Cath Lab Checklist

V 1.0
5/2/22

Contributors: Nichlesh PatelCatherine Chiu

Cardiac Catheterization Procedures

Pre op

  • Review echo/EKG/prior cath lab
  • Hx: functional status, cryptogenic stroke, anticoagulant use
  • TEE: dysphagia, gastro/esophageal surgeries
  • Physical exam: difficulty laying flat
  • T/S and ABO confirmation, no need for blood in room

Meds

  • Pressors: levo 8mcg/cc and phenylephrine 100mcg/cc
  • Inotropes: epi 10mcg/cc, calcium chloride
  • Downers: nicardipine or nitro available
  • Heparin and protamine
  • Abx
  • GA vs MAC depending on patient characteristics
  • Avoid anxiolytics in pre-op area, patients often ambulate into cath lab

OR set up

  • Carrier with extension + hotline
  • Defib pads
  • Access: 2 PIV (1 large bore), a-line (can use proceduralist sheath), +/- CVC

Complications

  • Bleeding (vascular access) that requires resuscitation
  • Heart failure/Shock
  • Stroke (esp with ASD/PFO)
  • Ventricular perforation leading to pericardial effusion / tamponade
  • Arrhythmia
  • STEMI

Post-op

  • OR extubation, avoid coughing
  • Recovery in cath area or in 6/10 ICC
 

Antibiotics

GA vs MAC

Surgical Access

Anesthesia Access

Diagnostic PCI

None

MAC or GA

Arterial

Venous

Complex PCI

None

MAC or GA

Arterial

Venous

+/Arterial

Mitraclip

Yes

GA

Venous

Venous

+/Arterial

PFO/ASD repair

Yes

GA

Venous

Venous

CARDIAC CATH LAB- PERCUTANOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION

PATIENT DEMOGRAPHY

  • Patient demographics can vary widely for the procedure depending on the indication for anesthesia support.
    • Some patients require anesthesia for sedative management and may present with few comorbid conditions.
    • Patients requiring anesthesia support for complex PCI interventions often have multiple comorbidities, including CHF, PAD, DM, and lung disease.

DISEASE BACKGROUND AND PROCEDURAL DESCRIPTION

  • Patients presenting for PCI typically have small vessel atherosclerosis, leading to coronary artery disease. Patients may present electively for routine surveillance, subacutely with NSTEMI, or acutely with STEMI.
  • Proceduralists will most commonly access femoral artery(ies) with sheaths for a combination of interventional wires/catheters. Occasionally the radial or brachial artery may be used for diagnostic studies, particularly in sedation cases where femoral access may be difficult or disadvantageous from a respiratory aspect. Occasionally, venous access is also obtained for a diagnostic right heart catheterization or a temporary pacing wire.
  • Proceduralists will attempt to revascularize coronary arteries with a combination of angioplasties and stents. Occasionally, more complex devices are used including rotary drills, lasers, and multiple stents, which are associated with increased rate of procedure complexity, time, and complication rate.
  • Mechanical support with devices such as intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), percutaneous left ventricular assist device (a.k.a. Impella) or extracorporeal life support (ECLS or a.k.a. ECMO) may be used peri-operatively. These cases should be consulted with the cardiac anesthesiologist on call. These devices may be deployed prophylactically--in patients with high risk lesions or planned complex intervention--or emergently when there is life threatening hemodynamic instability. And they may be discontinued upon completion of the intervention or be continued in the ICU.

PREOPERATIVE ASSESSMENT

  • Patients should have a routine evaluation of relevant medications (particularly anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, antihypertensives, and rhythm control medications)
  • Preoperative blood work should be evaluated, with focus on CBC, coag status, CXR, and EKG
  • Patient’s history should be obtained, with particular interest in previous cardiology procedures, heart surgeries, and vascular surgeries
  • The anesthesia team may be called urgently to assist in the sedation and/or resuscitation of a patient in the midst of an intervention, and this presents an unique challenge to assessment. The patient may be unable to participate in the assessment due to somnolence (prior sedation) or cardiopulmonary instability, and the team needs to rely on the cardiology team to gather relevant information in a concise and productive manner.

