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Vasovagal syncope and anaesthetic practice.
L Hosie1, J P Wood, A N Thomas
1Department of Anaesthesia, Hope Hospital, Stott Lane, Salford M6 8HD, UK.
European Journal of Anaesthesiology
|July 28, 2001
Summary
Vasovagal syncope, or fainting, occurs in about 1 in 5000 anesthetic procedures. This survey highlights common triggers like venous cannulation and patient positioning, aiding anesthesiologists in prevention.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Vasovagal syncope is a common cause of fainting.
- Understanding its occurrence in anesthetic settings is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and triggers of vasovagal syncope in patients and relatives during anesthesia.
- To identify common scenarios associated with vasovagal syncope in anesthetic practice.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 88 anesthesiologists in North-West England and North Wales.
- Collection of data on 109 reported episodes of vasovagal syncope.
- Analysis of triggers, patient positions, and associated morbidities.
Main Results:
- An estimated frequency of syncope was 1 in 5000 anesthetic episodes.
- Patient syncope was triggered by venous cannulation (16 instances) and regional/local techniques (20 instances).
- 33 of 53 patients were upright; 39 of 56 relatives were male partners, with 4 experiencing morbidity.
Conclusions:
- The findings align with known vasovagal syncope pathophysiology.
- Identified common anesthetic scenarios prone to fainting.
- Provides anesthesiologists with information to prevent potentially harmful syncope episodes.