Anesthesia for interventional cardiology.

c c a I m a m a a m THE DEMAND FOR anesthetic support for interventional cardiology procedures is increasing as the number and complexity of these procedures rapidly expand. Providing safe anesthesia care to patients undergoing these procedures requires comprehensive preoperative assessment, involvement in the multidisciplinary planning of these cases, and a detailed understanding of the procedures and their potential complications. This article reviews the common implantation and electrophysiology (EP) procedures undertaken in cardiac catheterization laboratories. An outline of the procedures undertaken and their major periprocedural complications are addressed along with recommendations for their anesthetic management. The first section covers closure of intracardiac shunts, closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion devices, transcatheter valves, and the implantation and removal of pacemaker and rhythm management devices. The second section covers EP procedures and anesthetic management issues in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). It also covers the anesthetic implications of ionizing radiation and practice in a remote location.