BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pure levorotatory ropivacaine was introduced to provide a safer alternative to bupivacaine in regional blocks. The objective of this study was to compare the hemodynamic repercussions after the intravenous administration of both agents in swine, simulating the intoxication that can be seen during regional blocks in humans. METHODS: Large-White swine were anesthetized with thiopental, followed by endotracheal intubation and controlled mechanical ventilation. Hemodynamic parameters included non-invasive blood pressure and catheterization of the pulmonary artery. After 30 minutes, animals were randomly divided into two groups, and 4 mg.kg-1 of one of the agents was administered intravenously without the knowledge of the investigator. Hemodynamic parameters were evaluated at rest and 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 minutes after intoxication. RESULTS: The hemodynamic repercussions of acute bupivacaine intoxication were more important and prolonged than in ropivacaine intoxication. With bupivacaine, the cardiac index showed greater and more prolonged reduction, mean arterial pressure and heart rate had more prolonged reduction, central venous pressure showed a more prolonged increase, and pulmonary wedge pressure increased more for more prolonged time. The impact on the systemic vascular resistance index showed that vasomotricity was partially maintained, increased in both groups, and, paradoxically, was greater and longer-lasting with bupivacaine. CONCLUSIONS: In swine, ropivacaine caused less hemodynamic repercussions than bupivacaine when the same doses were administered intravenously.
ANESTHESIA, Local; ANESTHESIA, Local; COMPLICATIONS; COMPLICATIONS
