[Open heart tricuspid valve replacement in a heroin addict Anaesthesiological management]

A 24-year-old female with a history of former heroin addiction underwent open heart surgery for a mechanical tricuspid valve replacement. Anaesthesiological management included a thoracic epidural catheter at the Th(2)/Th(3) segments and balanced general anaesthesia (remifentanil, desflurane/propofol). Additionally, clonidine (2 microg*kg(-1)*h(-1)) was continuously administered. Pain therapy was achieved using 0.375% ropivacaine via a thoracic epidural catheter (4 ml*h(-1)) and metamizole (4 x 1 g/day) intravenously. With this concept we were able to achieve an appropriate anaesthesia and analgesia and the operation was carried out without complications.