不开胸“杂交”手术治疗主动脉弓部夹层的近中期随访研究

目的总结不开胸"杂交"手术(不开胸主动脉弓分支血管旁路术+主动脉腔内修复术)治疗主动脉弓部夹层的近中期疗效和经验。方法回顾性分析2011年1月至2014年9月在广州军区武汉总医院心胸外科接受主动脉弓分支血管旁路术+主动脉腔内修复术(主动脉弓分支血管旁路术毕即转入导管室行同期主动脉腔内修复术)治疗主动脉弓部夹层7例患者的临床资料,其中男12例、女5例,年龄46~71岁。分析该手术方式的选择及预后情况。结果行左颈总动脉-左锁骨下动脉旁路术4例,右颈总动脉-左颈总动脉-左锁骨下动脉旁路术3例,右颈总动脉-左颈总动脉旁路术、封闭左锁骨下动脉10例。全部手术均获得成功。1例患者术后出现喉返神经损伤。术后7 d、3个月、1年及之后每年复查CT,随访截至2015年9月,随访时间12~53个月。随访所有患者均健康存活,人工血管旁路通畅,血管支架无内漏。结论不开胸"杂交"手术可用于治疗难以耐受主动脉置换的主动脉弓部主动脉夹层高危患者。     

主动脉弓部病变杂交手术后并发症的原因分析及处理

目的 对主动脉弓部病变杂交手术后常见并发症的发生原因进行分析.方法 对2001年1月至2008年12月接受杂交手术的34例主动脉弓部病变患者的资料进行回顾性分析.其中男性28例,女性6例,年龄34～75岁,平均年龄56.7岁.主动脉央层27例,其中A型21例,B型6例;主动脉弓部真性动脉瘤7例.杂交手术包括升主动脉-无名动脉-左颈总动脉Y形旁路3例,升主动脉-左颈总动脉-左锁骨下动脉Y形旁路2例,升主动脉-左颈总动脉旁路连同冠状动脉旁路移植1例,左颈总动脉-右颈总动脉旁路13例,右颈总动脉-左颈总动脉及左颈总动脉-左锁骨下动脉旁路3例,左锁骨下动脉-左颈总动脉-右颈总动脉Y形旁路2例,左颈总动脉-左锁骨下动脉旁路9例.一期行腔内修复26例,分期行腔内修复8例.结果 总的并发症发生率为32.4%(11/34),其中致死性并发症发生率11.8%(4/34).并发症包括主动脉央层破裂1例,脑卒中2例,吻合口漏并假件动脉瘤2例,心肌梗死1例,肺栓塞1例,颈部血肿1例,内漏3例.除4例围手术期死亡外,其余病例随访6～50个月,平均28.6个月,均健康生存.结论 肤主动脉弓部病变杂交手术后的并发症较一般腔内修复术更为多见,降低致死性并发症的发生率是该手术获得进一步推广的关键.     

杂交技术治疗主动脉弓降部病变的临床研究

目的:探讨杂交技术治疗主动脉弓降部病变的效果。方法:采用杂交技术(解剖外旁路联合血管腔内修复术)手术治疗10例患者,包括累及主动脉弓部分支的B型主动脉夹层4例和主动脉弓降部真性动脉瘤6例。其中左颈总动脉至左椎动脉旁路1例,右颈总动脉至左颈总动脉旁路5例,右颈总动脉至左颈总动脉及左颈总动脉至左锁骨下动脉旁路1例和升主动脉至无名动脉及左颈总动脉旁路3例。均经股动脉入路植入覆膜支架。结果:10例患者均获得技术成功,1例发生少量I型内漏,未处理。术后1例因脑梗塞伴肺炎、肾功能衰竭不治自动出院;其余9例均痊愈出院。9例随访时间3～33个月,均恢复正常生活,术后3个月CTA示:覆膜支架无移位,1例内漏已消失,无新的内漏发生,夹层假腔或动脉瘤腔内已有血栓形成,远端夹层假腔无明显扩大,旁路人工血管通畅。结论:杂交手术避免体外循环损害,减轻外科手术创伤,提高了治疗效果,是治疗累及分支的主动脉弓降部病变的重要方法。     

