Open heart tricuspid valve replacement in a heroin addict. Anaesthesiological management; [Trikuspidalklappenersatz bei einer heroinabhängigen patientin. Anästhesiologisches management]

Abstract

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 Th2/Th3 segments and balanced general anaesthesia (remifentanil, desflurane/propofol). Additionally, clonidine (2 $μ$g*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 4x1 g/day) intravenously. With this concept we were able to achieve an appropriate anaesthesia and analgesia and the operation was carried out without complications. ©Springer Medizin Verlag 2005.