in patients with a single ventricle congenital heart defect. This circulation depends on the difference in pressure between pulmonary capillaries and central venous pressure to achieve optimal cardiac output. This case report aims to discuss intraoperative anesthesia management in a patient with Fontan circulation undergoing a non-cardiac surgical operation.&#x0D; Case presentation: The patient is a 7-year-old male with a history of congenital heart disease who has undergone the Fontan circulation procedure and is now undergoing Cochlear implantation surgery. The patient was managed with general anesthesia - endotracheal intubation and controlled ventilation during the operation, following the principle of minimizing intrathoracic positive pressure, low PEEP, and low tidal volume with a target peripheral saturation &gt; 95%. Cardiac output monitoring during the intraoperative period is done using intra-arterial blood pressure. After 5 hours of surgery, the patient was extubated with stable hemodynamics. &#x0D; Conclusion: The primary goal of intraoperative anesthesia management in patients with Fontan circulation is to maintain an optimal transpulmonary gradient by ensuring optimal transpulmonary blood flow, thus preserving cardiac output.

Anesthetic Management of Patients With Class 3 Obesity Undergoing Elective Cesarean Delivery: A Single-Center Historical Cohort Study

(Can J Anesth/J Can Anesth. 2023; 70:202–210) Rising obesity rates have reached a high of one third or one fourth of adults in the United States and Canada, respectively. This leads to many individuals with this condition requiring medical care including anesthesia for labor and delivery. Obesity is known to be associated with complications in the administration and effectiveness of anesthesia as well as after cesarean delivery. Prior research has not focused on the nuances of specific categories of body mass index (BMI) and their association with outcomes, specifically for anesthesia during cesarean delivery. This study aimed to describe different techniques and outcomes for anesthesia in elective cesarean delivery in patients with class 3 obesity (BMI ≥40), specifically in groups with BMI 40.0 to 49.9, 50.0 to 59.9, and &gt;60.0.

Remimazolam sedation with regional anesthesia in difficult airway due to huge thyroid goiter: A case report.

Remimazolam, a novel benzodiazepine, is known to have less respiratory depression compared to other anesthetic agents, and it also has a reversal agent that can be used in emergency situations. Remimazolam with these characteristics can be usefully utilized in the anesthetic management of patients with difficult airway. A 78-year-old female patient was scheduled proximal humerus fracture surgery. The patient occasionally complained dyspnea and had multiple comorbidities including thyroid goiter, dementia, and delirium. The patient had a large thyroid goiter compressing and deviating the trachea. A short neck with increased circumference was confirmed. A difficult airway was anticipated in the preanesthetic evaluation. Sedation with remimazolam followed by regional anesthesia was performed for the surgery. The surgery was completed without complications. The patient recovered and was discharged on 15th postoperative days. The use of remimazolam for sedation may be an appropriate option in the anesthetic management of patients with difficult airway.

Anaesthetic Management in Patients with Placenta Accreta: A Case Report

Anaesthetic Management in Patients with Placenta Accreta: A Case Report

Is the Patient State Index a reliable parameter as guide to anaesthesiology in cranial neurosurgery? A first intraoperative study and a literature review

BackgroundPatient State Index (PSI) and Suppression Ratio (SR) are two indices calculated by quantitative analysis of EEG used to estimate the depth of anaesthesia but their validation in neurosurgery must be done. Our aim was to investigate the congruity PSI and SR with raw EEG monitoring in neurosurgery. MethodsWe included 34 patients undergoing elective cranial neurosurgery. Each patient was monitored by a SedLine device (PSI and SR) and by raw EEG. To appraise the agreement between PSI, SR and EEG Suppr%, Bland-Altman analysis was used. We also correlated the PSI and SR recorded at different times during surgery to the degree of suppression of the raw EEG data by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. For a comparison with previous data we made an international literature review according to PRISMA protocol. ResultsAt all recording times, we found that there is a strong agreement between PSI and raw EEG. We also found a significant correlation for both PSI and SR with the EEG suppression percentage (p < 0.05), but with a broad dispersion of the individual values within the confidence interval. ConclusionThe Masimo SedLine processed EEG monitoring system can be used as a guide in the anaesthetic management of patients during elective cranial neurosurgery, but the anaesthesiologist must be aware that previous correlations between PSI and SR with the suppression percentage may not always be valid in all individual patients. The use of an extended visual raw EEG evaluated by an expert electroencephalographer might help to provide better guidance.

Anesthetic Management of Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a primary myocardial disease, is characterized by dilation of the left or both ventricles and systolic dysfunction with or without congestive heart failure. DCM per se is a well-recognized risk factor for sudden cardiac death and poor surgical outcomes following noncardiac surgery. Surgical trauma/stress represents unique challenges for DCM patient management. Unfortunately, there is a big knowledge gap in managing DCM patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Therefore, the aim of our review is to provide basic facts and current advances in DCM, as well as a practical guideline to perioperative care providers, for the management of surgical patients with DCM, who are quite rare compared with the general surgical population. This review summarizes recent advances in the medical management of DCM as well as perioperative assessment and management strategies for DCM patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. Optimal surgical outcomes depend on multiple-disciplinary care to minimize perioperative cardiovascular disturbances.