Anesthetic Technique In Patients Research Articles

Distal peripheral nerve blockade for patients undergoing hand surgery: a pilot study.

Data are limited regarding the use of peripheral nerve blockade at the level of the forearm, and most studies regard these procedures as rescue techniques for failed or incomplete blocks. The purpose of the study was to investigate patients undergoing hand surgery with distal peripheral nerve (forearm) blocks and compare them with patients having similar procedures under more proximal brachial plexus blockade. No investigations comparing distal nerve blockade to proximal approaches are currently reported in the literature. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for patients who had undergone hand surgery with a peripheral nerve block between November 2012 and October 2013. The primary outcome was the ability to provide a primary anesthetic without the need for general anesthesia or local anesthetic supplementation by the surgical team. Secondary outcome measures included narcotic administration during the block and intraoperative procedures, block performance times, and the need for rescue analgesics in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU). No statistical difference in conversion rates to general anesthesia was observed between the two groups. Total opiate administration for the block and surgical procedure was lower in the forearm block group. There was no difference in block performance times or need for rescue analgesics in the PACU. Forearm blocks are viable alternatives to proximal blockade and are effective as a primary anesthetic technique in patients undergoing hand surgery. Compared to the more proximal approaches, these blocks have the benefits of not causing respiratory compromise, the ability to be performed bilaterally, and may be safer in anticoagulated patients.

Application of conscious sedation with dexmedetomidine and sufentanil in patient for plastic surgery

To observe the effectiveness of conscious sedation with dexmedetomidine and sufentanil in patients for plastic surgery. Forty patients scheduled for elective plastic surgery under conscious sedation were infused 1 µg/kg intravenously within 15 minutes as loading dose followed by a continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹) and sufentanil (0.07 µg·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹) respectively. Sufentanil 0.05 µg/kg and midazolam 0.025 mg/kg were administrated intravenously 5 minutes before local infiltration, and then a bolus of sufentanil or midazolam was given as needed to maintain OAA/S score of 11 during the procedure. The drug infusion was discontinued at 5 to 10 min before the end of the surgical procedure. The complications (i.e. anoxemia, apnea, bradycardia, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, crying and excitation), if any, anesthesia duration and drug consumption were recorded. On the first postoperative day, patients were asked to rate their satisfaction with the anesthetic management and whether they would choose to receive the same sedative analgesic medications and should they require a similar surgical procedure in the future. The OAA/S score decreased from 20.0 ± 0 to 11.5 ± 2.5 after patients being infused the loading dose of dexmedetomidine, and was maintained 10.5-11.1 during the procedure. At the end of the procedure, the OAA/S score return to 16.1 ± 2.8. The induction of sedation produced a significant decrease in HR (P < 0.05) and no significant changes in SBP, DBP and RR values (P > 0.05). There were 38 patients completed their procedures under conscious sedation, and there were incident of crying and bradycardia in 5 and 2 patients respectively. The anesthesia duration and consumption of dexmedetomidine, sufentanil and midazolam were (128 ± 47) min, (116 ± 43) µg, (10 ± 5) µg and (2 ± 1) mg respectively. In an interview on the first postoperative day, there were 13 patients complaining no memory, 17 patients complaining fuzzy memory and 8 patients complaining awake during the procedure, respectively. There were 92% of the patients willing to receive the same anesthetic technique again in the future. Conscious sedation with dexmedetomidine and sufentanil is an effective anesthetic technique in patients for plastic surgery.