PREOPERATIVE PREPARATION

  • Routine checks of anesthesia machine, extension circuit, emergency airway equipment, suction and resuscitation medications are imperative because access to additional equipment and anesthesia providers are limited. Usually, two infusion pumps and an invasive pressure transducer are available in each lab. At UCSF, a glidescope is located outside in the hallways of the 5th and 12th floors. Contact the off-site anesthesia technician if you need any additional equipment (46939 or 46938).
  • Blood products: are usually not required, but a blood type and antibody screen should be current.
  • Antibiotic is not routinely indicated for this percutaneous procedure.
  • Preoperative antiplatelet agents (particularly ASA and Clopidogrel) may be ordered to be loaded in the preoperative area if intervention is planned

ACCESS/FLUIDS

  • At UCSF, the Cath nurse will start a peripheral IV in the pre-op holding area
  • An additional 18 gauge IV is recommended. However, remember that the introducer sheaths placed by the proceduralist may be used for central venous access or arterial access. This is a discussion best had at the beginning of the case, as it may affect approach and placement of these sheaths for anesthesia access.
  • Anticipated blood loss is minimum, usually associated with initial access and flushing of the sheaths.
  • Vasopressor and inotrope use is common in particularly sick patients, and may necessitate the placement of a central line, which cardiology proceduralists can assist if needed

MONITORS

  • Standard ASA monitors: The Cath staff will assist you in placing radiolucent ECG leads to ensure that they do not interfere with the fluoroscopic images or the rest of electrophysiology monitors. Remember, cardiologists can assist you in the interpretation of ECG changes.
  • Invasive arterial monitor: The patient’s cardiopulmonary co-morbidities should determine whether pre-induction arterial catheter is necessary. Invasive arterial pressures are often available from proceduralist. If shared arterial access, the pressure may be dampened when catheters are manipulated by the cardiologist.
  • Temperature: May be monitored by preferred method for long cases, but is usually not managed during short MAC cases
  • Urinary bladder catheter is not usually places except for complex PCI
  • Defibriilation pads for defibrillation/cardioversion/temp pacing

ANESTHETIC TECHNIQUES

  • Anxiolytic premedication should not be given routinely in the holding area as most ambulating patients (at UCSF) are expected to walk into the Cath lab and position themselves while monitors and patches are placed.
  • Broncho-dilator, anti-reflux medication and antacid should be given as indicated by the anesthetic technique and the patient’s co-morbidities.
  • The anesthetic of choice for PCI will vary depending on the indication for anesthesia support.
    • GA may be preferred for a patient undergoing a complex complicated PCI, with multiple hours of procedure time. It may also be preferred in a patient with pulmonary/airway comorbidities. GA may be preferred for difficult to sedate patients due to anxiety, pain, or other needs.
    • Sedation may be preferred for diagnostic procedures with low likelihood of intervention. In particular, sedation can be elegantly performed when the proceduralist may approach from radial/brachial allowing the patient to sit up to 30-40 degrees, whereas the femoral access only allows 20-30 degrees head elevation.
    • One may wish to avoid GA in the acute setting of hemodynamic instability associated with STEMI patients, however angina, arrythmias, and metabolic derangements can make finding appropriate sedation level challenging.
  • Maintenance of anesthesia is up to the anesthesia provider. The local anesthetic infiltration decreases the amount of pain of the vascular access, so minimal intra-operative and postoperative opiate is needed. The goal is to maintain hemodynamic stability and patient cooperation to remain still. The choice of agent has little effect on the procedure itself.
  • Emergence: The proceduralist may request reversal of anti-coagulation with protamine before the removal of the venous sheaths, and manual hemostasis. Most patients with GA are extubated in the procedure room. Special caution should be made to avoid excessive coughing, vomiting, and bending at the waist during extubation immediately following hemostasis. Cath staff often applies additional manual compression during extubation. Alternatively, deep extubation can be performed or patients can be kept intubated until hemostasis can be achieved
  • Recovery after GA will be in the 5th floor cath holding for low risk MAC/GA patients, 4th floor for higher risk GA patients, and 6/10 ICC for highest risk patients. Patients who had MAC or GA may be recovered in the EP holding room unless the anesthesia provider feels that additional monitoring is necessary in the PACU or ICU due to comorbidities or intra-operative events. In general, patients with potential vasopressor needs should recover in the PACU. Depending on the size of the sheath and the use of anti-coagulation, the patient will need to remain supine with the hips straight for 4 to 6 hours because of risk of bleeding.

