[Single ventricle and obstetric anaesthesia: two cases report]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Anesthesiology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Single ventricle is a rare congenital heart defect (0.5-1.5% of congenital heart disease).
• Pregnancy in single ventricle patients increases risks of maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly with right-to-left shunting, pulmonary hypertension, polycythemia, and low oxygen saturation.
• Complications often stem from reduced systemic vascular resistance, exacerbating shunting, hypoxemia, and acidosis, leading to avoidance of regional anesthesia.

Observation:

• Two cases of successful regional anesthesia management during delivery for patients with single ventricle physiology were reported.
• The anesthetic techniques were applied for both cesarean and vaginal deliveries.

Findings:

• Regional anesthesia can be safely and effectively administered in pregnant patients with single ventricle congenital heart disease.
• Successful delivery outcomes were achieved using regional anesthesia in these high-risk cases.

Implications:

• These findings suggest regional anesthesia is a viable option for delivery in select single ventricle patients.
• This approach may reduce maternal morbidity and mortality associated with general anesthesia in this population.
• Further research into anesthetic management for single ventricle patients during pregnancy is warranted.