瓷修复体与金属托槽粘接强度的实验研究

目的:研究两种不同形状的底板(燕尾状、网状)对正畸金属托槽与瓷修复体粘接强度的影响。方法:根据瓷面处理方式及所粘接托槽的不同,将80个瓷修复体随机平均分为4组:金刚砂车针打磨+燕尾状底板托槽;金刚砂车针打磨+网状底板托槽;9.6%氢氟酸(hydrofl uori c aci d,HF)酸蚀+燕尾状底板托槽;9.6%HF酸蚀+网状底板托槽。将粘接后的每组瓷修复体随机平均分为2组:组1用37℃人工唾液水浴24h;组2不予处理。用硅烷偶联剂、杜拉菲勒光固化复合树脂充填材料进行粘接。检测抗剪切强度及粘结剂残留指数。结果:经人工唾液水浴后,抗剪切强度燕尾状底板托槽组较网状底板托槽组高,且差别有统计学意义(P<0.05);瓷面经打磨处理后,粘结剂残留指数网状底板组高于燕尾状底板组,且差别有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:燕尾状底板较网状底板提供更大的抗剪切强度;瓷面经金刚砂车针打磨较用HF酸蚀提供更大的抗剪切强度,且遗留较多粘接剂。     

自酸蚀封闭剂与玻璃离子联合用于托槽粘结的临床观察

目的：评价自酸蚀粘结剂与树脂加强型玻璃离子联合用于正畸托槽粘结的临床使用效果。方法：随机选择50名患者，采用自身对照的方法进行为期12个月的临床观察。385个托槽用自酸蚀封闭剂（3MESEP）和光固化树脂加强型玻璃离子水门汀（FUJI ORTHO LC）粘结，390个托槽用京津釉质粘结剂粘结。观察托槽脱落的时间和脱落后粘结剂在牙面上的残留量，计算托槽脱落率和粘结材料残留指教。结果：光固化树脂加强型玻璃离子水门汀和自酸蚀封闭剂粘结的托槽脱落率为10．1％；京津釉质粘结剂粘结的托槽脱落率为9．0％，两者差异没有统计学意义（P〉0．05）。两种材料粘结的托槽脱落后，牙釉质上的粘结材料残留指教差异无显著统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论：自酸蚀封闭剂和树脂加强型玻璃离子所构成的粘结技术粘结正畸托槽的粘结强度，可以满足正畸治疗的需要，在临床上有广阔的应用前景。     

Er：YAG激光照射对牙釉质与VITA MarkⅡ瓷块间粘结强度的影响

目的：用Er：YAG激光照射和酸蚀剂分别处理牙釉质表面,观察其表面的形态学变化,评价Er：YAG激光照射和酸蚀剂处理对牙釉质与VITA MarkⅡ瓷块间粘结强度的影响。方法：收集因正畸拔除的无龋坏、无隐裂的完整人类前磨牙40颗,在牙体的近远中面制备出3mm×3mm的牙釉质面样本,共40个。将所有样本随机分为4组,每组10个样本按以下分组进行表面处理：①Er：YAG激光组（60mJ,2Hz）;②酸蚀纽（35％磷酸）;③Er：YAG激光＋酸蚀组;④酸蚀＋Er：YAG激光组。每组随机抽取2个样本通过扫描电子显微镜观察其表面形态,其余8个样本通过3M ESPE RelyX Unicem光固化树脂粘结剂与VITA MarkII瓷块粘结,经粘结强度测试检测牙釉质与VITA MarkII瓷块间的粘结强度,用SPSSl7．0统计软件进行分析,采用单因素方差分析将各组数据两两比较,P〈0．05差异有统计学意义。结果：酸蚀＋Er：YAG激光组与其他各组比较,粘结强度值显示最高值,差异显著（P〈0．05）;Er：YAG激光＋酸蚀组粘结强度值呈最低值,差异显著（P〈0．05）;酸蚀组和Er：YAG激光组粘结强度值居中,二者之间无统计学差异（P〉0．05）。结论：酸蚀联合Er：YAG激光照射能够增强牙釉质与VITA MarkII瓷块问的粘结强度,是牙体组织粘结前有效的轰面处理方式．     

