Perioperative management of children with third degree heart block undergoing pacemaker placement: a ten year review

It has been suggested that children with third degree heart block require insertion of a temporary pacemaker prior to general anaesthesia. This recommendation needs to be reevaluated with the availability of noninvasive transcutaneous cardiac pacing. We undertook a retrospective ten-year chart review of anaesthesia in children with third degree heart block undergoing pacemaker insertion or revision. Forty-eight children with complete heart block underwent seventy anaesthetics of which fifty three were in children without pacemakers or with nonfunctioning pacemakers. One child had a temporary pacemaker placed preoperatively following asystole in the emergency room. In children who were not being paced, 60% had baseline heart rates less than 60 bpm. Complications seen in this study, including hypotension, would not have been prevented by temporary pacemaker placement. We conclude that there is no benefit to routine preoperative temporary pacing in children with third degree heart block.     

Effects of atrial arrhytmias on the regurgitation of a monoleaflet prosthetic heart valve

Many patients who receive a prosthetic heart valve also have or acquire cardiac arrhythmias. However, most in vitro studies of prosthetic valves examine them under normal rhythms. In this study, a monoleaflet prosthetic heart valve was tested in vitro under conditions that simulated normal sinus rhythm, first degree atrioventricular heart block, and atrial fibrillation (fixed and variable ventricular rates). Atrial contraction was simulated by an active atrial chamber. The timing between the atrium and ventricle was adjusted to simulate various types of arrhythmias. The closing, leakage, and total regurgitant volumes and fractions increased for each type of atrial arrhythmia when compared to normal sinus rhythm. The peak regurgitant flow increased for first degree atrioventricular heart block and atrial fibrillation with a fixed ventricular rate compared to normal sinus rhythm.     

Complete heart block during anaesthesia in a patient with sarcoidosis

An apparently fit young man with sarcoidosis developed complete heart block during an emergency mastoidectomy. A temporary transvenous pacemaker was inserted, but permanent pacing was required in the postoperative period. The clinical and pathological features of cardiac sarcoidosis are described; complete heart block is the commonest presentation of cardiac involvement. The role of anaesthesia as the precipitating factor in this case is discussed.     

Anesthetic management of the neonate with congenital complete heart block: a 16-year review

BACKGROUND: Anesthesia for patients with complete heart block can be associated with significant hemodynamic instability. The aim of this study is to review our anesthetic experience of neonates with congenital complete heart block (CCHB) who underwent placement of either a temporary epicardial pacing system or a permanent epicardial pacemaker. METHODS: The anesthetic management of neonates with CCHB who underwent pacemaker placement at a single institution over a 16-year period was reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-four neonates were identified, 17 with a structurally normal heart (NL) and seven with associated congenital heart defects (CHD). Median (range) gestational age was 36.9 (26-41) weeks, birth weight 2.9 (1.0-4.1) kg, and baseline heart rate 47 (38-80) b.min(-1). A temporary epicardial pacing system was placed in six patients (four CHD, two NL; P = 0.003) following institution of mechanical ventilation and inotropic support for a low cardiac output state, and a permanent epicardial pacemaker was placed in 18 patients. Atropine 0.02 mg.kg(-1) IV prior to induction (n = 5) increased heart rate less than 20%. Intraoperative hypotension was documented in nine neonates, five of seven with CHD and four of 17 with NL (P = 0.02). In four patients (44%) hypotension occurred despite concurrent inotropic support. Intraoperative cardiac arrest occurred in one neonate, necessitating institution of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Two patients (8.3%) died in hospital from complex CHD and complications of prematurity. CONCLUSIONS: Early institution of mechanical ventilation, inotropic support and pacing are necessary in the neonate with CCHB and poor hemodynamic function, particularly with coexisting CHD or prematurity.     

Anaesthetic management in a neonate with congenital complete heart block

We present the case of a neonate undergoing surgery on the first day of life for the installation of a permanent pacemaker because of the existence of congenital complete heart block (CCHB) with a basal heart rate of 43 b.min(-1) and minimal elevation after initiating an isoproterenol perfusion. The intervention was under general anaesthesia with laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and spontaneous ventilation. The principal anaesthetic goals were to assure adequate anaesthesia, with haemodynamic and respiratory stability, to maintain the best possible heart rate and to avoid postoperative respiratory depression or apnoea.     

Combined spinal fentanyl with graded epidural anaesthesia for caesarean section in case of peripartum cardiomyopathy: A case report

Perioperative management of peripartum cardiomyopathy patients posted for emergency caesarean section is a unique challenge to the anaesthesiologist. We are hereby reporting a case of peripartum cardiomyopathy posted for emergency caesarean section. A 23 year old lady with a 35 weeks pregnancy was admitted in our hospital with increasing breathlessness. Subsequently, she was diagnosed as a case of peripartum cardiomyopathy. She was posted for an urgent LUCS. After a rapid initial stabilization, she received combined spinal fentanyl with titrated epidural bupivacaine to achieve surgical anaesthesia. Apart from routine ASA monitors, CVP and IBP were monitored during the surgery. Hemodynamic perturbations were insignificant during surgery, and the postoperative period was uneventful. Key Messages: Combined spinal opioid with carefully titrated epidural anaesthesia is a safe and effective technique for anaesthetic management of peripartum cardiomyopathy posted for LUCS.     

