Peri-operative trans-oesophageal echocardiography and nitric oxide during general anaesthesia in a patient with Eisenmenger's syndrome.

Abstract

We describe the peri-operative care of a patient with Eisenmenger's syndrome presenting for laparotomy. These patients require techniques to prevent the potential increase in intracardiac shunt caused by anaesthesia, by minimising increases in pulmonary artery pressure and reductions in systemic vascular resistance. The successful use of combined epidural and general anaesthesia with elective use of inhaled nitric oxide as a pulmonary vasodilator, and intra-operative trans-oesophageal echocardiography is described.