Publication

Abstract : ROUTINE USE OF thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) is feasible and helpful in cardiac surgery. TEA is associated with superlative analgesia, and the reported benefits are improved hemodynamics, simplified patient management, early extubation, anti-ischemic effects, and improved left ventricular (LV) function with myocardial ischemia. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 Despite these potential advantages, the technique has failed to achieve widespread acceptance because of several remaining concerns, including concern that a neuraxial hematoma may occur after administration of heparin for cardiopulmonary bypass. 5