Gastric Tubes and Airway Management in Patients at Risk of Aspiration

Rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII) and awake tracheal intubation are commonly used anesthetic techniques in patients at risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric or esophageal contents. Some of these patients may have a gastric tube (GT) placed preoperatively. Currently, there are no guidelines regarding which patient should have a GT placed before anesthetic induction. Furthermore, clinicians are not in agreement as to whether to keep a GT in situ, or to partially or completely withdraw it before anesthetic induction. In this review we provide a historical perspective of the use of GTs during anesthetic induction in patients at risk of pulmonary aspiration. Before the introduction of cricoid pressure (CP) in 1961, various techniques were used including RSII combined with a head-up tilt. Sellick initially recommended the withdrawal of the GT before anesthetic induction. He hypothesized that a GT increases the risk of regurgitation and interferes with the compression of the upper esophagus during CP. He later modified his view and emphasized the safety of CP in the presence of a GT. Despite subsequent studies supporting the effectiveness of CP in occluding the esophagus around a GT, Sellick's early view has been perpetuated by investigators who recommend partial or complete withdrawal of the GT. On the basis of available information, we have formulated an algorithm for airway management in patients at risk of aspiration of gastric or esophageal contents. The approach in an individual patient depends on: the procedure; type and severity of the underlying pathology; state of consciousness; likelihood of difficult airway; whether or not the GT is in place; contraindications to the use of RSII or CP. The algorithm calls for the preanesthetic use of a large-bore GT to remove undigested food particles and awake intubation in patients with achalasia, and emptying the pouch by external pressure and avoidance of a GT in patients with Zenker diverticulum. It also stipulates that in patients with gastric distension without predictable airway difficulties, a clinical and imaging assessment will determine the need for a GT and in severe cases an attempt to insert a GT should be made. In the latter cases, the success of placement will indicate whether to use RSII or awake intubation. The GT should not be withdrawn and should be connected to suction during induction. Airway management and the use of GTs in the surgical correction of certain gastrointestinal anomalies in infants and children are discussed.

Breast surgery using thoracic paravertebral blockade and sedation alone.

Introduction. Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) provides superior analgesia for breast surgery when used in conjunction with general anesthesia (GA). Although TPVB and GA are often combined, for some patients GA is either contraindicated or undesirable. We present a series of 28 patients who received a TPVB with sedation alone for breast cancer surgery. Methods. A target controlled infusion of propofol or remifentanil was used for conscious sedation. Ultrasound guided TPVB was performed at one, two, or three thoracic levels, using up to 30 mL of local anesthetic. If required, top-up local infiltration analgesia with prilocaine 0.5% was performed by the surgeon. Results. Most patients were elderly with significant comorbidities and had TPVB injections at just one level (54%). Patient choice and anxiety about GA were indications for TVPB in 9 patients (32%). Prilocaine top-up was required in four (14%) cases and rescue opiate analgesia in six (21%). Conclusions. Based on our technique and the outcome of the 28 patients studied, TPVB with sedation and ultrasound guidance appears to be an effective and reliable form of anesthesia for breast surgery. TPVB with sedation is a useful anesthetic technique for patients in which GA is undesirable or poses an unacceptable risk.

Anesthesia for cesarean section in patients with preexisting neurologic diseases--10 years of practice

Regional anesthesia is considered a 'gold standard' for cesarean sections. However, it is very often contraindicated in patients with coexistent neurological diseases. This article attempts to review the specific concerns for administration of anesthesia for cesarean section posed by spinal diseases, epilepsy sclerosis multiplex and others. We present 85 cases of parturients with pre-existing neurological diseases, who received anesthesia for caesarean section at the First Clinic of Anesthesia and Intensive Care in the last 10 years. We compared those cases with the medical literature. We successfully used general as well as regional anesthesia. The decision about the anesthetic technique was based on the neurological state of each patient. No guidelines for anesthesiologist concerning the best anesthetic technique for patients with neurological diseases have been designed so far. The choice of the safest method is made individually and depends on a variety of factors.

Cancer-Free or Overall Survival Rate Following Radical Prostatectomy is not Influenced by Perioperative Pain Management

