# Effect of Regional Anesthesia Techniques on Hemodynamic Variables Measured With FloTrac/Vigileo™ System: A Prospective Cohort Study

## TL;DR

This study compares how two types of regional anesthesia affect blood flow and pressure in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into hemodynamic stability differences between segmental epidural and lumbosacral plexus block anesthesia in geriatric patients.

## Key findings

- LSPB group showed a higher rate of increase in MAP per unit increase in SV compared to the epidural group.
- LSPB group had a lower rate of increase in CO and SV over time compared to the epidural group.
- Fewer vasopressors were needed in the LSPB group compared to the epidural group.

## Abstract

Background and objectives

Neuraxial anesthesia, particularly the subarachnoid block (SAB) or spinal anesthesia, is a viable option utilized for the surgical management of proximal femoral fractures (PFF) in the geriatric population. The hemodynamic effects of SAB could be detrimental in the geriatric population, especially with cardiac comorbidities. A segmental epidural or lumbosacral plexus block (LSPB) is particularly safe for this cohort while undergoing proximal femoral nail (PFN) surgery. We decided to monitor variations in cardiac output (CO) and stroke volume (SV) in a cohort of patients who were undergoing proximal femoral nailing for PFFs. The FloTrac/Vigileo™ System was employed to monitor hemodynamic variables continuously.

Methods

This prospective, observational study included 29 patients with PFFs. Heart rate, CO, SV, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were continuously monitored from the commencement of regional anesthesia (segmental epidural or LSPB) to the conclusion of the surgical procedure. Before regional anesthesia techniques, each patient was administered a mini-fluid challenge.

Results

Eleven patients were recruited in the epidural group, and 18 patients in the LSPB group. Compared to the epidural group, for each unit increase in SV in the LSPB group, the rate of increase in MAP was higher by 0.13 (p<0.001). Compared to the epidural group, for each unit increase in CO in the LSPB group, the rate of increase in MAP was higher by 2.78 (p<0.001). Compared to the epidural group, for each minute passed under the LSPB group, the rate of increase in CO was lower by 2.18 (p<0.001).

Compared to the epidural group, for each minute passed under the LSPB group, the rate of increase in SV was lower by 0.05 (p<0.001). In four patients in whom LSPB was administered, noradrenaline and vasopressors were given, while six patients in the epidural group received inotropes and vasopressors.

Conclusions

In patients having PFN for PFFs, regional anesthesia in the form of a segmental epidural or lumbosacral plexus provides steady hemodynamics during the perioperative phase. Furthermore, maintaining proper fluid balance can meet a fluid challenge even in high-risk populations.