恶性腔静脉梗阻患者介入综合治疗的术后护理

目的 探讨恶性腔静脉梗阻患者行介入综合治疗的术后护理要点.方法 对10例接受介入综合治疗的恶性腔静脉梗阻患者采用积极的心理护理、严密的围手术期监护及抗凝治疗护理、术后并发症的观察及护理.结果 4例上腔静脉梗阻术后症状完全消退,6例下腔静脉梗阻分级评分由术前4～5分降为术后0～2分,无严重并发症发生.结论 溶栓、球囊扩张和支架置入相结合是治疗恶性腔静脉梗阻安全、有效的方法.充分评估,制订合理有效的护理措施是提高手术成功丰,减少并发症的重要手段.     

恶性腔静脉梗阻患者介入综合治疗的术后护理

目的探讨恶性腔静脉梗阻患者行介入综合治疗的术后护理要点。方法对10例接受介入综合治疗的恶性腔静脉梗阻患者采用积极的心理护理、严密的围手术期监护及抗凝治疗护理、术后并发症的观察及护理。结果4例上腔静脉梗阻术后症状完全消退，6例下腔静脉梗阻分级评分由术前4～5分降为术后0～2分，无严重并发症发生。结论溶栓、球囊扩张和支架置入相结合是治疗恶性腔静脉梗阻安全、有效的方法。充分评估，制订合理有效的护理措施是提高手术成功率，减少并发症的重要手段。     

恶性肿瘤所致上腔静脉压迫综合征的介入治疗

目的 探讨采用介入方法治疗恶性肿瘤所致上腔静脉阻塞综合征的疗效及临床意义.方法 13例恶性肿瘤所致上腔静脉阻塞综合征患者中,肺癌伴纵隔淋巴结转移8例,食管癌纵隔淋巴结转移2例,纵隔恶性肿瘤2例,乳腺癌纵隔淋巴结转移1例,均经原发灶病理证实为恶性.经右侧股静脉入路,以猪尾巴导管于狭窄段近端或远端造影,明确狭窄部位、长度、程度,无局部血栓形成者直接置入Wallstent支架(Boston Scientific,USA),1例同时置入Z形支架(COOK,USA),合并血栓病例留置溶栓导管局部溶栓后再置入支架.结果 13例全部开通成功,手术成功率100%,狭窄段平均长度4.3 cm(3～6 cm).1例置入2枚支架,其余患者均置入1枚支架.6例在支架置入前行溶栓治疗.开通前后梗阻远侧卧位测静脉压,术前(26.2±1.6) cm H2O,术后降至(4.3±0.8) cm H2O,置入支架后造影示侧支静脉完全消失,上腔静脉阻塞症状于术后即刻至术后3 d完全消退.8例术后4～10个月内死于肿瘤多处转移造成脏器功能衰竭,其余5例(包括后续治疗的3例)存活,随访8～26个月,中位数13个月,所有病例上腔静脉阻塞症状未再复发.结论 上腔静脉支架置入部分联合导管局部溶栓治疗是恶性肿瘤所致上腔静脉阻塞综合征有效的微创治疗方法.     

肝移植术后并发症的介入治疗

目的评价肝移植术后多种并发症的介入治疗。方法回顾性的分析肝移植术后出现各种并发症并进行介入治疗的82例患者,胆管病变62例;肝动脉病变8例;下腔静脉病变13例;肝静脉狭窄7例;门静脉病变9例。胆管并发症采用经T管置入引流管、经皮肝穿刺胆管行胆汁引流或球囊扩张术。球囊扩张成形术或(和)金属支架植入术处理血管狭窄的患者;局部溶栓治疗用于术后血管内血栓形成的病例。结果在胆管并发症患者中,41例经T管置入引流管,34例行经皮穿刺胆汁引流(PTBD),球囊扩张胆道成形术9例。3例肝动脉狭窄的患者接受了球囊扩张成形术或支架植入术,1例肝动脉形成血栓者行插管溶栓,效果良好。9例下腔静脉狭窄患者行支架植入术,1例接受了球囊扩张成形术。5例肝静脉狭窄患者接受了球囊扩张成形术或支架治疗。门静脉狭窄患者中6例接受支架治疗,1例门脉血栓形成行局部溶栓,治疗不满意。结论介入治疗是处理肝移植术后胆管和血管并发症不可或缺的临床治疗方法。     

