PMID: 3749546Jul 1, 1986Paper

Monitoring of cardiac output during use of bupivacaine 0.75% by ventriculography (99mTC)

Regional-Anaesthesie
U ExlerW Milatz

Abstract

Fifteen patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery on the lower limbs were give continuous epidural anaesthesia with bupivacaine 0.75%. It was looked after changes in heart frequency, beat volume and changes in heart rhythm. Changes in cardiac output were investigated by ventriculography with 99mTC during 4 periods--10 min before and 10, 20 and 30 min after epidural blockade--the cardiac output was measured by a computer mathematically. Each patient received 2 mg/kg body weight of bupivacaine 0.75%. Besides the observation of blood pressure, heart rate and electrocardiogram the venous plasma levels of bupivacaine were measured up to 60 min after blockade. The results showed no changed in cardiac output. Except for one case with bradycardia--which could be treated with atropine--no changes in heart frequency occurred. Tachy- or bradycardia was not seen at all. Besides rare respiratory sinus arrhythmia no arrhythmia could be detected. The venous plasma levels of bupivacaine increased after 30 min up to 0.81 microgram/ml. The highest concentration measured was 1.45 microgram/ml 10 min after injection of bupivacaine. According to the results of the study the following statement can be given: Following bupivacaine 0.75% (2 mg/kg) given...Continue Reading

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