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Review
. 2017 Mar;35(1):145-155.
doi: 10.1016/j.anclin.2016.09.012. Epub 2016 Dec 12.

Awareness and Aortocaval Obstruction in Obstetric Anesthesia

Nathaniel Hsu  1 , Robert R Gaiser  2
Affiliations
Review

Awareness and Aortocaval Obstruction in Obstetric Anesthesia

Nathaniel Hsu et al. Anesthesiol Clin. 2017 Mar.

Abstract

Awareness during general anesthesia for cesarean delivery continues to be a major problem. The key to preventing awareness is strict attention to anesthetic technique. The prevalence and implications of aortocaval compression have been firmly established. Compression of the vena cava is a real occurrence when assuming the supine position. Relief of this compression most likely does not occur until the patient is turned 30°, which is not feasible for performing cesarean delivery. Although it is still wise to tilt the patient, the benefit of this tilt may not be as great as once thought.

Keywords: Aortocaval compression; Awareness; Cesarean delivery; General anesthesia; Hypotension.

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