KEY PROCEDURE-RELATED POINTS

  • Heparin will be asked for (30-100 units/kg), with ACTs run by Cath Staff, targeting 250-350s
  • Transient Ischemia and arrhythmias are common during ballooning and deployment of stents, but these are usually short lived

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS

  • Arrhythmia that is hemodynamically significant is always a risk. It is usually very transient and associated with catheter tips, but is occasionally sustained in a critically ill patient.
    • New ST changes are common and may be a sign of transient ischemia, due to evolving native disease or transient obstruction from intervention, and should be promptly communicated to interventionalist.
  • Coronary artery dissection is often a late complication that occurs during complex lesions. These can lead to further ischemia. It can be managed with further stenting
  • Cardiogenic shock is possible due to ongoing and previous ischemia. This may sometimes necessitate administration of inotropes, vasoconstrictors, or rarely mechanical support.
  • Vascular complications at the access site are not uncommon and range from self-limited site hematoma to retroperitoneal bleeding requiring urgent/emergent vascular surgery interventions. Resuscitation with fluids, blood products, and vasoactive medications may be necessary.
  • Cardiac perforation may occur due to catheter manipulation. This may result in pericardial effusion, and potentially causing tamponade. This is usually indicated by persistent hemodynamic instability unrelated to the induced arrhythmia and refractory to routine vasoconstrictors and fluid. Emergent pericardial drain placement be performed by the interventional cardiologists, who are facile doing this even under local anesthesia.

SPECIAL ERGONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

  • Space is limited on the 5th floor, and consolidation of pumps and IV tubing to one IV pole can be helpful
  • On the 12th floor, Extensions on breathing circuit, oxygen supply, IV tubing, and infusion tubing are necessary to allow the unobstructed movement of the fluoroscopy equipment on the 12th floor. Consider consolidating and securing monitors, circuits, and tubing such that they sit far away from the patient, between the biplane arms against the wall. An infusion drip line can be helpful to manage this distance. Tourniquets and blue clamps are often useful. The patient’s arms will be secured, padded and tucked, limiting our access.
  • Hazards to the anesthesia provider:
    • Equipment is in motion ! Be aware of the c-arm when it is in motion as it can move quickly and endanger heads, shins and IV poles, and may snag loose wires and tubings.
    • Ionizing radiation
    • Consider time (limiting exposure), distance (inverse square law), and shielding (both garments and barriers) when in ionizing radiation environments. Particular attention should be granted to protecting the lens of the eye, thyroid, hematopoietic centers in long bones, and reproductive organs as these are particularly sensitive to ionizing radiation. The exposure is greatest as it exits the collimator (the part below the table) in path to the image intensifier (the part above the patient). However, scatter radiation is produced as the X ray encounters items in its path (the patient). Areas on the body that are often overlooked (“weak spots”) include neck, shoulder/arm pits, and back. Lead (radiation protective) garments should cover the neck to the knees and are designed to be worn when facing the source.

DURATION 1 - 5 hours (diagnostic vs complex intervention)

