Anesthesia Management of Patients with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy

Severe unprovoked hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: anaesthetic concerns in patient undergoing parathyroidectomy

This case highlights the role of an anaesthetist as a perioperative physician involved in diagnosing and optimising asymptomatic but severe hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. The modifications in anaesthetic technique for safe conduct of general anaesthesia during parathyroidectomy in a patient are also presented. These include those due to an extremely high left ventricular outflow tract obstruction with echocardiographic Doppler-derived maximum pressure gradient of 105 mm Hg at rest.

Triple Threat: Significant Concomitant Aortic Stenosis, Mitral Stenosis, and Systolic Anterior Motion of the Mitral Valve Causing Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction in Cardiac Surgical Patients

Systolic anterior motion (SAM) describes a pathologic condition of the mitral valve in which the anterior leaflet is displaced anteriorly, resulting in a narrowed left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). The implications of SAM may range in severity from clinically insignificant disease to severe LVOT obstruction resulting in hemodynamic collapse. While SAM is typically observed in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or following mitral valve repair, it may be seen in any setting in which the anatomy and function of the left ventricle has been altered. Here we discuss two patients who presented for aortic and mitral valve replacements for concomitant aortic and mitral stenosis. These cases were further complicated by the preoperative diagnosis of SAM in addition to the preexisting valvular lesions, further increasing the risk of sudden hemodynamic collapse and cardiac arrest.

Cardiovascular monitoring in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy in a prone position: A report of 2 cases

Supine positioning in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) can affect their preload, afterload, and heart rate, potentially leading to cardiovascular collapse. Here, we report the successful anesthetic management of two patients with HOCM who underwent spinal surgery in a prone position. The approximate values of the systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) were continuously calculated without measuring the central venous pressure. Intraoperative monitoring of the SVRI estimates may be helpful in patients with HOCM so as to avoid cardiovascular collapse when monitoring with both transesophageal echocardiography and a central venous catheter is clinically inappropriate.

Preintervention imaging and intraoperative management care of the hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy patient

With an estimated overall mortality of less than 1 percent per year, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, is the most common genetic cardiomyopathy. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography is the standard of care for assessing patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy undergoing surgical septal myectomy, allowing surgical planning, intraoperative hemodynamic monitoring, and postprocedural assessment of the repair, including detection of immediate complications. At various phases during surgical septal myectomy, the changing hemodynamic conditions may lead to worsening or improvement in left ventricle outflow tract obstruction by change in preload or afterload, systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve, or sympathetic stimulation. These characteristics represent unique challenges in the management of these patients, requiring a comprehensive understanding of the management of all the conditions required to decrease the left ventricle outflow tract gradient avoiding obstruction, which include the maintenance of sinus rhythm, adequate rate avoiding tachycardia and bradycardia, and avoidance of systemic hypotension preserving preload and afterload, with adequate vasoactive agents. The aim of this review is to summarize the perioperative assessment and management of patients undergoing hypertrophic obstructive myopathy surgery.

Targeting of G-protein coupled receptors in sepsis

The Third International Consensus Definitions (Sepsis-3) define sepsis as life-threatening multi-organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Sepsis can progress to septic shock-an even more lethal condition associated with profound circulatory, cellular and metabolic abnormalities. Septic shock remains a leading cause of death in intensive care units and carries a mortality of almost 25%. Despite significant advances in our understanding of the pathobiology of sepsis, therapeutic interventions have not translated into tangible differences in the overall outcome for patients. Clinical trials of antagonists of various pro-inflammatory mediators in sepsis have been largely unsuccessful in the past. Given the diverse physiologic roles played by G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR), modulation of GPCR signaling for the treatment of sepsis has also been explored. Traditional pharmacologic approaches have mainly focused on ligands targeting the extracellular domains of GPCR. However, novel techniques aimed at modulating GPCR intracellularly through aptamers, pepducins and intrabodies have opened a fresh avenue of therapeutic possibilities. In this review, we summarize the diverse roles played by various subfamilies of GPCR in the pathogenesis of sepsis and identify potential targets for pharmacotherapy through these novel approaches.

Use of Peripheral Nerve Blocks in Perioperative Management of Cases with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Undergoing Lower Limb Orthopedic Surgeries

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is a type of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) that involves the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Most important parameters are preload, afterload, and ventricular contractility that are prone to fluctuations in HOCM patients in the perioperative period due to the surgical procedure, anesthetic agents and changes in intravascular volume. These lead to increased chances of arrhythmias and myocardial ischemia and can pose significant morbidity and mortality in HCM patients perioperatively. Here, we report three challenging cases of HCM with comorbidities who underwent successful operative management of lower limb fractures using regional nerve blocks. Although general anaesthesia is usually preferred in cases of HCM, this was not the preferred choice in these cases due to the asthmatic status, extremes of age, and also associated comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease Stage IV on maintenance hemodialysis. We selected Ultrasonography and peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS) guided regional nerve blocks including lumbar plexus and parasacral approach of sciatic nerve block in the first two patients and fascia iliaca compartment block with parasacral sciatic nerve block in the third case to successfully manage the patients perioperatively. Postoperative pain management was satisfactory. All the patients were discharged in a hemodynamically stable condition with advice for follow-up.