Objective: There is controversial data regarding influence of anesthetic techniques on the outcome of patients undergoing cancer surgery. In particular, whether patients benefit from the application of regional techniques is elaborately discussed. Therefore we enrolled a retrospective analysis to determine the influence of different anesthetic techniques in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy due to prostate cancer. Methods: After ethics approval, we viewed our medical record archive for patients that received radical prostatectomy between 1995 and 2005 and included 300 patients. They were divided according to their postoperative pain regime (systemic opioids vs. epidural analgesia). Recurrence-free survival was defined as the primary endpoint and overall survival as the secondary endpoint. The study period covered at least the first five post-operative years. Results: We documented no difference in recurrence-free or overall survival comparing the two analgesic regimes. However, we observed that higher body-mass-indexes (BMI) significantly correlated with a worse outcome (recurrence-free survival p=0.037, overall survival p=0.02). Other factors influencing the outcome were the Gleason score (5-6 vs. 10 p=0.016; 7 vs. 10 p=0.08) and surgical margins free of cancer (p=0.04). Conclusion: In this study, different anesthetic techniques did not influence recurrence-free or overall survival rate. Interestingly, we could identify BMI as a risk factor with potential impact on the outcome of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Adequately powered prospective randomized trials are required to decide on the effect of regional anesthesia in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy.

Efficacy of thoracic epidural anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background:Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed to minimize the postoperative morbidity and early return to work. This study was planned to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of thoracic epidural anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, so that it can be later used as anesthetic technique in patients when general anesthesia is not feasible.Materials and Methods:Forty-eight adult consented patients of ASA grade I and II of either sex scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled for thoracic epidural anesthesia with 15 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine and 50 μg fentanyl. Intraoperative hemodynamic parameters and respiratory efficiency were recorded. Intra-operatively patient anxiety, pain, vomiting, hypotension or any other adverse event was managed with appropriate drug regime. Postoperative pain management with epidural analgesia, and bowel recovery were also recorded.Results:The thoracic epidural anesthesia was effective for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in all except in two patients where conversion to general anesthesia was required. The hemodynamic parameters and respiratory efficiency were maintained within physiological limits. Only 4 patients required treatment for hypotension with vasopressor and 15 patients experienced shoulder pain, which was effectively managed with small doses of ketamine. The midazolam was required only in 11 patients for anxiety. The mean surgical time was 56.8±51.6 min. The 24-hour postoperative epidural infusion for analgesia was effective with limited effects on bowel and bladder function. Postoperatively only 3 patients had an episode of vomiting. There was good surgeon and patient's satisfaction.Conclusions:The thoracic epidural anesthesia with 0.75% ropivacaine and fentanyl for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy is efficacious and has preserved ventilation and hemodynamic changes within physiological limits during pneumoperitoneum with minimal treatable side effects.

General anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with Kennedy's disease - A case report -

Kennedy’s disease is a rare lower motor neuron disease affecting the limbs and bulbar musculature. Regional anesthesia is generally the recommended anesthetic technique in patients with Kennedy’s disease because of bulbar involvement and airway clearing disturbance. We administered general anesthesia in a patient with Kennedy’s disease who was undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We closely monitored the degree of neuromuscular blockade throughout the operation and injected atracurium on demand. There was no exacerbation of neurologic signs or symptoms postoperatively. Therefore, we report the successful administration of general anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with Kennedy’s disease.

Spinal anesthesia for cesarean section in a woman with Kartagener’s syndrome and a twin pregnancy

Kartagener's syndrome is an inherited disease characterized by a triad of symptoms: bronchiectasis, situs inversus and sinusitis resulting from defective cilial motility. There are few reports in the literature regarding the optimum anesthetic technique in patients with Kartagener's syndrome. The main anesthetic considerations are related to the respiratory system and increased risk of infection. We report the case of a woman with Kartagener's syndrome and a twin pregnancy conceived by in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer, who underwent cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Despite recurrent pulmonary problems, the twin pregnancy resulted in a successful outcome. This was facilitated by a close working relationship between the obstetrician, anesthesiologist and patient.

Neuraxial Anesthesia and Analgesia in Patients with Preexisting Central Nervous System Disorders

