1% PROPOFOL IN ANAESTHESIA FOR EMERGENCY NON CARDIAC SURGERY IN HEART FAILURE: A REPORT OF TWO CASES.

Catastrophic cardiovascular complications in peri and post operative period, account for almost 25 to 50% of deaths following non cardiac surgery in patients with recent myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure. Both these conditions are generally regarded as absolute contraindications to anaesthesia for elective procedures. However in situations of urgent nature, anaesthesia has to proceed. The aim is to favourably maintain the already jeopardised myocardial oxygen demand and supply balance by maintaining haemodynamic stability, prevention of high rate pressure product and wide swings in blood pressure. Propofol is short acting intravenous anaesthetic agent which allows rapid clear headed recovery. In the following report, continuous infusion of 1% propofol was administered in low doses for anaesthesia in order to achieve the anaesthetic goals in two cases of heart failure of different aetiology.