Anesthetic management of a patient with left ventricular assist device undergoing robotic laparoscopic prostatectomy: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) require specific anesthetic and hemodynamic considerations. We report the specific anesthetic preparation and management in this scenario. Case presentation We present the case of a 66-year-old male with a HeartMate II LVAD undergoing robotic prostatectomy for prostate cancer in the steep Trendelenburg position. We employed central venous and radial arterial access, LVAD pump parameters, near-infrared sensor of cerebral oximetry, and transesophageal echocardiography for monitoring. Hemodynamics were managed with nicardipine, dobutamine, epinephrine, and phenylephrine during abdominal insufflation, operative positioning, and desufflation. The patient had a successful procedure, was discharged on postoperative day 2, and achieved surgical cure of his prostate cancer. Discussion By presenting the first detailed account of anesthetic management in this scenario, we provide a clinical vignette for use by the clinical anesthesiologist in his or her preparation prior to caring for this type of patient.