腔内修复联合旁路手术治疗DeBakeyⅠ型升主动脉夹层

目的探讨腔内修复联合人造血管旁路手术治疗DeBakeyⅠ型升主动脉夹层的临床应用价值。方法分析2005年中山大学附属第一医院血管外科运用腔内修复联合人造血管旁路手术治愈的2例DeBakeyⅠ型升主动脉夹层临床资料。结果腔内修复前先行左锁骨下动脉-左颈总动脉-右颈总动脉人造血管旁路手术,然后从右股总动脉将带膜支架植入升主动脉封闭内膜撕裂口,并同时封闭无名动脉和左颈总动脉,1例术后即时造影和术后2个月随访造影均显示升主动脉夹层消失,无内漏,颈部人造血管旁路血流通畅,病人健康生存;另1例术后2个月随访,一般情况良好。结论对于内膜撕裂口靠近无名动脉和左颈总动脉的DeBakeyⅠ型升主动脉夹层,腔内修复联合人造血管旁路手术是一种安全而有效的治疗方法。     

带膜支架腔内修复联合解剖外旁路术治疗Stanford A型主动脉夹层

目的探讨带膜支架腔内修复联合解剖外旁路术对Stanford A型主动脉夹层的临床效果。方法通过建立各种解剖外旁路来重建无名动脉、左颈总动脉或左锁骨下动脉以延长锚定区,然后一期或分期行带膜支架主动脉腔内修复术;可采取颈动脉入路或股动脉入路来完成主动脉腔内修复术。结果全组34例中升主动脉夹层8例,主动脉弓部夹层26例,除1例术中死亡外,其余33例均成功接受带膜支架主动脉腔内修复术。30d病死率为8．8％（3／34）,内漏发生率为11．8％（4／34）,脑梗死发生率为5．9％（2／34）。随访6—70个月,平均24．5个月,2例失访。结果显示假腔内完全血栓形成16例,部分血栓形成13例。结论带膜支架腔内修复联合解剖外旁路术为Stanford A型主动脉夹层提供了一种新的治疗方法,具有微创、安全性较高,并发症较少的特点,但应注意适应证的选择。     

经颈动脉腔内技术重建主动脉弓治疗Stanford A型夹层动脉瘤(附1例报告)

目的探讨血管腔内技术重建主动脉弓治疗升主动脉、主动脉弓病变的可行性。方法2005年,对1例StanfordA型夹层动脉瘤,腔内修复主动脉病变之前做右颈总动脉-左颈总动脉-左锁骨下动脉的旁路术;经右颈总动脉将修改的分叉支架型血管主体放入升主动脉,长臂位于无名动脉。短臂应用延长支架型血管延伸至降主动脉。通过腔内技术重建主动脉弓实现累及升主动脉和主动脉弓主动脉病变的微创治疗。结果腔内修复术后移植物形态良好,血流通畅,病变被隔绝,脑、躯干、四肢循环稳定。无严重并发症。结论该手术方案设计合理、技术可行。可能成为复杂胸主动脉病变新的腔内治疗模式。     

激光原位开窗联合胸主动脉腔内修复术12例

目的探讨体内激光原位开窗联合胸主动脉腔内修复术治疗累及主动脉弓部甚至升主动脉的主动脉疾病的近期疗效。方法 2016年11月~2017年1月我科对12例累及主动脉弓部甚至升主动脉的主动脉疾病应用体内激光原位开窗技术进行覆膜支架腔内修复术,其中Stanford B型主动脉夹层7例,Stanford A型主动脉夹层2例,升主动脉合并主动脉弓部动脉瘤1例,升主动脉穿透性溃疡合并壁内血肿2例。左锁骨下动脉开窗7例,左颈总动脉+左锁骨下动脉开窗1例,头臂干+左颈总动脉+左锁骨下动脉开窗4例。急性期手术5例,慢性期手术7例。结果植入锥形大动脉覆膜支架12枚,Fluency plus直管型覆膜支架21枚。围手术期死亡2例(16.7%,2/12),其中术中升主动脉破裂死亡1例(8.3%,1/12),术后因消化道大出血合并多脏器功能衰竭死亡1例。术后早期并发症发生率16.7%(2/12),分别为短暂性神经功能障碍1例、呼吸功能不全合并肺部感染1例,经治疗后均痊愈出院。术后3个月随访显示夹层破口(或溃疡、动脉瘤)隔绝良好,无内漏,开窗血管通畅。结论激光原位开窗联合胸主动脉腔内修复术治疗累及主动脉弓部甚至升主动脉的主动脉疾病安全、有效,具有创伤小、恢复快、术中成功率高、内漏发生率低等优点,近期效果良好。     