CARDIAC CATH LAB- MITRACLIPS

PATIENT DEMOGRAPHY

  • Patients present for a variety of ischemic, functional, and degenerative mitral regurgitation. The most common primary MR in the U.S. is degenerative diseases of the leaflet and chordae with resultant excessive leaflet motion (prolapse, flail, etc). They are usually caused by fibroelastic deficiency or diffuse myxomatous disease. On the other hand, functional MR, sometimes referred to as secondary MR or ischemic MR, is the disease of a dysfunctional LV. With progression of cardiomyopathy, the LV dilates, papillary muscles move apically, the annulus dilates--preventing the otherwise normal leaflets to move normally and to coapt efficiently.
  • Mitraclip system is an endovascular valve edge-to-edge repair technique that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of degenerative mitral regurgitation since 2013. EVEREST I trial was a prospective, multicenter, phase I study to investigate the MitraClip system that percutaneously delivers implantable clips to approximate the leaflets of mitral valve. The registry showed the procedure to be safe (no mortality) and able to reduce the severity of MR. EVEREST II trial was a randomized trial that compared MitraClip with surgical mitral surgery. MitraClip has improved safety profile within 30 days, but the need for surgery within one year was higher in the MitraClip arm.
  • In 2019, FDA approved MitraClip for the treatment of functional MR. This is largely based on positive result from the COAPT trial that showed decreased rate of hospitalization and lower two year mortality in MitraClip patients compared to those with only optimal medical management of heart failure. However, COAPT result is contradicted by that of the Mitra-FR trial. The latter showed no benefit in patients with functional MR. This suggests that there is heterogeneity within patients with functional MR, and their response to MitraClip. At UCSF, the majority of MitraClip have functional MR. They often have reduced LV EF, LV dilation and history of hospitalization due to heart failure. Patients typical have prohibitively high risk for open surgery due to their comorbidities.

DISEASE BACKGROUND AND PROCEDURAL DESCRIPTION

This percutaneous procedure involves the endovascular deployment of a device (“clip”) to grasp leaflets of the mitral valve and bring them in better apposition. This device is deployed through the femoral vein via a transseptal puncture into the left atrium

PRE-OPERATIVE ASSESSMENT

  • Patients must be assessed for signs of CHF, pulmonary hypertension, and arrhythmia (AFIB). Signs of acute decompensated HF should prompt a discussion with the cardiologist on whether additional medical optimization should be pursued before undertaking the procedure.
  • Preoperative medication may include heart failure treatment such as beta-antagonist, ACE-inhibitor/ARB, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (spironolactones), and diuretics. Newer agents may include combination ARB/neprilysin-inhibitor (sacubitril-valsartan, “Entresto”) and ivabradine.
  • Patients with HFrEF may also have cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)/defibrillator device implanted.
  • Those with history of AFIB may be on anticoagulants such as warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs, e.g. dabigatran [Pradaxa], rivaroxaban [Xarelto], apixaban [Eliquis])
  • Patients should be screened for contraindications to TEE
  • Comorbidities such as cirrhosis, renal insufficiency, hematologic diseases, and frailty are common and present as rationales to favor endovascular procedure over open surgery.

PRE-OPERATIVE PREPARATION

  • Routine checks of anesthesia machine, extension circuit, emergency airway equipment, suction and resuscitation medications are imperative because access to additional equipment and anesthesia providers are limited. Usually, two infusion pumps and an invasive pressure transducer are available in

each lab. At UCSF, a glidescope is located outside the EP control room. Contact the off-site anesthesia technician if you need any additional equipment

  • Blood products: are usually not required, but a blood type and antibody screen should be current.
  • Antibiotic is indicated for this procedure, typically cefazolin
  • Patients should get their pulmonary hypertension meds if any

ACCESS/FLUIDS

  • At UCSF, the Cath nurse will start a peripheral IV in the pre-op holding area, usually 20 gauge.
  • An additional large bore gauge IV is recommended. However, remember that the introducer sheaths placed by the proceduralist may be used for central venous access.

MONITORS

  • Standard ASA monitors: The staff will assist you in placing radiolucent ECG leads to ensure that they do not interfere with the fluoroscopic images or the rest of electrophysiology monitors. Sometimes, the anesthesia ECG leads can be connected to the mapping system directly.
  • Invasive arterial monitor is placed due to concerns of hemodynamic instability during induction and deployment of device or due to complications. It additionally facilitates ACT monitoring during heparinization. The patient’s cardiopulmonary co-morbidities should determine whether pre-induction arterial catheter is necessary. If postinduction, the procedural team may assist by providing a femoral arterial line.
  • Temperature May be performed with a foley temperature or nasopharyngeal temperature. Esophageal temperature will not be possible due to the placement of the TEE probe.
  • Urinary bladder catheter is not routinely placed, but may be useful to assess volume status and diuretic response.

