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Updated: May 31, 2026

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China
Published on: February 11, 2022
[Patient whose surgery was postponed due to complete atrioventricular block on arrival at operating theater]
Azusa Kato1, Toshiya Koitabashi, Takao Kato
1Department of Anesthesiology, Ichikawa General Hospital, Tokyo Dental College, Ichikawa 272-8513.
Insights
A patient with pre-existing heart conditions developed complete atrioventricular block before hip surgery. The surgery was postponed for pacemaker insertion, ensuring patient safety and successful outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- An 86-year-old female with reduced cardiac function was scheduled for hip fracture surgery.
- Preoperative ECG revealed left bundle branch block, first-degree AV block, left axis deviation, and bigeminy.
Observation:
- On operating theater arrival, the patient's ECG showed a progression to complete atrioventricular block.
- This condition is classified as an 'active cardiac condition' per ACC/AHA guidelines.
Findings:
- Surgery was postponed for cardiac evaluation and treatment.
- Complete atrioventricular block persisted for a week despite medication adjustments.
- A permanent pacemaker was successfully implanted.
Implications:
- The patient underwent hip surgery two weeks post-pacemaker insertion without complications.
- This case highlights the importance of perioperative cardiovascular evaluation and management in elderly patients with cardiac comorbidities.
- Timely intervention with a permanent pacemaker can enable necessary surgical procedures in high-risk patients.
Abstract:
An 86-year-old woman with low cardiac function was scheduled to undergo hip fracture surgery. Preoperative electrocardiogram showed complete left bundle brunch block, first degree atrioventricular block, left axis deviation and bigeminy. However, her electrocardiogram had changed to complete atrioventricular block on arrival at operating theater. ACC/AHA guideline on perioperative cardiovascular evaluation and care for non cardiac surgery indicates the assessment of both the urgency of the surgery and cardiac complications. Because complete atrioventricular block is classified to "active cardiac conditions", we decided to postpone the surgery for more detailed evaluation and treatment of cardiac conditions. In spite of the discontinuation of digoxin and carvegilol, complete atrioventricular block continued for a week, and the permanent pacemaker was inserted. The surgery was performed 2 weeks following the insertion of the pacemaker without any problems under combined general and lumbar epidural anesthesia.
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