Other names: Controlled Hypotension; Deliberate Induced Hypotension; Perioperative Hemodynamic Control,

Induced hypotension is when the blood pressure is intentionally lowered during surgery to decrease the amount of blood loss and therefore reduce the need for blood transfusions. Reducing the blood pressure also results in less blood in the surgical field, giving a clearer surgical view.

For induced hypotension the systolic blood pressure is reduced to between 80 and 90 mm Hg, or mean arterial pressure is reduced to 50-65 mm Hg in patients with normal blood pressure or a reduction 30% below the baseline mean arterial pressure in other patients.

Blood pressure is reduced by decreasing cardiac output, and/or reducing blood pressure. This can be achieved by controlling venous return by positioning the patient or by use of medications for example inhaled anesthetics or vasodilating drugs.

Complications of induced hypotension are related to the decrease in blood flow and can include insufficient blood flow to the brain, delayed awakening, blood clot within the brain, permanent brain damage and death.

Drugs used to treat Induced Hypotension