ANESTHETIC TECHNIQUES

  • Anxiolytic premedication should not be given routinely in the holding area as most ambulating patients (at UCSF) are expected to walk into the Cath lab and position themselves while monitors and patches are placed.
  • Broncho-dilator, anti-reflux medication and antacid should be given as indicated by the anesthetic technique and the patient’s co-morbidities.
  • The anesthetic of choice for Mitraclip will be GA due to the need for prolonged TEE monitoring/guidance throughout the procedure. The choice of maintenance of anesthesia is up to the anesthesia provider. The local anesthetic infiltration significantly decreases the amount of pain of the vascular access, so minimal intra-operative and postoperative opiate is needed. The goal is to maintain hemodynamic stability. The choice of agent has little effect on the procedure itself.
    • Paralysis is not essential. HOWEVER, the transseptal needle and the delivery device are bulky and the consequence of cardiac injury/perforation can be catastrophic, the anesthetic should ensure no sudden patient movement during the procedure. Typically
  • Emergence: Following anti-coagulation reversal, removal of the venous sheaths, and manual hemostasis, most patients are extubated in the procedure room. Special caution should be made to avoid excessive coughing, vomiting, and bending at the waist during extubation immediately following hemostasis. Cath staff often applies additional manual compression during extubation. Deep extubation, in appropriate patients, may be performed.
  • Recovery after GA will be in the 5th floor cath holding for low risk GA patients, 4th floor for higher risk GA patients, and 6/10 ICC for highest risk patients, particularly those with complications from the procedure. In general, patients with potential vasopressor need should recover in the PACU. Depending on the size of the sheath and the use of anti-coagulation, the patient will need to remain supine with the hips straight for 4 to 6 hours because of risk of bleeding.

KEY PROCEDURE-RELATED POINTS

  • The severity of MR may be affected by general anesthesia and hemodynamics. The team may request vasoconstrictor and inotrope use to “press” the patient to mimic preoperative hemodynamics (ie higher afterload, preload, and inotropy).
    • Careful transseptal puncture will be performed by Cath staff, attempting to avoiding the aortic valve. The site of puncture is guided and determined by real-time TEE often using bi-plane.
  • Heparin will asked for before and after the transseptal puncture, for (30-100 units/kg), with ACTs run by Cath Staff, targeting 250-350s. The cath lab staff can pull protamine from the Pyxis for reversal
  • Proceduralists will occasionally ask for lowered tidal volume and heart rate to facilitate deployment of the device. Mild bradycardia and mild hypercarbia are well tolerated during this procedure to facilitate device deployment.
  • Multiple clips may be deployed for optimal MR treatment. The decision is based on the TEE finding and team discussion, which can be time-consuming.

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS

  • Arrhythmia that is hemodynamically significant is always a risk. This is frequently the result of irritation by the catheter/device in the atria and/or LV.
  • Vascular complications at the access site are potential. Resuscitation with fluids, blood products, and vasoactive medications may be necessary.
  • Aortic perforation is a relatively rare complication that can occur during trans-septal puncture with a specialized needle (Brockenbrough) and the advancement of trans-septal sheath (Mullins). Real time TEE is used to avoid this.
  • Cardiac perforation may occur due to catheter manipulation or during Trans-septal puncture. This may result in pericardial effusion, and potentially causing tamponade. The TEE team can be invaluable in diagnosing this condition. This is usually indicated by persistent hemodynamic instability unrelated to the induced arrhythmia and refractory to routine vasoconstrictors and fluid. The EP team should be informed when this is suspected. Blood products should be ordered immediately. Consider reversing anticoagulation in consultation with the proceduralist. One or more of the femoral sheaths can be used for volume resuscitation. The management of effusion varies: 1) “Watch-and-wait” approach when the effusion is small and self-limiting 2) Emergent pericardial drain placement, 3) Rapid mobilization for surgical decompression of the tamponade.
  • Stroke is possible due to the increased risk of thromboembolism with left sided catheter. In addition, the trans-septal access creates a temporary path for paradoxical embolism. An unsecured clip also carries risk of embolization
  • Conversion of Mitral regurgitation to mitral stenosis is always a potential risk, and communication with TEE team to determine the status of the mitral valve can be helpful.

