Hemodynamic changes during a new procedure for regional chemotherapy involving occlusion of the thoracic aorta and inferior vena cava

Study Objective: To describe the hemodynamic consequences of a regional chemotherapy procedure involving occlusion of the thoracic aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC) by intraluminal balloons.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Operating rooms of an academic hospital.

Patients: 10 patients with inoperable intraabdominal malignancy.

Interventions: After the induction of general anesthesia and the insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter the patients underwent the regional chemotherapy procedure

Measurements and Main Results: Occlusion of the thoracic aorta induced an increase in blood pressure (BP) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) (41% ± 8% and 80% ± 15% from baseline, respectively), and a 30% ± 7% decrease in cardiac output (CO). After aortic balloon deflation at the end of the procedure, we observed a decrease in BP to baseline values, decrease in SVR (to 62% ± 12% below baseline), and increase in CO (to 80% ± 15% above baseline). Those changes resemble those described during vascular surgery. Isolated occlusion of the IVC before aortic occlusion caused hemodynamic deterioration in only three of 10 patients, suggesting incomplete obstruction or collateral blood flow in others. Occluding the IVC while the aorta was occluded, caused minimal hemodynamic changes.

Conclusions: Independent inflation of the IVC balloon should not be performed routinely because of possible unpredicted hemodynamic instability. Inferior vena cava occlusion should always be performed after complete aortic occlusion, because it is then that it produces negligible hemodynamic consequences. It is possible that a better assessment of IVC occlusion after balloon inflation needs to be done by contrast injection to prevent a possible leak of chemotherapeutic drugs.