介入治疗在肝移植术后静脉流出道梗阻中的临床应用

目的探讨介入治疗在肝移植术后静脉流出道梗阻中的临床应用价值。方法回顾性分析27例肝移植术后患者的临床资料。患者肝移植术后出现胸、腹水和肝功能异常时，应用CT、磁共振（MR1）或超声波检查，若提示下腔静脉狭窄或肝静脉梗阻，则行静脉造影确定狭窄部位，并对其进行球囊扩张或支架治疗。治疗后随访1个月～5年，观察临床效果。结果静脉造影发现1例为单纯肝静脉狭窄；13例为下腔静脉狭窄，其中3例合并肝静脉狭窄。4例患者接受球囊扩张，10例接受支架治疗。接受治疗后患者多在短期内临床症状消失，未见明显并发症。1例肝静脉狭窄经球囊扩张8个月后再次出现狭窄，给于支架治疗；另1例球囊扩张2年后再次发生狭窄，接受再次球囊扩张，患者的临床症状缓解。结论下腔静脉狭窄或肝静脉流出道狭窄可通过球囊扩张或支架等介入治疗获得满意的临床效果。     

超声引导下腔内治疗股腘动脉硬化闭塞症：附112例临床分析

目的 分析超声引导下腔内治疗股腘动脉硬化闭塞症（arteriosclerosis obliteran,ASO）的安全性和有效性。方法 回顾性分析空军军医大学西京医院2015年3月至2021年6月期间超声引导下腔内治疗股腘ASO患者的临床资料，腔内治疗方法包括动脉球囊扩张、支架置入、Rotarex机械血栓清除、溶栓导管接触性溶栓（简称“溶栓导管溶栓”）等。结果 共收集到符合研究条件的112例患者（121条患肢）。Rutherford分级2、3、4级者分别有13、68、40条患肢，泛大西洋协作组织第2版分级A、B、C级者分别为41、39、41条患肢。121条患肢中，单纯动脉球囊扩张61条，球囊扩张+Rotarex机械血栓清除27条，球囊扩张+支架置入12条，球囊扩张+支架置入+Rotarex机械血栓清除6条，球囊扩张+支架置入+溶栓导管溶栓3条，球囊扩张+溶栓导管溶栓+Rotarex机械血栓清除7条，球囊扩张+溶栓导管溶栓5条。完全超声引导下完成手术118条患肢（成功率97.5%），有3条患肢未能在完全超声引导下完成。术后有5条患肢穿刺部位出现假性动脉瘤，7条患肢穿刺部位血肿，均经保守治疗...     

儿童肝移植术后肝静脉流出道梗阻三例报道

目的 探讨儿童肝移植术后肝静脉流出道梗阻(hapatic venous outflow obstruction,HVOO)的诊断及治疗经验.方法 对本院收治的3例儿童肝移植术后肝静脉流出道梗阻进行回顾性分析.3例中2例于本院接受肝移植手术,1例于外院接受肝移植手术.3例均经腹部彩色多普勒(color Doppler ultrasound,CDUS)、计算机断层扫描(computerized tomography,CT)及下腔静脉造影检查明确诊断为HVOO,并接受球囊扩张和/或支架置入治疗.治疗后对患儿进行定期监测及随访.结果 我院2000年1月至2009年12月共实施48例儿童肝移植,其中2例(4.17％)术后发生HVOO.3例患儿HVOO发生时间为术后2个月至1年不等.临床主要表现为腹胀、纳差等.下腔静脉造影测压(共4例次)显示肝静脉及右心房压力差值为6～30 mm Hg.经球囊扩张和/或支架置入后,静脉压力差值为4～10 mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa),血流恢复通畅,临床症状明显缓解.球囊扩张后,2例出现HVOO复发.其中1例经再次球囊扩张后,症状缓解;另外1例予以留置支架.术后无支架堵塞或脱落等并发症发生.治疗后随访2个月至9年.目前3例患者均存活良好.结论 虽然儿童肝移植术后肝静脉流出道梗阻的发生率不高,但后果严重,应引起临床医生重视.儿童肝移植术后肝静脉流出道梗阻采用球囊扩张或支架置入术治疗可获得满意疗效.     

