同种带瓣大动脉片在肺血少型复杂先天性心脏病手术中的应用

目的　评价同种带瓣大动脉片在手术矫治肺血少型复杂先天性心脏病(先心病)中应用的临床效果。方法　420例复杂先心病病人(儿)手术中应用了同种带瓣大动脉片,其中同种主动脉单瓣补片234例,肺动脉单瓣补片186例。年龄5个月～21岁,平均4.6岁。体重5.5～52.0kg,平均17.5kg。随访3个月～12.3年,平均(27.8±10.3)个月。结果　全组手术死亡率4.5%(19/420例);术后机械辅助呼吸8～192h,平均(48.67±42.50)h;术后住院7～46d,平均(12±9)d。无晚期死亡及并发症发生。结论　对于相当一部分肺动脉发育差、以往难以手术根治的病人(儿),术中应用同种带瓣大动脉片行右室流出道跨环补片,可取得满意手术疗效。     

小儿永存动脉干右室流出道重建

目的 总结小儿永存动脉干(PTA)右室流出道重建治疗经验.方法 2000年1月至2007年12月共行PTA根治手术治疗43例,男26例,女17例.年龄1.5个月～3.8岁;体重3.2～23.0kg.Ⅰ型、Ⅱ型和Ⅲ型PTA分别为26例、11例和6例.18例PTA的肺动脉直接下拖至右室流出道切口上缘相吻合,前壁再用心包补片扩大;8例用Homograft管道、14例用牛颈静脉管道连接远端肺动脉和右心室,重建右室流出道;3例Ⅱ型者,肺动脉后壁用左心耳壁与右室流出道上缘做吻合,前壁再用心包补片扩大.结果 术后所有病儿均生存,5例表现为右心功能不全,2例右肺动脉(RPA)压差37.5～47.3 mm Hg(1mm Hg=0.133kPa),术后17d恢复至35.3mm Hg以下.左心室流出道阶差均小于20.3mm Hg.残余VSD(2mm)1例,乳糜胸1例.5例病儿肺血管阻力高,吸一氧化氮(NO)治疗7d左右后好转.随访3个月～3年,2例病儿RPA残余压差24.0～29.3 mm Hg,均无明显右心室或左心室流出道梗阻.结论 肺总动脉后壁直接与右心室切口作吻合重建PTA的右室流出道,早期和远期效果良好.牛颈静脉的带瓣管道的应用,解决了小尺寸同种带瓣管道来源不足的问题,操作简便.     

法乐四联症合并一侧肺动脉缺如的外科治疗

法乐四联症合并一侧肺动脉缺如临床少见。作者单位自１９６６年５月以来共收治的法乐四联症２２９４例，其中合并一侧肺动脉缺如２３例（约占１％），左肺动脉缺如１９例，右肺动脉缺如４例。９例应用右心室到肺动脉心外管道，其余的应用带单瓣右心室流出道补片。手术死亡２例，手术死亡率为８．７％。存活者术后恢复顺利，远期疗效较满意。作者认为，四联症合并一侧肺动脉缺如应选用带单瓣右心室流出道补片，如有异常冠状动脉或肺动脉闭锁则用右心室到肺动脉同种带瓣主动脉心外管道。     

同种带单瓣大动脉血管片在肺动脉闭锁一期根治术中的应用

目的 总结在肺动脉闭锁一期根治术中采用具有活性的、液氮深低温保存的同种带单瓣大动脉血管片的经验。方法 1996年10月至2002年5月采用同种带单瓣大动脉血管片连接自体心包片的方法重建右室流出道28例(占同期收治肺动脉闭锁病例的21.88％)，其中合并室间隔缺损17例，室间隔完整11例。结果 住院死亡2例(7.14％)，均为低心排出量综合征。余者发绀消失，活动量增加。术后主要并发症：肺不张3例，感染2例，缺氧性脑病、渗漏综合征、室缺残余分流、二次开胸止血各1例。随访1-24个月，3例肺动脉瓣有少-中量反流，手术效果良好。无晚期死亡及并发症发生。结论 在肺动脉闭锁一期根治术中应用同种带单瓣大动脉血管片跨肺动脉瓣环补片对预防肺动脉关闭不全和反流的近期疗效较好，减少反流的关键是同种带单瓣血管片的制作和手术技术。     