Perioperative transesophageal echocardiography for non-cardiac surgery

PURPOSE

The use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has evolved to include patients undergoing high-risk non-cardiac procedures and patients with significant cardiac disease undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Implementation of basic TEE education in training programs has increased across a broad spectrum of procedures in the perioperative arena. This paper describes the use of perioperative TEE in non-cardiac surgery and provides an overview of the basic TEE examination.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Perioperative TEE is used to monitor hemodynamic parameters in non-cardiac procedures where there is a high risk of hemodynamic instability. Its use extends to include moderate-risk procedures for patients with significant cardiac diseases such as low ejection fraction, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe valve lesions, or congenital heart disease. Vascular procedures involving the aorta, blunt trauma, and liver transplantation are all examples of procedures that may benefit from TEE. Transesophageal echocardiography examination allows assessment of volume status, ventricular function, diagnosis of gross valvular pathology and pericardial tamponade, as well as close monitoring of cardiac output, response to therapy, and the impact of ongoing surgical manipulation. In patients with unexplained and unexpected hemodynamic instability, "rescue TEE" can be used to help identify the underlying cause.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative TEE is emerging as a preferred tool to manage hemodynamics in high-risk procedures and in high-risk patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. A rescue TEE examination protocol is a helpful approach for early identification of the etiology of hemodynamic instability.

The role of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring in a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy undergoing laparoscopic surgery

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) presents a significant perioperative challenge. Anesthetic drugs, patient positioning, and surgical technique can provoke worsening left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and hemodynamic deterioration. In this case report, we present the perioperative management of a 70-year-old male with a history of HCM who underwent a robotic laparoscopic prostatectomy. Discussion focuses on the utilization of echocardiographic guidance in the care of patients with HCM undergoing noncardiac surgery, as well as the pathophysiology of laparoscopic insufflation and its effects on left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in HCM.

A rare combination of undiagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy revealed by intraoperative anaphylaxis resulting in acute left ventricular outflow obstruction and cardiac arrest

A 75-year-old female presented for left total hip reimplantation and suffered pulseless electrical activity arrest upon lateral positioning and administering vancomycin. Resuscitation was achieved according to Advanced Cardiac Life Support protocol. Post-event echocardiography showed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with asymmetrical septal thickening, an under-filled left ventricle, dynamic left ventricular outflow obstruction, and severe mitral regurgitation related to systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve. Laboratory analysis showed a tryptase level of 209 ng/mL. After multispecialty evaluation, it was concluded that the patient's arrest was due to vancomycin anaphylaxis in the setting of previously undiagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy leading to acute left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. After medical optimization of the patient's cardiomyopathy and an evaluation of potential intraoperative allergic triggers, the patient underwent a successful hip reimplantation without incident. This case presents a novel combination of events leading to intraoperative cardiac arrest. Rapid identification and an understanding of the cause(s) of cardiac arrest in this setting are critical for effective perioperative care.

Atrioventricular Sequential Pacing for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy During Liver Transplantation

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a myocardial disorder that carries an increased risk of morbidity and mortality during liver transplantation. We describe the use of atrioventricular sequential pacing, placed preoperatively, to assist with intraoperative management of a patient with severe refractory hypertrophic cardiomyopathy undergoing orthotopic piggyback liver transplantation. We discuss the pathogenesis and treatment of this infrequent but serious comorbidity.

Safety of Noncardiac Surgery in Patients With Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy at a Tertiary Care Center

OBJECTIVES

This study's purpose was to review non-cardiac surgery (NCS) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) to examine perioperative management and quantify postoperative mortality and worsening heart failure.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

A single tertiary care center.

PARTICIPANTS

The study included 57 adult patients with HOCM who underwent NCS from January 1, 1996, through January 31, 2014.

INTERVENTIONS

Noncardiac surgery.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The authors identified 57 HOCM patients who underwent 96 NCS procedures. Vasoactive medications were administered to the majority of NCS patients. Three patients (3%) died within 30 days of NCS, but causes of death did not appear to be cardiac in nature. Death after NCS was not significantly associated with preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.2727) or peak instantaneous systolic resting gradient (0.8828), but was associated with emergency surgery (p = 0.0002). Three patients experienced worsening heart failure postoperatively, and this was significantly associated with preoperative New York Heart Association Class III-IV symptoms compared with I-II symptoms (p = 0.0008).

CONCLUSIONS

HOCM patients safely can undergo NCS at multidisciplinary centers experienced in caring for these patients. The mortality rate in this study was less than that reported in the majority of other studies. Postoperative complications, including increasing heart failure, may occur, especially in patients with more severe preoperative cardiac symptoms.