一期解除髂静脉梗阻在急性左下肢深静脉血栓形成治疗中的意义

目的探讨置管溶栓后、一期行髂静脉球囊扩张(或同时支架置入)在Cockett综合征继发急性左下肢深静脉血栓形成治疗中的意义。方法回顾性收集2016年1月至2019年6月期间笔者所在科室收治的41例Cockett综合征继发急性左下肢深静脉血栓形成患者的临床资料。所有患者在滤器保护下行导管接触性溶栓治疗,溶栓后造影检查存在髂静脉梗阻者,同时行球囊扩张或联合支架置入。比较患者治疗前后的健患肢髌骨上、下缘15 cm的大小腿周径,并分析静脉通畅率。结果本组患者溶栓导管的放置时间为(7±3)d,尿激酶用量为(358.32±69.38)×104 U。本组共置入35枚巴德支架(35例),4例行球囊扩张,2例放弃治疗。治疗前后健患肢大腿周径差、小腿周径差及静脉通畅评分比较,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.01)。本组患者的静脉通畅率为58%～75%、(61±10)%,术后无严重出血并发症发生。治疗后35例患者获得随访,随访时间3～26个月,瓣膜保存率达82.86%(29/35),髂静脉一期通畅率为100%(39/39)。随访期间1例髂静脉闭塞未处理者血栓复发,1例患者因髂静脉支架进入下腔静脉过长,导致右侧急性血栓形成;无肺栓塞病例。结论在导管溶栓基础上,一期解除髂静脉梗阻治疗急性左下肢深静脉血栓形成,能够及时缓解患者的临床症状,降低血栓复发率,减少深静脉血栓形成后综合征的发生。     

布－加氏综合征的介入性治疗

作者行经皮穿刺下腔静脉球囊成形术治疗布－加氏综合征１４例，其中３倒置入血管内支架。狭窄段管腔扩张前０～８ｍｍ（平均为３．５ｍｍ），扩张后恢复至１２～２０ｍｍ（平均１７ｍｍ）。扩张前下腔静脉至右房收缩压差为０．３～５．５ｋＰａ，扩张后压差消失。     

急性髂股静脉血栓形成的介入治疗

目的 探讨介入技术在急性髂股静脉血栓治疗中的应用价值.方法 回顾性分析2006年1月至2009年10月我院32例急性髂股静脉血栓形成患者综合介入治疗的临床资料.采用彩色超声多普勒引导下经腘静脉穿刺置管溶栓联合髂静脉支架植入治疗,静脉造影评价静脉通畅程度.结果 32例均行临时性下腔静脉滤器植入术,在彩色超声多普勒引导下经腘静脉穿刺置管溶栓;27例行球囊扩张及髂静脉支架植入术,放置支架29枚,其余5例单纯行球囊扩张术;术后患肢临床症状明显减轻或消失,未出现肺动脉栓塞,经腘静脉溶栓后经导管静脉造影见髂静脉再通率为40%～90%,平均60%,股静脉再通率为50%～80%,平均70%,32例随访2～45个月,平均16个月,27例髂静脉支架植入髂静脉通畅率为100%,5例行球囊扩张术患者中,1例髂静脉完全闭塞,4例髂静脉再通率为20%～30%.结论 经腘静脉置管溶栓联合髂静脉支架植入术是治疗急性髂股静脉血栓的有效方法,创伤小、恢复快、安全、疗效肯定.     

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.