A Study of Changes in Heart Function and Blood Flow in People Receiving Anesthesia

Changes in Loading Conditions on Induction of General Anesthesia: Mechanisms of Post-Induction Hypotension (PIH)

The purpose of this study is to understand changes in heart function (how the heart pumps blood) and blood flow in people who receive general anesthesia during surgery. The researchers are particularly interested in the heart function and blood flow changes in people who experience low blood pressure (hypotension) after receiving anesthesia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients ≥ 18 years of age requiring general anesthesia for surgery
• Intubation required for anesthetic management / surgery
• Anticipated prep time before incision of 20 minutes
• Baseline MAP >70mmHg

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of coronary artery disease
• History of cardiac disease (e.g., HTN, arrythmias, valvular and structural abnormalities)
• History of peripheral artery occlusive disease
• Beta-blocker use
• Anti-hypertensive medication use
• Patients with epidural, spinal, paravertebral, serratus blocks preoperatively
• Patients requiring rapid sequence induction (where intubation occurs concurrently with induction)
• Emergency surgery