Hypothermic Fibrillatory Arrest: A Case Report

Authors

Nasim Shakibai, Corewell Health East Resident
Matthew Brockberg, Corewell Health East
Jose Navas Blanco, Corewell Health East

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-11-2025

Abstract

A 71-year-old woman with hypertension, prior aortic valve replacement, HFpEF, and remote MI presented with dyspnea. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed LVEF 60%, moderate aortic stenosis, and severe mitral stenosis, prompting a redo mitral valve replacement. Intraoperatively, dense adhesions involving the ascending aorta, pulmonary artery, and right atrium precluded safe aortic cross-clamping. The team proceeded with hypothermic fibrillatory arrest at 30°C. Bipolar electrodes were placed in each ventricle and activated at 10 mA to induce fibrillation, maintained with high-potassium cardioplegia. Following valve replacement, external defibrillation and pacing restored rhythm. This case highlights anesthetic and surgical considerations in fibrillatory arrest for complex redo cardiac surgeries.

Comments

American Society of Anesthesiologists Anesthesiology Annual Meeting, October 10-14, 2025, San Antonio, TX

Recommended Citation

Shakibai N, Brockberg M, Navas Blanco J. Hypothermic fibrillatory arrest: a case report. Presented at: American Society of Anesthesiologists Anesthesiology Annual Meeting; 2025 Oct 11; San Antonio, TX. Available from:https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21028/presentation/7977