PERIPHERAL NERVE BLOCK ANESTHESIA FOR LIMB AMPUTATION IN PATIENTS WITH HEARTH FAILURE AND REDUCED EJECTION FRACTION

Abstract

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) presents significant anesthetic risks during limb amputation, especially in patients with multiple comorbidities. This report describes two cases of male patients with HFrEF (EF 27% and 45%) undergoing emergency limb amputation under ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block (PNB). The first patient, with stage V chronic kidney disease, received a supraclavicular brachial plexus block using 20 mL of 0.35% ropivacaine. Sensory onset occurred at 5 minutes, motor onset at 25 minutes, and analgesia lasted 13 hours. The second patient received adductor canal and popliteal sciatic nerve blocks using 35 mL ropivacaine and IV dexamethasone. Sensory onset was 20 minutes, motor onset 25 minutes, and analgesia lasted 21 hours. Both patients remained awake and hemodynamically stable throughout surgery, with no complications. These cases highlight the safety and efficacy of PNB in high-risk cardiovascular patients. Adjusted dosing strategies, especially in renal impairment, allowed prolonged analgesia without toxicity. Compared to general or spinal anesthesia, PNB avoids airway manipulation and minimizes hemodynamic fluctuations.