SPECIAL ERGONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

  • MitraClip is usually performed on the 12th floor. Extensions on breathing circuit, oxygen supply, IV tubing, and infusion tubing are necessary to allow the unobstructed movement of the fluoroscopy equipment on the 12th floor. Consider consolidating and securing monitors, circuits, and tubing such that they sit far away from the patient, between the biplane arms against the wall. An infusion drip line can be helpful to manage this distance.
  • Hazards to the anesthesia provider
    • Equipment is in motion
      • Be aware of the c-arm when it is in motion as it can move quickly and endanger heads and shins and may snag loose wires and tubings.
    • Ionizing radiation
      • Consider time (limiting exposure), distance (inverse square law), and shielding (both garments and barriers) when in ionizing radiation environments. Particular attention should be granted to protecting the lens of the eye, thyroid, hematopoietic centers in long bones, and reproductive organs as these are particularly sensitive to ionizing radiation. The exposure is greatest as it exits the collimator (the part below the table) in path to the image intensifier (the part above the patient). However, scatter radiation is produced as the X ray encounters items in its path (the patient). Areas on the body that are often overlooked (“weak spots”) include neck, shoulder/arm pits, and back. Lead (radiation protective) garments should cover the neck to the knees and are designed to be worn when facing the source.

DURATION 2 - 5 hours (placement of the clip(s) can take variable amount of time )

CARDIAC CATH LAB- PFO/ASD CLOSURES

PATIENT DEMOGRAPHY

  • ASDs account for approximately 10% of congenital cardiac defects and 22 –40% of congenital heart disease in adults. There is good evidence that surgical shunt closure improves life expectancy. Patients typically present with dyspnea on exertion. Atrial arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation and flutter) are common and are secondary to atrial dilatation. Clinical examination may reveal fixed splitting of the second heart sound coupled with a pulmonary flow murmur. The classically described electrocardiogram of an ASD is right bundle branch block (RBBB) and axis deviation (right for secundum and left for primum).
  • PFO is a very common defect caused by the failure of the thin primum and thick secundum septa to adhere at one edge of the fossa ovalis (failure of proper fusion), whereas ASD is due to improper resorption or development of the IAS. Percutaneous closure is the procedure of choice for the majority of patients with atrial septal defects and symptomatic patent foramen ovale (PFO). After birth, the tunnel fails to close in up to 27% of the population, but it usually acts as a ‘flap valve’ resulting in minimal left to right flow. Right to left flow is also limited in adults because the left atrial pressure exceeds that of the right. However, under certain circumstances that transiently raise right above left atrial pressure (e.g. cough, sniff, release of abdominal straining, and valsalva maneuver), the ‘flap valve’ can open (sometimes quite widely) and permit blood or clot to pass from the right to the left atria. Echocardiography is indicated after a recognized cerebral event (either transient or permanent). The presence of a PFO (or ASD), in the absence of other causative conditions, may prompt the presumptive diagnosis of paradoxical embolus. Cerebrovascular accident or transient cerebral event, RV enlargement and failure, and Qp:Qs>1.5:1 are indications for closure of a PFO/ASD.

DISEASE BACKGROUND AND PROCEDURAL DESCRIPTION

  • The procedure is performed from the femoral vein, where a sheath is used to deploy a wire across the defect, across which an occlusion device is deployed. Typically for an ASD, a routine right heart catheterization is also performed to rule out or confirm the presence of pulmonary hypertension.
  • Both procedures are guided by fluoroscopy and echocardiography. ICE (intracardiac echocardiography) is deployed from the femoral vein, and is often used for PFO closure. However, when TEE guidance is necessary (most ASDs), this will require general anesthetic with an endotracheal tube.

