Assessment of an updated double‐vasopressor automated system using Nexfin ™ for the maintenance of haemodynamic stability to improve peri‐operative outcome during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section

Summary Hypotension occurs commonly during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section, associated with maternal and fetal adverse effects. We developed a double‐vasopressor automated system with a two‐step algorithm and continuous non‐invasive haemodynamic monitoring using the Nexfin ™ device. The system delivered 25 μg phenylephrine every 30 s when systolic blood pressure was between 90% and 100% of baseline, or 2 mg ephedrine at this blood pressure range and heart rate < 60 beats.min −1 ; and 50 μg phenylephrine or 4 mg ephedrine when systolic blood pressure was < 90% of baseline with the same heart rate criterion. Fifty‐seven women received standardised spinal anaesthesia. Twenty‐seven (47.4%) had at least one reading of hypotension defined as systolic blood pressure < 80% baseline. Systolic blood pressure was within 20% of the baseline in a mean ( SD ) of 79.8 (20.9)% of measurements. Fifty‐three (93.0%) women required phenylephrine before delivery while 10 (17.5%) required ephedrine. Six women (10.5%) experienced nausea and three (5.3%) vomited. The system was able to achieve a low incidence of maternal hypotension with good maternal and fetal outcomes.