Historically, the use of regional anesthetic techniques in patients with preexisting central nervous system (CNS) disorders has been considered relatively contraindicated. The fear of worsening neurologic outcome secondary to mechanical trauma, local anesthetic toxicity, or neural ischemia is commonly reported. We examined the frequency of new or progressive neurologic complications in patients with preexisting CNS disorders who subsequently underwent neuraxial blockade. The medical records of all patients at the Mayo Clinic from the period 1988 to 2000 with a history of a CNS disorder who subsequently received neuraxial anesthesia or analgesia were retrospectively reviewed. One-hundred-thirty-nine (n = 139) patients were identified for study inclusion. Mean patient age was 60 +/- 17 yr. Gender distribution was 86 (62%) males and 53 (38%) females. An established CNS disorder diagnosis was present a mean of 23 +/- 23 yr at the time of surgical anesthesia, with 74 (53%) patients reporting active neurologic symptoms. Spinal anesthesia was performed in 75 (54%) patients, epidural anesthesia or analgesia in 58 (42%) patients, continuous spinal anesthesia in 4 (3%) patients, and a combined spinal-epidural technique in 2 (1%) patients. Bupivacaine was the local anesthetic most commonly used in all techniques. Epinephrine was added to the injectate in 72 (52%) patients. There were 15 (11%) technical complications, with the unintentional elicitation of a paresthesia and traumatic needle placement occurring most frequently. A satisfactory block was reported in 136 (98%) patients. No new or worsening postoperative neurologic deficits occurred when compared to preoperative findings (0.0%; 95% confidence interval, 0.0%-0.3%). We conclude that the risks commonly associated with neuraxial anesthesia and analgesia in patients with preexisting CNS disorders may not be as frequent as once thought and that neuraxial blockade should not be considered an absolute contraindication within this patient population.

Anesthesia for patients with pantothenate-kinase-associated neurodegeneration (Hallervorden-Spatz disease) - a literature review.

Hallervorden-Spatz disease (HSD) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder; the new and preferred name for HSD is 'pantothenate-kinase-associated neurodegeneration' (PKAN). Other suggested names are 'neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation type 1' or 'infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy'. Patients with PKAN have many complications, which lead to numerous anesthetic management challenges. Reports concerning the anesthetic management of patients with PKAN are very limited. To determine the anesthetic management and techniques as well as relevant complications for patients with PKAN. In this study, we review previously published literature regarding the anesthesia-relevant clinical symptoms, the anesthetic management and techniques, and possible complications for this disorder. Only four studies describing the anesthetic management and anesthetic techniques in patients with PKAN were found. Anesthesia-relevant symptoms influence the preanesthetic management (eg difficulties in articulation, dementia), the induction of anesthesia (eg oromandibular rigidity, seizures, dysphagia, aspiration) and the postoperative care (eg respiratory disability). Reports concerning the anesthetic management of patients with PKAN are very limited, possibly as a result of the rareness of the disorder. Like many other patients with neurodegenerative diseases, patients with PKAN have many anesthesia-relevant symptoms, leading to numerous anesthetic management challenges. In general, the anesthetic complications associated with PKAN are usually no different from those associated with other neurodegenerative diseases, and the management of these are usually concordant.

Anesthetic management of a patient with stiff person syndrome

We describe the successful anesthetic management of a patient with stiff-person syndrome (SPS) undergoing a right inguinal hernia repair, using a somatic paravertebral block supplemented with conscious sedation. We also present the implications of general anesthesia in patients with SPS. The use of regional anesthetic techniques in patients with SPS has the advantage of avoiding exposure to muscle relaxants. The use of general anesthesia in patients with SPS carries the risk of postoperative hypotonia due to enhancement of γ-aminobutyric acid action on synaptic transmission by drugs that have a γ-aminobutyric acid agonistic action.

Regional anesthesia as an alternative to general anesthesia for abdominal surgery in patients with severe pulmonary impairment

Background It is known that smokers and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience a higher rate of pulmonary-related complications following abdominal surgery. The impact of anesthetic technique (regional [RA] versus general [GA] versus combination of both) on the complication rate has not been established. This study examined the outcomes of abdominal surgery performed using RA (epidural or continuous spinal) as the sole anesthetic technique in patients with severe pulmonary impairment (SPI). Methods We reviewed a series of 8 general surgery cases performed using RA alone (T4–T6 sensory level) in patients with SPI, as evidenced by an forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1) less than 50% predicted and/or home oxygen requirement. One patient also received postoperative epidural analgesia. FEV 1 ranged from 0.3 to 1.84 L; 3 patients required home oxygen therapy, and 5 of the 8 were American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class 4. Operations included segmental colectomy (n = 2), open cholecystectomy (n = 1), incisional herniorrhaphy (n = 1), and laparoscopic herniorrhaphy (n = 4). Results Intraoperative conditions were adequate with RA alone for successful completion of the procedure in all cases. All patients recovered uneventfully except for 1 who developed postoperative pneumonia that resolved with standard therapy. Length of stay was less than 24 hours for 5 of 8 patients. Mortality was 0%. Conclusions Abdominal surgery can be safely performed using RA alone in selected high-risk patients, making this option an attractive alternative to GA for those with severe pulmonary impairment.

