Hong JM, et al. - In this study, the hemodynamic changes caused by three different concentrations of epidural ropivacaine were compared. In addition, researchers assessed the performance of the stroke-volume variation (SVV) and central venous pressure (CVP) during thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) with general anesthesia. A significant decrease in the systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure was observed as a result of administration of a high concentration of ropivacaine through TEA. In the elderly patients, more significant decreases were demonstrated. Data also reported that although the alterations of SVV displayed a negative correlation with hypotension and pointed to functional hypovolemia after TEA, the predictability was limited.