血管腔内移植物治疗大动脉疾病的探讨

目的探讨以血管腔内移植物为主的血管腔内疗法治疗胸或胸腹主动脉疾病的疗效和存在问题。方法治疗包括夹层动脉瘤、真性和假性胸主动脉瘤、主动脉减速伤和缩窄患者共137例。主要病变的最低部位在腹腔动脉和肠系膜动脉之间。除血管腔内治疗法外,尚辅以腹主或髂动脉-肠系膜上动脉、或腋动脉-左颈总动脉等架桥术。结果发生急性内脏动脉缺血而急症开腹手术2例。早期漏7例。围手术期死亡6例(4．4％)。随访1～43(平均11)个月,发现后期内漏2例、血管腔内移植物部分断裂1例。DeBakeym型夹层治疗后发生Ⅰ型夹层病变1例。后期死亡5例(4例与腔内移植物无关,1例为多发性动脉瘤复发),失访11例,115例存活。结论以血管腔内移植物治疗高风险的大动脉病变相对安全有效,具有发展前景;但器材有待改进、远期疗效有待观察。     

微创外科治疗大动脉疾病

目的 探讨胸主动脉疾病的微创治疗方法。方法 1999年3月至2003年3月在X线监视下，经股或髂外动脉，以微创法用血管腔内置入物治疗112例大动脉疾病，包括夹层动脉瘤95例，真性胸主动脉瘤12例，主动脉减速伤3例，主动脉狭窄2例。结果 治疗均获成功。围手术期死亡4例。发生近期内漏6例，其中4例经再次支架或弹簧圈置入治愈。后期内漏2例(因置人物移位和病变发展各1例，给予相应治疗)。随访1—30个月(平均11个月)，失访10例，93例生存，3例死于与手术无关的疾病，另1例多发性动脉瘤复发，在再治疗时死于严重的造影剂过敏。结论 微创方法治疗高风险的大动脉病变是相对安全、有效、可行的方法，具有良好的发展前景，但远期疗效尚待观察。     

主动脉疾病腔内治疗的进展与前景

1990年阿根廷医生Parodi的首次成功的经股动脉植入腔内移植物治愈一例腹主动脉瘤 ,在此后 10余年中 ,腔内技术的发展使主动脉疾病的治疗模式发生了巨大的改变 ,例如腹主动脉瘤的治疗 ,在发达国家的多数血管外科中心利用腔内移植物进行的腔内隔绝术已经替代了一半以上的开腹手术 ,在主动脉夹层和胸主动脉瘤的治疗中 ,腔内技术的使用也日益普及。1　腹主动脉瘤腔内隔绝术1.1　移植物的分类腹主动脉瘤的腔内隔绝术按照使用移植物的结构可分为以下三型 :直管型、分叉型、腹主 单支髂动脉型 (见图 1) ,其中直管型由于适应证较为狭窄和继发内漏…     

巨大和长段胸主动脉瘤的血管腔内修复术治疗

目的探讨巨大和长段胸主动脉瘤行带膜支架主动脉腔内修复治疗的可行性。方法对3例10．6～28．0cm长真性胸主动脉瘤的男性患者,采用多个带膜支架相连接成一条长段支架型人工血管,行主动脉腔内修复治疗。对瘤体全长28．0cm、最大直径7．3cm的病例,采用4个长度为130mm的不同直径的带膜支架相连接覆盖胸主动脉;另2例分别用2枚、3枚带膜支架治疗。2例术中先行颈总动脉-颈总动脉和颈总动脉-锁骨下动脉旁路术。结果3例手术过程顺利,术后恢复良好。2例术后无内漏,分别随访1,2个月,瘤腔内血栓形成;1例在支架连接处有少量内漏,术后1年消失,瘤腔内血栓形成。1例术后出现短暂脑缺血表现,1个月后消失。结论采用多个带膜支架相连接对巨大和长段胸主动脉瘤行主动脉腔内修复治疗,安全、微创,疗效良好,远期效果有待观察。     

