Safe management of cesarean section in a patient of Eisenmenger syndrome

Ann Card Anaesth. 2012 Oct-Dec;15(4):296-8. doi: 10.4103/0971-9784.101863.

Abstract

We report our experience of a 29-year-old female with a complete atrio-ventricular septal defect leading to a single ventricle physiology and Eisenmenger syndrome. The patient successfully underwent spinal anesthesia for cesarean section in the 31 st week of pregnancy. A multidisciplinary approach involving cardiologist, cardiac surgeon, obstetrician, and anesthesiologist was utilized to achieve a safe pregnancy and cesarean for the delivery of the baby. A close clinical assessment is required, especially during the third trimester when the risk of acute right ventricular dysfunction increases. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) (as a bridge to recovery or bridge to salvage) was planned to support oxygenation and circulation in case of acute biventricular dysfunction. The delivery/cesarean section was performed in a cardiac surgery operating room, and to reduce the time-frame for ECMO institution the femoral vessels were exposed surgically before the cesarean section.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cesarean Section*
  • Eisenmenger Complex / physiopathology*
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
  • Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / etiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / physiopathology*