41例心脏双束支阻滞围术期处理与文献回顾

目的 提高麻醉医生对手术患者心脏双束支传导阻滞的认识.方法 回顾我院近5年41例双束支传导阻滞患者围手术期处理情况,并复习双束支传导阻滞有关问题的研究进展.结果 40例双束支阻滞患者麻醉手术经过顺利,术中发生低血压和心动过缓时均对药物治疗有效;1例左前分支阻滞患者在二次手术麻醉时心电图证实发展为完全性左束支阻滞,最终抢救无效死亡.结论 术前无症状不伴有房室传导阻滞的慢性双束支阻滞患者不必常规安装临时起搏器,但准备适当的药物及临时起搏设备是必要的.     

Ethanol induction of complete heart block in swine

OBJECTIVES: A method for the induction of complete heart block (CHB) by ethanol injection and its success rate in a pig model of acute right ventricular failure is reported. Additionally, a review of the literature for the induction of CHB in laboratory animals is detailed. The literature review was undertaken to both compare our rate of success with other methods and provide insight into our technique and refine its implementation. BACKGROUND: Animal models of CHB have facilitated the understanding of therapeutics for various cardiac pathologies in humans. In our laboratory, CHB in pigs is used for complete control of heart rhythm in studies of biventricular pacing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments carried out on pigs in our laboratory that required the induction of CHB were reviewed retrospectively. In addition, review of the literature for creating CHB in animals was undertaken. Our success rate was compared to that of other groups. RESULTS: Our success rate (93%) is similar to other models of CHB, in general, and to those models that used the injection of caustic substances with thoracotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Review of the literature indicates that our success rate is comparable to other groups and that, although many approaches have been described in both open- and closed-chest models, success is likely dependent on the practice and skill of the experimenter. In addition, review of the literature has afforded us new perspectives on the experimental induction of CHB.     

Congestive heart failure in postpartum: a case of peripartum cardiomyopathy

We report the case of an acute respiratory failure in a 36-year-old woman who presented a peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). PPCM is a dilated cardiomyopathy with impaired systolic function that occurs between the last month of pregnancy and the five months following delivery. It is a rare disorder of unknown origin associated with high mortality (50%). Echocardiography confirms the diagnosis by showing a left ventricular dilatation and a decreased ejection fraction. Up to date, the treatment remains symptomatic.     

Complete heart block during central venous catheter placement in a patient with pre-existing left bundle branch block

Heart block and arrhythmia are complications of pulmonary arteryand cardiac catheterization. Injury to the conducting systemof the heart often involves the right bundle causing right bundlebranch block (RBBB). If patients already have left bundle branchblock (LBBB), complete heart block (CHB) may result. After trauma,impairment of the right bundle is usually transient with recoveryin hours, but complete heart block can lead to symptoms requiringinvasive treatment. Similar complications are rare with insertionof central venous catheters, as they should not enter the heart.Injury to the right bundle during central venous catheter insertioncan be by trauma from the guide wire or from the catheter itself.The function of the AV node and bundle of His in these patientshas not been studied before. We report a patient with LBBB whodeveloped CHB during insertion of a central venous cannula.Conduction through the AV node and His–Purkinje systemwas intact, showing that the transient RBBB was caused by traumaticinjury rather than by other disease of the conduction system. Br J Anaesth 2003; 91: 747–9     

Congenital complete heart block in the setting of severe pre-eclampsia requiring urgent cesarean section

Congenital complete heart block is a rare phenomenon that may be discovered during pregnancy in patients who were previously asymptomatic. Peripartum management of these patients mandates a multidisciplinary approach with careful planning regarding indications for pacing, appropriate anesthetic technique, and contingency planning. Approaches to anesthetic management for congenital complete heart block have been described, but management in association with severe pre-eclampsia has not been reported. We describe the anesthetic management of a parturient with complete heart block who presented with severe pre-eclampsia requiring urgent cesarean section.     

