Emergency cesarean section in a patient with Fontan circulation using an indwelling epidural catheter

J Clin Anesth. 2006 Dec;18(8):631-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2006.05.016.

Abstract

Management of parturients with a history of Fontan procedure requires careful monitoring of cardiovascular parameters and anticipation of potential complications. We describe potential pitfalls in a parturient with atriopulmonary Fontan circulation, who received epidural analgesia for labor and who later required emergency cesarean section. Low-dose local anesthetic in combination with meperidine provided excellent perioperative epidural analgesia and cardiovascular stability. Epidural analgesia during labor offered optimal pain relief and facilitated conversion to surgical anesthesia for an emergency cesarean section.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analgesia, Epidural / instrumentation
  • Analgesia, Epidural / methods*
  • Analgesics, Opioid / administration & dosage
  • Anesthesia, Epidural / instrumentation
  • Anesthesia, Epidural / methods*
  • Anesthesia, Obstetrical / instrumentation
  • Anesthesia, Obstetrical / methods*
  • Catheters, Indwelling
  • Cesarean Section / methods*
  • Emergency Treatment / methods*
  • Female
  • Fontan Procedure
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / complications
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / surgery
  • Humans
  • Meperidine / administration & dosage
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular*

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Meperidine