体外转流联合多种原位开窗技术在主动脉弓部疾病腔内修复的应用

目的探讨体外转流联合激光或穿刺针腔内原位开窗技术治疗累及主动脉弓部疾病的近期疗效和安全性。方法回顾性分析2016年12月～2018年12月20例累及主动脉弓上分支动脉的主动脉瘤(夹层)资料,应用体外转流联合激光或穿刺针腔内原位开窗技术进行腔内修复。结果 19例成功完成原位开窗,1例术中死亡。应用体外转流10例。9例左锁骨下动脉开窗,其中1例因左锁骨下动脉弯曲角度过大未能完成原位开窗,置入烟囱支架; 4例左锁骨下动脉+左颈总动脉双开窗,6例左锁骨下动脉+头臂干+左颈总动脉三开窗。围手术期死亡2例,其中1例术中因升主动脉破裂死亡,1例术后3天因大面积脑梗死死亡。术后早期并发症2例(1例暂时性神经功能障碍,1例肺部感染),均治愈出院。18例随访时间6～30个月,(18±3)月,主动脉CTA显示主动脉弓部病变部位均隔绝良好,无内漏,开窗血管通畅。结论对累及主动脉弓部疾病,应用体外转流联合激光或穿刺针腔内原位开窗技术行腔内修复术微创、有效,但应术前全面评估病情,掌握好适应证。     

主动脉弓降部病变患者胸主动脉腔内治疗同期左锁骨下动脉血流重建的近中期效果CSCD

目的 探讨胸主动脉腔内治疗主动脉弓降部病变同期行左锁骨下动脉血流重建的预后.方法 2010年1月到2016年8月,55例主动脉弓病变合并椎动脉左侧优势型患者,术前均经主动脉CT诊断,接受覆盖左锁骨下动脉开口的胸主动脉腔内治疗,其中28例同期行左锁骨下动脉重建.研究终点包括术后死亡、再手术、卒中和主动脉相关不良事件.结果 患者均随访,平均（30.0 ±17.5）个月.左侧椎动脉直径为（4.88 ±0.85）mm,右侧椎动脉为（3.00 ±0.75）mm.全组无院内死亡、再次手术和主动脉相关的不良事件.随访期间,2例主动脉覆膜支架仍存在Ⅳ型内漏,3例死亡.结论 主动脉弓降部病变患者于腔内修复同期行左锁骨下动脉重建的治疗效果安全可靠,中期预后良好,仍需长期随访.     

腔内激光原位开窗覆膜支架植入术治疗Stanford A型主动脉夹层7例疗效分析

目的探讨主动脉弓腔内修复术联合体内激光原位开窗覆膜支架植入术治疗Stanford A型主动脉夹层的近期疗效。方法 2016年11月至2017年5月柳州市工人医院血管外科对7例Stanford A型主动脉夹层病人应用体内激光原位开窗技术进行覆膜支架腔内修复术。术中头臂干+左颈总动脉+左锁骨下动脉开窗4例,头臂干+左颈总动脉开窗2例,左颈总动脉+左锁骨下动脉开窗1例。急性期手术5例,慢性期手术2例。结果 7例病人植入锥形大动脉支架13枚、Fluency plus直管型覆膜支架18枚。术中因升主动脉破裂死亡1例(14.3%),术后早期并发症发生率为28.6%,所有病人经治疗后均痊愈出院。术后1个月、3个月随访结果均显示夹层破口隔绝良好,无内漏,开窗血管通畅。结论主动脉弓腔内修复术联合体内激光原位开窗覆膜支架植入术治疗Stanford A型主动脉夹层安全、有效,且创伤小、恢复快、术中成功率高、内漏发生率低,近期效果良好,中、远期疗效尚需随访进一步证实。     

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.