Faisal Vali
Can someone please explain to me why the knee-chest position helps when
dealing with tet spells in cyanotic tetralogy of fallot patients?
What I've been told is that it tends to increase systemic resistance -
thus decreasing the R->L septal shunt, and encouraging pulmonary flow.
I guess I don't see the physiology behind the knee-chest position
increasing the systemic resistance?
(Does it increase venous return? Is it some form of reflex that triggers
vasoconstriction? Is it increasing intrathoracic pressure (but that
would decrease venous return) and thus increasing arterial tone similar
to the mech behing valsalva?)
thanks in advance!
regards,
Faisal Vali
dealing with tet spells in cyanotic tetralogy of fallot patients?
What I've been told is that it tends to increase systemic resistance -
thus decreasing the R->L septal shunt, and encouraging pulmonary flow.
I guess I don't see the physiology behind the knee-chest position
increasing the systemic resistance?
(Does it increase venous return? Is it some form of reflex that triggers
vasoconstriction? Is it increasing intrathoracic pressure (but that
would decrease venous return) and thus increasing arterial tone similar
to the mech behing valsalva?)
thanks in advance!
regards,
Faisal Vali