法洛四联症合并一侧肺动脉缺如的手术治疗

目的报告法洛四联症合并一侧肺动脉缺如的外科治疗。方法８例法洛四联症合并一侧肺动脉缺如患者，左侧肺动脉缺如７例，右侧肺动脉缺如１例；其中２例肺动脉闭锁。６例行一期根治术，２例先行体－肺动脉分流术，再分别于术后８个月和１１个月行二期根治术。６例应用带单瓣补片跨瓣加宽右心室流出道，２例采用右心室到肺动脉带瓣管道。结果全组术后出现呼吸衰竭２例，低心排血量综合征３例；其中１例死于心力衰竭，死亡率１２．５％。７例长期存活者术后随访０．５～５．０年，平均２．５６年，无晚期死亡，心功能Ⅰ级６例，心功能Ⅱ级１例。结论法洛四联症合并一侧肺动脉缺如根治术时，必须严格掌握手术适应证，右心室流出道跨瓣补片应带单瓣     

两种不同手术方式矫治完全性大动脉错位伴有室缺和肺动脉狭窄的效果分析

目的 回顾性分析两种不同手术方式矫治完全性大动脉错位(TGA)伴有室间隔缺损(VSD)和肺动脉狭窄(PS)的效果.方法 对46例TGA/VSD/PS的患者进行手术矫治,其中采用主动脉根部移位/重建双室流出道术,即Nikaidoh术27例(N组),Rastelli手术19例(R组).N组采用自身心包补片重建右室流出道(RVOT),其中1例用同种异体带瓣管道Homograft;R组使用Homograft重建RVOT.两组均无手术前姑息手术史.结果 N组因术后严重心功能衰竭死亡1例(3.7%),R组无死亡.术后早期并发症的发生率两组相近.手术平均年龄N组(16.3±16)个月,R组(51±20)个月,N组明显小于R组(P=0.028).N组术后无明显残余左、右心室流出道梗阻(LVOTO、RVOTO),而R组有37%患者分别存在LVOTO或RVOTO(P＜0.05),但N组术后89%患者存在轻-中度肺动脉血反流现象,R组仅1例患者存在轻度反流(P＜0.05),两组手术早期心功能状况差异无统计学意义;随访期两组均无死亡,但R组有4例(23.6%)因LVOTO、RVOTO再手术治疗.结论 Nikaidoh术矫治TGA/VSD/PS患者,在解剖上更胜一筹,适宜于小的年龄患者.     

自制带单瓣管道重建右心室-肺动脉连接治疗复杂先天性心脏病

目的总结自制带单瓣管道重建右心室-肺动脉连接治疗复杂先天性心脏病的经验,探讨术中操作要点,评估该疗法的近中期结果。方法回顾性分析我科2006年1月至2018年6月利用自制带单瓣管道外科治疗的65例复杂先天性心脏病患者的临床资料。其中男42例、女23例,年龄5~23(9.9±4.2)岁,体重15~65(26.2±9.9)kg。根据所使用带单瓣管道将患者分为两组:带单瓣人工血管组19例,带单瓣牛心包管组46例。其中室间隔缺损(VSD)合并肺动脉闭锁(PA)48例,矫正性大动脉转位合并肺动脉狭窄10例,法洛四联症合并单支冠状动脉畸形5例,右室双出口合并肺动脉狭窄及单支冠状动脉畸形2例。结果术后早期死亡2例,均为VSD/PA行人工血管外管道根治患者。术中测右室流出道压差:人工血管组13~37(25.2±4.9)mm Hg,牛心包管组5~23(10.5±3.3)mm Hg。出院时心脏彩超显示外管道内无明显反流。术后失访1例,随访时间8个月至13年。随访期间,三尖瓣中度反流5例,管道内中度反流32例,右室流出道重度梗阻7例,中度梗阻11例,轻度梗阻25例。无中晚期死亡。心功能分级(NYHA)Ⅰ~Ⅱ级,活动耐量良好。结论自制带单瓣外管道重建右心室-肺动脉连接临床效果良好,牛心包管道术中流出道压差小于人工血管,我们更推荐牛心包管用于低龄、低体重患者。     

