Post-induction hypotension is a common hemodynamic complication during the early phase of general anesthesia and may lead to adverse perioperative outcomes, particularly in patients with limited physiological reserve. Early identification of patients at risk for hypotension may allow clinicians to implement preventive strategies and optimize perioperative hemodynamic management. Recently, non-invasive perfusion-related parameters derived from pulse oximetry have gained attention as potential indicators of intravascular volume status and cardiovascular responsiveness.
The plethysmographic variability index (PVI) is a dynamic parameter reflecting respiratory variations in the perfusion index and is considered a non-invasive surrogate marker of fluid responsiveness. The perfusion index (PI), which represents the ratio of pulsatile to non-pulsatile blood flow in peripheral tissues, provides information about peripheral perfusion and vascular tone. These indices are continuously and non-invasively obtained using pulse oximetry and may offer clinically useful information regarding hemodynamic status during anesthesia induction.
Direct laryngoscopy performed under general anesthesia may be associated with significant hemodynamic fluctuations during both the induction phase and airway manipulation. Identifying reliable non-invasive predictors of blood pressure reduction during this period may improve intraoperative monitoring and facilitate early intervention.
