Echocardiography-Guided Resuscitation in Noncardiac Surgery

Sustained hypotension impairs perfusion, causing permanent organ damage, neurologic deficit, and cardiac arrest. Emerging evidence suggests that noncardiac anesthesia providers can use echocardiography to manage refractory hypotension. Echocardiographic findings may reveal the underlying pathology of hemodynamic compromise and can guide the selection of appropriate resuscitative measures. The current evidence was reviewed to evaluate echocardiography's impact on the cause, diagnosis, and resuscitation management of refractory hypotension during noncardiac surgery. An extensive literature search yielded 3 prospective interventional studies and 7 observational studies, which were graded and ranked by quality, consistency, and strength of recommendations according to the United States Preventive Services Task Force evidence evaluation grading system. Echocardiographic imaging was useful in all phases of perioperative care, from the preoperative clinic through the postanesthesia care unit. Focused echocardiographic examination of the heart and great vessels contributed critical diagnostic data that expedited management decisions. As a primary cardiovascular monitor, transesophageal echocardiography guided both fluid resuscitation and pharmacologic therapy. During intraoperative cardiac arrest, transesophageal echocardiography enhanced diagnostic insight and directly guided targeted, lifesaving treatment. Noninvasive transthoracic echocardiography offered providers several clinical advantages. The published literature validates echocardiography's utility in the diagnosis and treatment of patients experiencing intraoperative refractory hypotension due to hemodynamic compromise.