腔内修复术后中远期并发症与二次处理策略

目的 探讨腔内修复术后中远期并发症的处理方法与效果.方法 自1999年5月至2007年6月,本院对21 例主动脉病变腔内修复术(EVR)后中远期并发症进行了再次处理.男性20 例,女性1 例.年龄28～93(平均76)岁.再次手术距第一次手术时间3 个月至7 年.病变资料:腹主动脉瘤15例,胸主动脉动脉瘤3 例,主动脉夹层3 例.病因资料:2 例白塞氏病,1 例大动脉炎,18 例动脉硬化和/或高血压.并发症资料:玉型内漏11 例,域型内漏4 例,芋型内漏2 例.移植物阻塞:4 例.中远期内漏原因:原发性内漏11 例,支架移位引起继发性内漏5 例.二次处理指征:瘤体直径扩大(13 例)、瘤体破裂(3 例)、下肢间歇性跛行(4 例)及逆行升主动脉夹层(1 例).应用延长支架型血管技术处理玉、芋型内漏(6 例),应用"侧孔"、"凹口"、"分叉"支架型血管结合颈部血管旁路手术重建主动脉弓处理玉型内漏(3例),应用栓塞技术处理域型内漏(4 例),应用取栓和旁路手术技术处理移植物阻塞(4 例),应用开放手术技术处理动脉瘤破裂(1 例).结果 应用腔内技术作为二次处理主要手段的比率95.2%(20/21),二次处理30 天内死亡4.7%(1/21),因技术需要而修改器材结构的病变3 例.术后仍存在内漏29.4 %(5/17 ).二次干预瘤体相关性死亡14.3%(3 /21).结论 内漏和移植物阻塞是腔内修复术后中远期主要并发症.中远期内漏原因主要是原发性内漏的延续和移植物移位.中远期并发症的危害是瘤体继续生长、破裂及肢体缺血.腔内技术可作为二次处理的主要手段.主动脉弓部病变进行二次干预策略在技术上有更大的挑战性.     

腔内治疗主动脉瘤时锚定区不足的处理

目的 探讨主动脉夹层、胸主动脉瘤、胸腹主动脉瘤腔内治疗远近端锚定区缺乏的现阶段处理体会.方法 2005年8月至2009年2月,我科共治疗主动脉扩张性疾病包括主动脉夹层、胸主动脉瘤、胸腹主动脉瘤129例,其中主动脉夹层近端锚定区不足6例,胸主动脉瘤近端锚定区不足3例,腹主动脉瘤远端锚定区不足4例.分别进行升主动脉一双侧颈总动脉一左锁骨下动脉转流、双侧颈总动脉一左锁骨下动脉转流、腹主动脉一肠系膜上动脉一双侧肾动脉转流、髂内动脉栓塞重建锚定区后成功腔内治疗.结果 患者均获技术和临床成功,无围手术期死亡和重大并发症.随访期间支架人造血管无移位,夹层或动脉瘤腔血栓形成良好,无明显内漏,瘤体未增大;桥血管通畅.结论 对于缺乏锚定区的主动脉扩张性病变,通过人造血管旁路手术或栓塞非必须血管等方法重建或扩大锚定区是扩大腔内治疗适应证的安全、有效的手段.     

瘤颈捆扎治疗腹主动脉瘤腔内修复术后持续内漏的疗效分析

目的总结瘤颈捆扎治疗腹主动脉瘤腔内修复术后持续内漏的疗效。方法回顾性分析2019年6月至2022年4月北京大学人民医院10例行瘤颈捆扎手术患者的临床及随访资料。结果手术指征为术后持续Ⅰ型内漏6例、Ⅱ型内漏3例、存在内张力1例, 均合并动脉瘤增大或破裂。全麻下经腹入路套带控制肾下近端瘤颈后使用捆扎带进行加固。10例患者均获得手术成功, 无内漏残留, 无支架移植物闭塞。围手术期并发症包括1例伤口愈合延迟和1例不完全性肠梗阻, 无围手术期死亡。中位随访时间13个月, 未发现内漏复发。1例患者术后6个月因胸降主动脉瘤接受胸主动脉瘤腔内修复术;无其他主动脉相关二次手术或主动脉相关死亡。结论瘤颈捆扎治疗腹主动脉瘤腔内修复术后持续内漏相对微创, 可以有效消除内漏。     