PRE-OPERATIVE ASSESSMENT

  • Patients with PFO should be assessed for stroke.
  • Patients with ASD defects should be assessed for any concomitant cardiac defects, pulmonary HTN, CHF, stroke, and arrhythmias.

PRE-OPERATIVE PREPARATION

  • Routine checks of anesthesia machine, extension circuit, emergency airway equipment, suction and resuscitation medications are imperative because access to additional equipment and anesthesia providers are limited. Usually, two infusion pumps and an invasive pressure transducer are available in each lab. At UCSF, a glidescope is located outside the EP control room. Contact the off-site anesthesia technician if you need any additional equipment.
  • Blood products: are usually not required, but a blood type and antibody screen should be current.
  • Antibiotic is indicated for this percutaneous procedure.

ACCESS/FLUIDS

  • At UCSF, the Cath nurse will start a peripheral IV in the pre-op holding area, usually 18 or 20 gauge (left
  • arm).
  • An additional large bore peripheral IV is recommended
  • Anticipated blood loss is minimum, usually associated with initial access and flushing of the sheaths.

MONITORS

  • Standard ASA monitors: The EP staff will assist you in placing radiolucent ECG leads to ensure that they do not interfere with the fluoroscopic images or the rest of electrophysiology monitors. Sometimes, the anesthesia ECG leads can be connected to the mapping system directly.
  • Invasive arterial monitor may be placed in particularly high risk patients, typically those with an ASD and significant CHF, pulmonary HTN, or RV dysfunction.. The patient’s cardiopulmonary co-morbidities should determine whether pre-induction arterial catheter is necessary.
  • Temperature A lower body forced-air warming blanket will be used.
  • Urinary bladder catheter is at the discretion of the proceduralist.

ANESTHETIC TECHNIQUES

  • Anxiolytic premedication should not be given routinely in the holding area as most ambulating patients (at UCSF) are expected to walk into the Cath lab and position themselves while monitors and patches are placed.
  • Broncho-dilator, anti-reflux medication and antacid should be given as indicated by the anesthetic technique and the patient’s co-morbidities.
  • The anesthetic of choice when intra-procedural TEE monitoring is needed is GETA. The choice of maintenance of anesthesia is up to the anesthesia provider. The local anesthetic infiltration significantly decreases the amount of pain of the vascular access, so minimal intra-operative and postoperative opiate is needed. The goal is to maintain hemodynamic stability. The choice of agent has little effect on the procedure itself.
  • Emergence: Following anti-coagulation reversal, removal of the venous sheaths, and manual hemostasis, most patients are extubated in the procedure room. Special caution should be made to avoid excessive coughing, vomiting, and bending at the waist during extubation immediately following hemostasis. Cath staff often applies additional manual compression during extubation. Deep extubation, in appropriate patients, can be performed.
  • Recovery after GA will be in the 5th floor cath holding for low risk GA patients, 4th floor for higher risk GA patients, and 6/10 ICC for highest risk patients, particularly those with complications from the procedure. In general, patients with potential vasopressor need should recover in the PACU. Depending on the size of the sheath and the use of anti-coagulation, the patient will need to remain supine with the hips straight for 4 to 6 hours because of risk of bleeding.

