Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Comparison of the Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Pericapsular Nerve Group Block and Fascia Iliaca Block on Postoperative Analgesia Management

Overview

Aortic Stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular pathology, particularly prevalent in advanced age, and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) has become a crucial treatment option for high-risk patients who are not suitable for surgery. This minimally invasive approach has demonstrated successful clinical outcomes in patients deemed ineligible for surgical procedures. Patient selection criteria and advancements in operative techniques are critical for achieving successful TAVI outcomes. While the transfemoral approach is the most commonly used method, alternative techniques such as transapical, transaxillary, transcarotid, and transaortic approaches are also available. The Pericapsular Nerve Group Block (PENG) targets the femoral and accessory obturator nerves, providing analgesia to the anterior hip without causing motor block. The Fascia Iliaca Block (FIB), on the other hand, provides broader analgesic coverage by affecting the lateral femoral cutaneous, obturator, and femoral nerves. This study aims to compare PENG block, FIB, and local infiltration anesthesia in TAVI patients regarding sedation requirements during the procedure and postoperative analgesia management. Additionally, pain scores, motor block presence, opioid consumption, and side effects will be assessed. The study seeks to identify optimal strategies to enhance patient comfort and safety during TAVI procedures.

Aortic Stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular pathology, affecting 2% to 4% of individuals over the age of 75. Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR) has long been considered the first-line recommendation for AS treatment. However, due to advanced age and the increasing prevalence of severe comorbidities, more than one-third of high-risk and severely symptomatic AS patients are deemed physiologically unsuitable for major surgical interventions. This situation has led to the development and implementation of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) as an alternative intervention for high-risk patients and those deemed unsuitable for surgery. This shift towards minimally invasive procedures has resulted in revolutionary improvements in clinical outcomes, particularly for AS patients previously considered ineligible for surgery. Advances in patient selection criteria and operative techniques have made significant contributions to the success of TAVI. Both retrograde and anterograde operative approaches can be employed during the TAVI procedure. While the transfemoral approach remains the most commonly used technique, alternative methods such as transapical, transaxillary, transcarotid, and transaortic approaches are also available. The choice of operative technique largely depends on patient-specific anatomical features and existing comorbidities. Pericapsular Nerve Group Block (PENG Block) The increasing use of ultrasound (US) in anesthetic practice has facilitated the frequent application of US-guided nerve blocks. The Pericapsular Nerve Group Block (PENG Block) is a novel fascial block first described by Arango et al. In this technique, local anesthetic is injected between the pubic ramus and the psoas tendon, targeting the femoral and accessory obturator nerves to provide effective analgesia for the anterior hip region. The PENG block has the advantage of not causing motor block. Its superficial applicability makes it a safe and effective method. Radiological and cadaver studies have shown that high-volume local anesthetic injections can also block the lateral femoral cutaneous, genitofemoral, obturator, and femoral nerves, enabling total hip analgesia. Fascia Iliaca Block (FIB) The Fascia Iliaca Block (FIB) is an effective fascial block technique capable of simultaneously affecting multiple nerves. This block aims to anesthetize the lateral femoral cutaneous, obturator, and femoral nerves, providing broad analgesic coverage. FIB is performed away from critical inguinal neurovascular structures, enhancing its reliability. It is particularly preferred in pain management scenarios, such as acute hip fractures, and is considered a safe option for these clinical situations. Aim of the Study This prospective, randomized study aims to compare the sedation requirements during the procedure and the postoperative analgesia management in TAVI patients undergoing PENG block, FIB, or local infiltration anesthesia. The primary objective is to evaluate the sedation needs of patients during the procedure. The secondary objectives include comparing postoperative pain scores (Numerical Rating Scale - NRS), the presence of quadriceps motor block (paretic or paralytic knee extension), opioid consumption, and opioid-related side effects (e.g., allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting). This study aims to analyze the efficacy and safety of different analgesia methods, contributing to the identification of optimal strategies to enhance patient comfort and safety during TAVI procedures.