Echocardiography-Guided Resuscitation in Noncardiac Surgery.

Sustained hypotension impairs perfusion, causing permanent organ damage, neurologic deficit, and cardiac arrest. Emerging evidence suggests that noncardiac anesthesia providers can use echocardiography to manage refractory hypotension. Echocardiographic findings may reveal the underlying pathology of hemodynamic compromise and can guide the selection of appropriate resuscitative measures. The current evidence was reviewed to evaluate echocardiography's impact on the cause, diagnosis, and resuscitation management of refractory hypotension during noncardiac surgery. An extensive literature search yielded 3 prospective interventional studies and 7 observational studies, which were graded and ranked by quality, consistency, and strength of recommendations according to the United States Preventive Services Task Force evidence evaluation grading system. Echocardiographic imaging was useful in all phases of perioperative care, from the preoperative clinic through the postanesthesia care unit. Focused echocardiographic examination of the heart and great vessels contributed critical diagnostic data that expedited management decisions. As a primary cardiovascular monitor, transesophageal echocardiography guided both fluid resuscitation and pharmacologic therapy. During intraoperative cardiac arrest, transesophageal echocardiography enhanced diagnostic insight and directly guided targeted, lifesaving treatment. Noninvasive transthoracic echocardiography offered providers several clinical advantages. The published literature validates echocardiography's utility in the diagnosis and treatment of patients experiencing intraoperative refractory hypotension due to hemodynamic compromise.

Methylene Blue as an Adjunct to Treat Vasoplegia in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery Requiring Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Literature Review.

The term vasoplegia describes hypotension refractory to vasopressor therapy, a common finding related to cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. High doses of vasoactive agents are associated with adverse effects such as peripheral and mesenteric ischemia. Databases were systematically searched for literature on methylene blue as an adjunct therapy to treat vasoplegia. Fifteen articles were selected. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) grading tool, and a chart was created to present the components of each study. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative administration of methylene blue has been shown to increase systemic vascular resistance and mean arterial pressure, with the period after surgery being the most common time for use of this therapy. Decreased vasopressor requirements have also been consistently demonstrated after methylene blue administration. This catecholamine-sparing effect prevents vasopressor-related injury. Its favorable safety profile as well as hemodynamic effects have made methylene blue a valuable adjunct in the setting of vasoplegia. Methylene blue is an effective treatment of refractory hypotension related to cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. Larger, randomized controlled trials are needed to strengthen the state of the evidence and to define specific doses.