Prophylactic use of an intra-aortic balloon pump in a high-risk patient with peripartum cardiomyopathy requiring cesarean delivery

The use of intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation for circulatory support in pregnant women with cardiac failure is limited to several case reports. Few publications have addressed the use of intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation during delivery. We report a case using prophylactic intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation during the management of a cesarean delivery in a patient with peripartum cardiomyopathy. A 28-year-old primigravid female at 37 weeks of gestation was admitted with signs of worsening heart failure, and transthoracic echocardiography revealed a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction of 25%. A plan to proceed with cesarean delivery, using hemodynamic support with intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation, was made during a multidisciplinary meeting. Shortly after initiation of intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation, the patient’s hemodynamics improved, with a decrease in heart rate and an increase in mean arterial blood pressure. After uneventful cesarean delivery of a healthy 3.2 kg infant, the patient was transferred to intensive care and was extubated three hours later. Due to hemodynamic instability, intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation support and vasopressor infusion were maintained for four postoperative days. The patient was discharged from the hospital on diuretics and beta-blocker treatment after 20 days. Heart failure persisted, requiring heart transplantation 25 months later. This report highlights the role of a multidisciplinary team approach in the management of delivery in an obstetric patient with peripartum cardiomyopathy.     

Pacemaker implantation in a neonate with congenital complete heart block —A case report

Reported herein is our experience with pacemaker implantation in a neonate with complete AV block and without other concomitant cardiac anomalies. A male fetus exhibited an intrauterine heart rate of about 40 beats per minute on the electrocardiogram. An emergency pacemaker implantation was attempted at birth by means of intravenous temporary pacing to relieve signs of congestive heart failure. On the 28th day of life, a myocardial electrode was fixed on the right ventricular wall and the generator was positioned on the left side of the subcutaneous abdominal wall. A technical device was designed by means of packing pacemaker wire in a loop-forming fashion with a silastic sheet and was made in such a way as to adjust with growth of the patient. During the 2 year follow-up period, this technique proved to be effective. Our experience also supports the contention that pacemaker implantation in the newborn is feasible and beneficial in the treatment of congenital complete AV block.     

The neck crease as a landmark of Chassaignac's tubercle in stellate ganglion block: anatomical and radiological evaluation

BACKGROUND: Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is most commonly performed at the transverse process of the sixth cervical vertebra, the identification of which could be difficult in patients with short and wide necks. This study was conducted to evaluate whether the neck skin crease is a reliable indicator of the C6 level. METHODS: Forty-nine relatively obese pain clinic patients were investigated. They assumed a standard position for SGB. A radiopaque wire was placed along the neck skin crease caudad to the thyroid cartilage. Next, a radiopaque indicator was placed on the skin above the tubercle found to be most prominent by palpation. X-rays of the neck were obtained after each procedure. RESULTS: The probability that the neck crease would cross C5, C6 and C7 was 16%, 71%, and 12%, respectively. The most prominent tubercle corresponded to the C5, C6 and C7 levels in 16%, 69% and l4% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: The studied means to identify the C6 transverse process was found to correlate well with each other (P<0.001). Since in 30% of cases the C6 process could not be identified by any of the studied means, radiological guidance is recommended in order to ensure optimal safety and efficacy of SGB in selected cases.     

Pacemaker Implantation in a toddler: A case report

An 18-month-old child who had recurrent Stokes-Adams episodes due to congenital complete heart block underwent permanent programmable myocardial pacemaker implantation. To the best of our knowledge this is the youngest patient reported to have received a pacemaker in this country.     

Heart block following propofol in a child

We present the case of a nine-year-old boy afflicted with Ondine's curse, who developed complete atrioventricular heart block after a single bolus of propofol for induction of anaesthesia for strabismus surgery. Ondine's curse, the other name for congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, is characterized by a generalized disorder of autonomic function. Propofol has no effect on the normal atrioventricular conduction system in humans but it reduces sympathetic activity and can highly potentiate other vagal stimulation factors. Heart block has been documented after propofol bolus use in adults but, to our knowledge, not in children. It would appear that propofol is not a good choice for anaesthesia in congenital central hypoventilation syndrome.     

Transarterial block as an addition to a conventional catheter technique improves the axillary block

BACKGROUND: We have had favourable experience with a triple injection technique, combining an axillary catheter technique with a transarterial axillary block. This method has been used successfully for routine surgery and re-implantation of fingers, hand or forearm. We hypothesized that with this technique, block onset time and effectiveness are better than with a conventional catheter technique, and designed a study comparing this new technique with a conventional single injection through a catheter. METHODS: Fifty-one adult patients were included in a prospective study. In all patients, a short axillary plexus catheter was positioned close to the median nerve. All patients had an injection through the catheter, while 26 of the patients had an additional injection behind, and in front of, the axillary artery. Sensory and motor block were tested continuously every minute for 29 min. Block success was recorded as onset time to analgesia, anaesthesia and complete motor block in the first 29 min. At 30 and 50 min, an analgesia block score was recorded. RESULTS: The transarterial injection plus catheter method was more effective, with a higher success rate and faster onset, than the catheter method. Readiness for surgery with analgesia in the median, radial and ulnar nerves was achieved in the catheter group in 13 patients (52%) at a mean time of 20.8 min, and in the combined group in 21 patients (81%) at a mean time of 13.3 min (P<0.05, P<0.05). At 50 min the situation was 17 (68%) and 24 (92%), respectively (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The combined triple injection is faster and more effective than the catheter method alone.