Search

We compared circulatory parameters during combined epidural and inhaled anesthesia (isoflurane) with different concentrations of local anesthetic. Thirty adult patients undergoing elective upper abdominal surgery were allocated randomly to general anesthesia, 1% mepivacaine and 2% mepivacaine groups. Systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, cardiac index and systemic vascular resistance were measured repeatedly during anesthesia using noninvasive measurement device. As a result, systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the 2% mepivacaine group. Pulse rate increased in the general anesthesia group. Cardiac index decreased in the 2% mepivacaine group. There was no significant difference in systemic vascular resistance among the groups. These results suggested that combined epidural and inhaled anesthesia with 2% mepivacaine invites cardiac depression.