KEY PROCEDURE-RELATED POINTS

  • The presence of intra-cardiac shunt, regardless of the direction, should make the anesthesia provider cautious about introducing intravenous air bubbles.
  • The cardiologist often will perform a right heart catheterization first. This involves the recording of pressures in right atrium, right ventricle, pulmonary arteries and pulmonary artery occlusive pressure (PAOP, a.k.a. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure [PCWP]). Blood gas samples at the SVC, IVC, RA, RV, and PA will also be collected and the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin measured. Oxygen saturations allow the calculation of cardiac output via the (indirect) Fick’s method, and also allow the detection of intracardiac shunt and Qp:Qs calculation. High supplementary O2 may cause error in Fick’s calculation and/or mask shunting, and therefore the cardiologist will request the patient (intubated or not) be placed on room air during the RHC. The anesthesia provider should plan for this and aim to reach a steady state prior to the  RHC, especially when using low flow anesthesia, but supplementary O2 should never be denied from the patient when it is unsafe.
  • Another purpose of RHC is to determine the feasibility and safety of closing the shunt (ASD). Transpulmonary gradient (mean PAP-PAOP) and Pulmonary vascular resistance can be calculated. PVR greater than 2 (or 3) woods units is consider abnormal, and suggests pre-capillary PH. Closing the ASD may increase strain on the RV. This may prompt a discussion by the cardiologists about the timing of ASD closure versus a trial of medication to lower PVR first.
  • The cardiologist will try to cross the defect with a wire, followed by a catheter. The size, shape, as well as the amenability to device closure of the defect has been assessed preoperatively with cardiac CT or MR. It is essential that there is sufficient tissue all around the defect in order for the eventual occlusive device to stably seat. Intraoperative echocardiography will re-confirm the measurements. Finally the cardiologist will try to size the defect by inflate a balloon, as echocardiography assesses any residual flow. Finally, the device deployed across the defect. Echocardiography again checks for residual flow. The cardiologist will “tug” on the catheter, still attached to the device, to check for stability. The device can usually be retrieved before the final step when it is released.

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS

  • Arrhythmia that is hemodynamically significant is always a risk. This is frequently the result of irritation by the catheter/device in the atria and/or LV.
  • Vascular complications at the access site are not uncommon and range from self-limited site hematoma to retroperitoneal bleeding requiring urgent/emergent vascular surgery interventions. Resuscitation with fluids, blood products, and vasoactive medications may be necessary.
  • Cardiac perforation may occur due to catheter manipulation, balloon inflation or device deployment. This may result in pericardial effusion, and potentially cause tamponade. This is usually indicated by persistent hemodynamic instability unrelated to the induced arrhythmia and refractory to routine vasoconstrictors and fluid. The EP team should be informed when this is suspected. Blood products should be ordered immediately. Consider reversing anticoagulation in consultation with the proceduralist. One or more of the femoral sheaths can be used for volume resuscitation. The management of effusion varies:
    • “Wait-and-watch” approach when the effusion is small and self-limiting,
    • Emergent pericardial drain placement,
    • Rapid mobilization for surgical decompression of the tamponade.
  • Embolization of the device is a rare but potentially fatal complication. This can occur immediately after deployment or anytime after. The device can embolize in either direction, and signs and symptoms are usually stroke or due to obstructive effect of the foreign object. While endovascular retrieval can be attempted, the usual, definitively treatment is by open surgery.
  • Stroke is possible due to the increased risk of thromboembolism with left sided catheter and the presence of intra-cardiac shunt.

SPECIAL ERGONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

Structual intervations are usually performed on the 12th floor. Extensions on breathing circuit, oxygen supply, IV tubing, and infusion tubing are necessary to allow the unobstructed movement of the fluoroscopy equipment on the 12th floor. Consider consolidating and securing monitors, circuits, and tubing such that they sit far away from the patient, between the biplane arms against the wall. An infusion drip line can be helpful to manage this distance.

  • Hazards to the anesthesia provider
    • Equipment is in motion
      • Be aware of the c-arm when it is in motion as it can move quickly and endanger heads and shins and may snag loose wires and tubings.
    • Ionizing radiation
      • Consider time (limiting exposure), distance (inverse square law), and shielding (both garments and barriers) when in ionizing radiation environments. Particular attention should be granted to protecting the lens of the eye, thyroid, hematopoietic centers in long bones, and reproductive organs as these are particularly sensitive to ionizing radiation. The exposure is greatest as it exits the collimator (the part below the table) in path to the image intensifier (the part above the patient). However, scatter radiation is produced as the X ray encounters items in its path (the patient). Areas on the body that are often overlooked (“weak spots”) include neck, shoulder/arm pits, and back. Lead (radiation protective) garments should cover the neck to the knees and are designed to be worn when facing the source.

DURATION 1 - 5 hours (diagnostic vs complex intervention)

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This information is meant to serve as an educational resource. Clinicians should use their own professional judgment in the care of any individual patient as the guidance contained in this document may not be appropriate for all patients or all situations.