International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Nov 2024
ReviewObstetric anesthesia management of dilated cardiomyopathies and heart failure: a narrative review.
Pregnancy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy carries a significantly increased risk of maternal mortality or severe morbidity, and pregnancy is typically considered contraindicated for patients with severely reduced ventricular function. Nonetheless, anesthesiologists will still encounter patients with cardiomyopathy requiring delivery or termination care. ⋯ Vaginal delivery, with effective neuraxial anesthesia is the preferred mode of delivery in most patients with cardiomyopathy, with cesarean delivery reserved for maternal or fetal indications. The Pregnancy Heart Team is vital in coordinating the multidisciplinary care necessary to safely support these patients through pregnancy.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Oct 2024
ReviewArtificial intelligence in obstetric anaesthesiology - the future of patient care?
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in obstetric anaesthesiology shows great potential in enhancing our practice and delivery of care. In this narrative review, we summarise the current applications of AI in four key areas of obstetric anaesthesiology (perioperative care, neuraxial procedures, labour analgesia and obstetric critical care), where AI has been employed to varying degrees for decision support, event prediction, risk stratification and procedural assistance. ⋯ While promising, AI cannot replace the expertise and clinical judgement of a trained obstetric anaesthesiologist. It should, instead, be viewed as a valuable tool to facilitate and support our practice.