Propofol or sevoflurane anesthesia without muscle relaxants for thymectomy in myasthenia gravis

Background Myasthenia gravis is a challenging clinical condition due to its neuromuscular involvement. We sought to compare two non-muscle relaxant anesthetic techniques in patients undergoing trans-sternal thymectomy, evaluating the intra and postoperative conditions including extubation in the operating room.

A Comparison of Three Anesthetic Techniques in Patients Undergoing Craniotomy for Supratentorial Intracranial Surgery

Survey of Anesthesiology: August 2003 - Volume 47 - Issue 4 - p 212 doi: 10.1097/01.sa.0000087685.31092.b2

A Comparison of Three Anesthetic Techniques in Patients Undergoing Craniotomy for Supratentorial Intracranial Surgery

Several anesthetic techniques have been used successfully to provide anesthesia for resection of intracranial supratentorial mass lesions. One technique used to enhance recovery involves changing anesthesia from vapor-based to propofol-based for cranial closure. However, there are no data to support a beneficial effect of this approach in the immediate postoperative period after craniotomy. We evaluated 3 anesthetic techniques in 60 patients undergoing elective surgery for supratentorial mass lesions. Patients were randomly assigned to three anesthesia study groups: propofol infusion, isoflurane inhalation, and these two techniques combined. In the combination group, once the dura was closed, isoflurane was discontinued and propofol infusion simultaneously started. We studied intra- and postoperative hemodynamics and several recovery variables for 2 h after the end of anesthesia. Baseline and average intraoperative blood pressure and heart rate values did not differ among the groups. Heart rate and blood pressure increased similarly in all groups in response to intubation and pin placement and postoperatively. None of the recovery event times (open eyes, extubation, follow commands, oriented, Aldrete score) or psychomotor test performance differed significantly. We conclude that the sequential administration of isoflurane and propofol did not provide earlier recovery and cognition than the intraoperative use of isoflurane alone.

Regional anesthesia for spine surgery

Intraoperatively, spinal anesthesia has been described for many years as the primary anesthetic technique for patients undergoing surgical procedures of the lumbar spine. Epidural anesthesia as the primary intraoperative anesthetic technique in this patient population has also been described, but less than spinal anesthesia. Epidural analgesia for postoperative pain management after spinal fusions and instrumentation for repair of spinal deformities has also been used successfully. However, regional anesthesia for spine surgery has not become as common as regional anesthesia for other orthopedic procedures. Several potential advantages have been described with spinal anesthesia for spine surgery including decreased pain in the early postoperative period, less postoperative nausea and vomiting, decreased intraoperative blood loss, and fewer position-related complications. Potential complications of regional anesthesia for spine surgery include failure of the regional anesthetic in the prone position, development of a new neurologic deficit postoperatively, intraoperative hypotension caused by sympathetic block, urinary retention, and postoperative spinal headache. Intraoperatively neurologic monitoring is often used during certain spine procedures. Regional anesthesia, either epidural or spinal, has significant impact on the quality of somatosensory evoked potential monitoring.