Nikaidoh手术的临床应用

目的 总结Nikaidoh手术治疗右心室双出口(DORV)和大动脉转位(TGA)患者的临床经验,以提高手术疗效. 方法 3例先天性心脏病患者中DORV 1例,TGA 2例(平均年龄11.6岁),均行Nikaidoh手术,术中行Lecompte操作,Gore-tex人工血管补片修补室间隔缺损并重建左心室流出道,18＃带单瓣牛心包片补片重建肺动脉及右室流出道. 结果 术后无早期死亡,平均住院时间13.6d.发生低心排血量综合征1例,肝功能损害2例,二次开胸止血1例,均经相应的处理治愈.随访3例,随访时间3～5个月,复查超声心动图未发现左、右心室流出道梗阻;其中2例发现轻度至中度主动脉瓣关闭不全,但定期随访未发现继续加重. 结论 采用Nikaidoh手术治疗DORV和TGA患者,术后可获得良好的血流动力学效果,早期临床结果满意.     

同种带瓣主动脉和带瓣肺动脉补片在儿童复杂先心病的应用

１９８９年１１月至１９９２年７月期间，应用低温保存同种带瓣大动脉纠治儿童复杂性先心病１２例。病人年龄２～１６岁（７．２±３．７岁），体重８～３１．５ｋｇ（１８．９±６．６ｋｇ）。诊断为法乐氏四联症（ＴＯＦ）８例，其中伴肺动脉瓣闭锁３例；冠状动脉畸形１例；严重肺动脉发育不良２例；左肺动脉缺如２例。大动脉错位伴室间隔缺损和肺动脉狭窄２例；永存动脉干畸形（Ⅱ型）２例。８例应用同种带瓣管道作右室流出道与肺动脉连接，４例应用同种带瓣肺动脉片作跨瓣环右室流出道扩大术。本组死亡１例，最长随访时间３年。文中对同种带瓣管道的取材方法，保存技术及应用方法作了讨论。     

Ross-Konno手术治疗儿童主动脉瓣及瓣下狭窄的临床疗效

目的评价Ross-Konno手术治疗儿童主动脉瓣及瓣下狭窄的早期临床疗效。方法 2018年12月至2019年12月,共12例患儿因主动脉瓣及瓣下狭窄在我科接受手术治疗,其中男8例、女4例,接受手术时中位年龄4岁(11个月~12岁)。Ross-Konno手术11例,单纯Ross手术1例。主动脉瓣重度狭窄8例,主动脉瓣关闭不全2例,狭窄合并关闭不全2例。合并主动脉二瓣化畸形6例,瓣下流出道显著狭窄4例,合并二尖瓣病变4例,合并弓部病变3例。手术采用自体肺动脉带瓣管道移植于主动脉瓣位,同期采用Konno法扩大左室流出道。采用牛颈静脉或带瓣Gore-tex人工血管重建右室流出道,并同期矫治心内合并畸形。所有患者均经多普勒彩色超声心动图定期进行随访评估。结果全组无手术死亡。术后中位随访时间5.5(1~12)个月,1例患儿残余左室流出道中度狭窄,其余患儿无显著左室流出道残余梗阻或复发梗阻,无新主动脉瓣显著反流。1例患儿肺动脉带瓣管道主干中度狭窄,余重建右室流出道血流通畅,无明显瓣膜反流及赘生物形成。结论对于不适合瓣膜成形或置换术的儿童主动脉瓣膜病变,Ross-Konno手术早期结果满意。     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.