Anaesthetic management of thoracopagus twins with complex cyanotic heart disease for cardiac assessment: special considerations related to ventilation and cross-circulation

Br J Anaesth. 2006 Mar;96(3):341-5. doi: 10.1093/bja/aei313. Epub 2006 Jan 16.

Abstract

We describe the anaesthetic management of a pair of thoracopagus twins of 14 months of age undergoing complex cardiac evaluation. Synchronous ventilation of the twins, needed for the ECG-gated magnetic resonance imaging-angiography, was achieved through a Carlens (Y) adaptor during procedures and transport. The complex logistical implications are obvious. We also describe the first use of bispectral index monitor for detection of cross-circulation in conjoint twins.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia, General / methods*
  • Coronary Circulation
  • Cross Circulation
  • Diseases in Twins / diagnosis*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods
  • Male
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / methods
  • Respiration, Artificial / instrumentation
  • Respiration, Artificial / methods*
  • Twins, Conjoined / physiopathology*