不同表面处理方法对金属托槽与不同瓷修复体粘结强度影响的研究

目的：研究不同的表面处理方法对金属托槽与不同瓷面粘结强度的影响,为临床托槽粘结前选择合适的陶瓷表面处理方法提供参考依据。方法：选择3种不同的陶瓷材料为研究样本并制作成试件,每种样本按所用的表面处理方法不同分为喷砂、酸蚀、喷砂＋酸蚀处理3个组。使用光固化正畸粘结剂将3种陶瓷试件与金属托槽粘结,在万能材料试验机上剪切、测量后再比较其与金属托槽的抗剪粘结强度。结果：对同一种材料与托槽的粘结强度来说,酸蚀组的粘结强度相对于喷砂＋酸蚀组与喷砂组都要最低（P〉0．05）;而喷砂＋酸蚀组与喷砂组间的粘结强度无统计学差异（P〉0．05）。对于同一种表面处理方法来说,3种材料与托槽的粘结强度无统计学差异（P〉0．05）。3种材料与3种处理方法间无交互作用（P〉0．05）。结论：陶瓷修复体所用材料的不同,不对其与金属托槽的粘结强度造成影响。为了提高陶瓷修复体与金属托槽的粘结强度,相对于酸蚀方法,喷砂处理是一种优选的表面处理方法,而喷砂后的酸蚀处理则是没有必要的。     

正畸托槽不同粘结方法的粘结强度比较

目的:比较托槽间接粘结法同直接粘结法的托槽粘结强度差异。方法:收集96颗因正畸拔除的新鲜人类前磨牙,随机分为A、B和C三组,每组32颗。A组使用改良间接粘结法,B组选用Sondhi推荐的间接粘结法,C组采用直接粘结法。分别检测两组粘结剂残留和托槽的抗剪切强度。结果:3组粘结剂残留存在统计学差异(Z=19.35,P0.05),C组残留率最多,进一步两两比较,A组比B组粘结剂残留较少,但差异不具有统计学意义(t=1.25,P0.05);3组抗剪切强度存在统计学差异(F=7.493,P0.05);进一步两两比较,A组(9.92±3.51)与B组(9.38±2.09)抗剪切强度无统计学差异(P0.05),C组(12.41±4.09)抗剪切强度强于A和B组,且差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:改良间接粘结法与Sondhi法相比,粘结剂残留率较低,抗剪切强度较高,能够满足临床需要。     

酸蚀时问对牙本质粘结界面纳米渗漏的影响

目的:观察、比较不同酸蚀时间对4种全酸蚀粘结剂(OptiBond Solo(0B)、Single Bond(SB)、One-Step(OS)、Prime&Bond NT(PB))牙本质粘结界面纳米渗漏的影响.方法:选取64颗无龋坏人磨牙,用600目碳化硅砂纸在流水冲洗下预备出统一的牙本质粘结面玷污层,分别选用4种粘结剂在不同粘结面酸蚀时间条件下进行粘结处理;每颗牙齿垂直于粘结面切割出4个4mm×0.9mm×4mm粘结试件,分别在TEM下观察、比较其粘结界面纳米渗漏.结果:4种粘结剂的牙本质粘结界面纳米渗漏均随酸蚀时间的延长而增加.结论:延长酸蚀时间,在牙本质粘结界面中遗留有更多的未封闭结构,加速牙本质粘结界面老化.     