Quantification of the Degradation Products of Sevoflurane in Two CO2 Absorbants During Low-Flow Anesthesia in Surgical Patients

Sevoflurane, a new inhalational anesthetic agent has been shown to produce degradation products upon interaction with CO2 absorbants. Quantification of these sevoflurane degradation products during low-flow or closed circuit anesthesia in patients has not been well evaluated. The production of sevoflurane degradation products was evaluated using a low-flow anesthetic technique in patients receiving sevoflurane anesthesia in excess of 3 h. Sevoflurane anesthesia was administered to 16 patients using a circle absorption system with O2 flow of 500 ml/min and average N2O flow of 273 ml/min. Preoperative and postoperative hepatic and renal function studies were performed. Gas samples were obtained from the inhalation and exhalation limbs of the anesthetic circuit for degradation product analysis and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for four degradation products. The first eight patients received sevoflurane anesthesia using soda lime, and the following eight patients received anesthesia using baralyme as the CO2 absorbant. CO2 absorbant temperatures were measured during anesthesia. Of the degradation products analyzed, only one compound [fluoromethyl-2, 2-difluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl) vinyl ether], designated compound A, was detectable. Concentrations of compound A increased during the first 4 h of anesthesia with soda lime and baralyme and declined between 4 and 5 h when baralyme was used. Mean maximum inhalation concentration of compound A using baralyme was 20.28 +/- 8.6 ppm (mean +/- SEM) compared to 8.16 +/- 2.67 ppm obtained with soda lime, a difference that did not reach statistical significance. A single patient achieved a maximal concentration of 60.78 ppm during low-flow anesthesia with baralyme. Exhalation concentrations of compound A were less than inhalation concentrations, suggesting patient uptake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Quantification of the degradation products of sevoflurane in two CO2 absorbants during low-flow anesthesia in surgical patients.

Sevoflurane, a new inhalational anesthetic agent has been shown to produce degradation products upon interaction with CO2 absorbants. Quantification of these sevoflurane degradation products during low-flow or closed circuit anesthesia in patients has not been well evaluated. The production of sevoflurane degradation products was evaluated using a low-flow anesthetic technique in patients receiving sevoflurane anesthesia in excess of 3 h. Sevoflurane anesthesia was administered to 16 patients using a circle absorption system with O2 flow of 500 ml/min and average N2O flow of 273 ml/min. Preoperative and postoperative hepatic and renal function studies were performed. Gas samples were obtained from the inhalation and exhalation limbs of the anesthetic circuit for degradation product analysis and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for four degradation products. The first eight patients received sevoflurane anesthesia using soda lime, and the following eight patients received anesthesia using baralyme as the CO2 absorbant. CO2 absorbant temperatures were measured during anesthesia. Of the degradation products analyzed, only one compound [fluoromethyl-2, 2-difluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl) vinyl ether], designated compound A, was detectable. Concentrations of compound A increased during the first 4 h of anesthesia with soda lime and baralyme and declined between 4 and 5 h when baralyme was used. Mean maximum inhalation concentration of compound A using baralyme was 20.28 +/- 8.6 ppm (mean +/- SEM) compared to 8.16 +/- 2.67 ppm obtained with soda lime, a difference that did not reach statistical significance. A single patient achieved a maximal concentration of 60.78 ppm during low-flow anesthesia with baralyme. Exhalation concentrations of compound A were less than inhalation concentrations, suggesting patient uptake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of anesthetic techniques in patients undergoing heart valve replacement

A prospective study of 324 adult patients undergoing operations requiring cardiopulmonary bypass for heart valve replacement was undertaken to determine the effect of anesthetic technique on outcome. Patients received one of three primary techniques: fentanyl (40–100 μg/kg), sufentanil (4–8 μg/kg), or diazepam (0.4–1 mg/kg) with ketamine (3–6 mg/kg). Supplemental inhalation anesthesia with enflurane, halothane, or isoflurane was used in 43.8% of cases. Patients in these anesthetic groupings had similar perioperative demographic and risk classifications. Although there were differences in the requirements for vasopressors postoperatively among the intravenous anesthetic agents, neither mortality rates, length of ICU stay, nor incidence of postoperative heart failure showed the advantage of any intravenous or inhalational agent. There were also no significant differences in the incidences of serious pulmonary, renal, or neurologic morbidity among primary anesthetic techniques nor among supplemental inhalation agents. Multivariate discriminant analysis of these data suggests that many factors are significantly more important than anesthetic technique as determinants of outcome after heart valve replacement.