REGIONAL ANESTHESIA FOR ENDOVASCULAR TREATMENT OF ABDOMINAL AORTIC-ANEURYSMS

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of regional anesthesia for end ovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Methods: Since February 1995, 21 patients (17 men and 4 women; median age 67 years, r ange 49 to 80) have been treated with endovascular technique for true infrarenal AAA using Mialhe Stenter bifurcated grafts. A single dose o f spinal anesthesia combined with epidural anesthesia was used in all procedures. Electrocardiography and arterial blood pressure were monit ored. Results: No cases of emboli, hematoma, or graft migration were s een, and there were no reoperations or conversions to open operation. Arterial blood pressure was stable at a satisfactory level from induct ion of anesthesia throughout the procedure, and there was no period of clinically significant hypotension during any implantation. One patie nt died on the second postoperative day from cardiac and renal insuffi ciency. Three endoleaks were observed during the procedure; one healed spontaneously within 5 weeks, and the other two were repaired by endo vascular techniques after 1 and 4 months, respectively. During follow- up, one patient died at 6 months from pancreatic carcinoma. Conclusion s: The application of regional anesthesia is feasible for endovascular treatment of AAA. The arterial blood pressure remained stable through out the procedure, and all patients, with two exceptions, were mobiliz ed on the first day and placed on a regular diet. Based on these early results, it appears that regional anesthesia is feasible, effective, and safe for endovascular AAA repair.