Transthoracic Echocardiographic Hemodynamic Assessment in Patients under Spinal Anesthesia in Lower Limb Surgery

Abstract

Background: Spinal anesthesia is often associated with significant hypotension due to a sympathetic block and can increase the risk of perioperative cardiac complications. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is widely used throughout medicine as a clinical, diagnostic and research tool. Portability, accuracy, ease of use and a variety of training courses have encouraged its use. Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate the hemodynamic changes of spinal anesthesia by Transthoracic Echocardiography and test its efficacy as a monitoring tool in lower limb surgery. Methods: The study included 50 patients, who were scheduled for lower limb surgery under spinal anesthesia. Two serial TTE studies were performed. One immediately before spinal anesthesia after giving the preload, then at 10 mins after spinal anesthesia. Changes of heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), the total doses of ephedrine and atropine, and data regarding highest sensory level and bromage scale were recorded. Results: Echocardiographic monitoring the heart variables have showed marked decrease when MAP was < 70% of basal values. Conclusion: Transthoracic echocardiography has proved its efficacy as a monitoring tool in assessment and guiding the management of hemodynamic changes after spinal anesthesia.