酸蚀时间对牙本质粘结界面纳米渗漏的影响

目的：观察、比较不同酸蚀时间对4种全酸蚀粘结剂（OptiBond Solo（0B）、singleBond（SB）、One-Step（0S）、Prime＆BondNT（PB））牙本质粘结界面纳米渗漏的影响。方法：选取64颗无龋坏人磨牙，用600目碳化硅砂纸在流水冲洗下预备出统一的牙本质粘结面玷污层，分别选用4种粘结剂在不同粘结面酸蚀时间条件下进行粘结处理；每颗牙齿垂直于粘结面切割出4个4mm&#215;0．9mm&#215;4mm粘结试件，分别在TEM下观察、比较其粘结界面纳米渗漏。结果：4种粘结剂的牙本质粘结界面纳米渗漏均随酸蚀时间的延长而增加。结论：延长酸蚀时间，在牙本质粘结界面中遗留有更多的未封闭结构，加速牙本质粘结界面老化。     

自酸蚀粘结剂Adper Easy One修复牙体颈部楔状缺损的临床观察

目的:观察自酸蚀粘结剂Adper Easy One和全酸蚀粘结剂PrimeBond NT在修复牙体颈部楔状缺损的临床效果。方法:选取75例患者需要行牙体颈部楔状缺损树脂修复的共93颗活髓患牙随机分为2组,实验组使用自酸蚀粘结剂结合树脂充填修复,对照组使用全酸蚀粘结剂结合树脂充填修复。于充填术后1年对患者进行临床复查,根据Ryge的改良USPHS评分系统评估充填体情况。结果:两组充填修复1年后临床效果比较无显著性差异(P0.05),自酸蚀粘结剂充填修复术后敏感率小于全酸蚀粘结剂差异显著(P0.05)。结论:自酸蚀粘结剂用于牙体颈部楔状缺损粘结修复治疗后牙髓敏感率低可达到较好的临床效果。     

粘结面润湿度对牙本质粘结界面纳米渗漏的影响

目的：观察、比较不同粘结面润湿度对4种全酸蚀粘结剂（OptiBond Solo（OB）、Single Bond（SB）、One-Step（OS）、Prime＆Bond NT（PB））牙本质粘结界面纳米渗漏的影响。方法：选取36颗无龋坏人磨牙，用600目碳化硅砂纸在流水冲洗下预备出统一的牙本质粘结面玷污层。分别用4种全酸蚀粘结剂在不同粘结面润湿度条件下进行粘结处理。每颗牙齿垂直于粘结面切割出4个4mm&#215;0．9mm&#215;4mm粘结试件，避光贮存于氨化硝酸银溶液中24h，在TEM下观察、比较牙本质粘结界面纳米渗漏．结果：不同的粘结面润湿度条件下，4种全酸蚀粘结剂牙本质粘结界面中均可以观察到不同程度的纳米渗漏。结论：粘结面润湿度对含不同有机溶剂粘结剂的牙本质粘结界面纳米渗漏的影响程度不同。     

联合偶联剂表面处理对金属托槽与不同瓷修复体黏结强度影响的研究

目的:研究四种表面处理方法对三种陶瓷修复体表面处理后与金属托槽间黏结强度的影响。方法:三种不同的瓷粉制作试件并随机分成四个处理组:①酸蚀;②喷砂;③喷砂+偶联剂;④酸蚀+偶联剂。在各组试件表面处理后黏结金属托槽并测量其黏结剪切强度。结果:①经统计学分析,无论对于喷砂还是酸蚀,结合硅烷偶联剂处理后都能显著地提高托槽与瓷修复体表面的黏结强度(P<0.05);而且这种经偶联剂辅助处理后黏结强度提高的特点,是不因为瓷修复体的材料的不同而有显著的差异性的(P>0.05);②酸蚀不同于喷砂,单独处理时达不到临床托槽黏结强度要求,而结合硅烷偶联剂后,其黏结强度有显著的提高(P<0.05);③同一处理方法对不同的陶瓷修复体其黏结剪切强度无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:偶联剂作为一种辅助处理措施,可以提高喷砂或酸蚀处理后托槽与瓷修复体表面的黏结强度;联合硅烷偶联剂处理,可使单独应用达不到临床托槽黏结要求的酸蚀表面处理方法,达到临床应用要求。     

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.     

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.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.     

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.