Haemodynamic Response to General Anaesthesia in Healthy Orthopaedic Patients

Recruitment Orthopaedic surgical teams, anaesthetists and theatre staff were made aware of the study that was being conducted at the investigators' institution. Prospective subjects that met the inclusion criteria were identified from the hospital operating theatre's database two weeks prior to surgery. A letter, which contained the study's objectives and methods, was sent out to all patients. Subsequently, a telephone call was made to patients one week before surgery to clarify any queries they had. Consent was obtained on the morning of surgery. All study participants provided written informed consent.

Peri-operative monitoring LiDCO™ CNAP and BIS monitoring were attached prior to induction of anaesthesia in the anaesthetic room of the operating theatre. A standardised anaesthetic technique was used for every participant, consisting of propofol induction, sevoflurane maintenance to a target BIS (40-60) and opioid analgesia with fentanyl. Participants underwent positive pressure ventilation to a tidal volume of 8ml/kg.

Measurements of the following variables were taken continuously from pre-induction to time of extubation: heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, stroke volume, cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance and BIS. Data recorded up to 3 minutes following propofol injection was analysed to capture the post-induction period. Further measurements were taken in recovery room. The total quantity and type of fluids, drugs administered, time of tourniquet application and removal (if performed), and the duration of the operation were recorded.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients included in the study were those aged 18-45 years undergoing elective lower limb arthroscopic procedures with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Grade of I-II.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients unable or unwilling to provide valid informed consent,
• Patients undergoing regional anaesthesia,
• Patients that have contraindications to the LiDCO rapid™ CNAP monitoring (cardiac arrhythmias, aortic regurgitation and digital ischaemia) and BIS monitoring (hypersensitivity to adhesive use) and refusal of surgical, anaesthetic or operating theatre team.