Application of Narcotrend® monitor for evaluation of depth of anesthesia in infants undergoing cardiac surgery: a prospective control study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinic effectiveness, safety and feasibility of Narcotrend® monitor for evaluation of depth of anesthesia in congenital heart disease (CHD) infants undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHODS: A total of 80 infants receiving general anesthesia in selective surgery were randomly selected. Infants were assigned into two groups (n=40 per group). In the Narcotrend group, the depth of anesthesia was monitored with the Narcotrend monitor. In the standard group, the depth of anesthesia was controlled according to the experience. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were determined, as well as the dose of fentanyl, muscle relaxant, recovery time and extubation time were recorded.

RESULTS: In both groups, vital signs were stable during the surgery. When compared with the standard group, the MAP and HR were more stable, the total dose of fentanyl and muscle relaxant were significantly reduced and the recovery time and extubation time were markedly shortened in the Narcotrend group.

CONCLUSION: The application of Narcotrend monitor was beneficial to the control of the depth of anesthesia in CHD infants receiving total intravenous anesthesia, in which small amount of narcotics can achieve optimal anesthesia. Moreover, the recovery time and extubation time are reduced and the harmful consequence such as intraoperative awareness can be avoided.