创伤性血管病变的腔内治疗

目的 探讨微创血管腔内技术治疗创伤性血管病变的可行性。方法 对已进行腔内治疗的6例创伤性血管病变进行回顾性分析。结果 6例创伤性血管病变包括颈总动脉假性动脉瘤、锁骨下动静脉瘘、胸主动脉假性动脉瘤、髂动静脉瘘、髂动脉假性动脉瘤、股浅动脉假性动脉瘤各1例。所有病变均在局部麻醉下进行，经腔内移植物治疗后均立刻重建血流通道。6例均得到随访，2个月至4年内所有移植物均通畅。无任何并发症。结论 腔内技术治疗创伤性血管病变具有成功率高、并发症少、损伤小等优点，可望成为创伤性血管病变的重要治疗手段。     

肾动脉平面以上主动脉病变的微创介入治疗

目的总结肾动脉平面以上主动脉疾病的微创介入治疗经验。方法回顾性分析2000年7月至2004年12月采用微创介入治疗的42例肾动脉平面以上主动脉疾病患者的临床资料。夹层动脉瘤32例,真性动脉瘤7例,假性动脉瘤3例。结果本组死亡1例(2.4%),术后第8天死于心源性猝死。无截瘫、偏瘫或卒中发生。即时内漏发生8例,占19.1%,其中2例放置带膜支架后内漏消失;3例较严重内漏经大球囊适当扩张后消失;另外3例由于范围不大,未行特殊处理。随访41例,随访时间1～48个月,平均为16个月。死亡1例,占2.5%。剩余的3例内漏全部消失,假腔内血栓形成。结论血管腔内微创介入技术治疗高风险的肾动脉平面以上主动脉疾病是相对安全、有效的方法,但远期疗效尚待进一步观察。     

高危复杂腹主动脉瘤腔内修复术临床分析

目的 评估应用多种腔内技术治疗高危复杂腹主动脉瘤的可行性.方法 2001年1月至2010年12月,共138例腹主动脉瘤患者接受腹主动脉腔内修复术(EVAR),其中9例患者为高危复杂性腹主动脉瘤.男性8例,女性1例,年龄26～87岁,平均67岁.其中2例近肾腹主动脉假性动脉瘤,5例近肾腹主动脉瘤,1例腹主动脉瘤合并双髂总动脉瘤及左侧髂内动脉瘤,1例EVAR术后右髂内动脉瘤.所采用的腔内技术包括:主动脉支架开窗技术和扇形技术2例,烟囱技术5例,球囊辅助下髂内动脉瘤腔内治疗1例和球囊辅助反转支架技术1例.结果 所有腔内技术均获得成功.术中支架释放后即刻发现内漏4例,其中1例患者为Ⅰ型和Ⅲ型内漏,经大动脉球囊扩张后内漏消失;2例Ⅰ型内漏,其中1例行弹簧栓栓塞成功,另1例行近端裸支架成功.1例Ⅱ型内漏,经随访瘤腔直径未增大,未处理.随访4～79个月,平均25.9个月.无动脉瘤破裂,动脉瘤瘤体直径均有不同程度的缩小.随访过程中7例患者的靶血管(肾动脉、肠系膜上动脉和髂内动脉)均保持通畅.1例髂内动脉重建支架术后18个月血栓形成,但无盆腔缺血等症状.结论 对于不能耐受手术的高危复杂腹主动脉瘤患者,选择合适的腔内技术可以增加EVAR术的成功率,近、中期效果满意.     

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 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.     

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.     

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.     

Dilemma of Membrane Biocompatibility and Reuse

Abstract: Numerous articles have been published on the multiple use of dialyzers and on the effect of different reprocessing chemicals and techniques on the dialyzer biocompatibility and performance. The results often appear contradictory, especially those comparing standard biocompatibility parameters. Despite this confusion, a discerning review of the published works allows certain limited conclusions to be drawn. Reprocessing of used hemodialyzers changes the biocompatibility profile of a dialyzer as defined by the parameters complement activation. leukopenia, and cytokine release. The effect of reprocessing depends on the chemicals and reprocessing technique applied and also on the type of membrane polymer being subjected to the reprocessing procedure. Reports of pyrogenic reactions indicate that the flux of the membrane also influences how suitable it is for safe reuse. An increased risk of allergic and pyrogenic reactions appears to be associated with dialyzer reuse. Furthermore, there has been a lack of investigations into the immunologic effect of the layer of adsorbed and chemically altered proteins that remains on the inner surface of reprocessed dialyzers. We conclude that the clinical benefit of dialyzer reuse cannot be generally accepted from a biocompatibility point of view.     

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.