复杂型主动脉夹层的腔内治疗

目的探讨复杂型主动脉夹层腔内血管外科治疗方法。方法对25例复杂型主动脉夹层行腔内血管外科治疗患者的临床资料进行回顾性研究。结果25例患者年龄31—76岁，平均52．6岁。25例中6例术前合并肠管缺血，5例合并肾动脉缺血，3例既有肠管缺血又有肾动脉缺血，5例腹主动脉真腔完全被假腔压闭，4例合并下肢缺血，2例合并腹主动脉瘤。所有患者进行了腔内血管外科治疗，并取得了技术上的成功。2例合并腹主动脉瘤的夹层患者予以支架型人工血管封闭夹层破口后行开腹腹主动脉瘤切除人工血管置换术。术后内漏3例（2例漏血7d后停止，1例漏血持续存在）；其余22例患者术后即时造影示瘘口已被完整覆盖，假腔无血漏人，内脏动脉等恢复真腔供血。前述的合并症术后均逐渐恢复，无脏器及肢体缺血坏死发生，患者均痊愈出院。结论对复杂的主动脉夹层的治疗，腔内治疗与传统的手术相比，操作简单、损伤小、安全度大、并发症少，且可大大缩短患者的住院时间。腔内血管外科技术上的改进，使复杂的主动脉病变得以成功的治疗。     

DebakeyⅢ型夹层动脉瘤远侧破口的腔内封堵

目的 初步总结使用腔内技术处理夹层动脉瘤远侧破口的经验.方法 总结15例DebakeyⅢ型夹层动脉瘤近端破口腔内修复术后腹主动脉以远破口的二期介入处理经验.所有病例远侧破口持续存在,出现腰腹部症状或局部腹主动脉外径增加.本组病例中内脏动脉处破口7个(1个腹腔动脉内破口,6个肾动脉处破口),肾下腹主动脉破口4个,髂动脉破口7个;其中3例为内脏动脉破口合并髂动脉破口.肾下腹主动脉破口均采用一体式覆膜支架封堵;1例近右肾动脉破口使用先心封堵伞;其余内脏动脉和髂动脉破口均采用小覆膜支架封堵.结果 所有病例均顺利完成操作,腹主动脉和髂动脉破口封堵良好,无内漏.使用封堵伞的病例,夹层破口封堵良好,但由假腔供血的右肾动脉同时闭塞;肾动脉破口使用覆膜支架封堵病例中,1例显著内漏,2例微量内漏,其余病例封堵良好,无内漏.病例随访2 ～10个月,平均(5.0±2.0)个月,内漏病例CTA示假腔内部分血栓形成,但破口附近假腔仍有血流,其余病例夹层内均血栓形成.结论 针对适当患者,个体化方案封堵夹层动脉瘤的远侧破口是可行和安全的.     

支架型人工血管腔内治疗复杂主动脉瘤

目的：总结15例应用支架治疗复杂动脉瘤的初步经验。方法：Ⅲ型夹层动脉瘤者主动脉极度扭曲1例；破口在弓部的Ⅲ型夹层动脉瘤1例，需先行左右颈-颈和左右腋．腋动脉人工血管搭桥后再封闭左侧颈总动脉和锁骨下动脉：Ⅲ型夹层动脉瘤近侧破口来自于变异发出的右锁骨下动脉1例；Ⅲ型夹层动脉瘤合并肠系膜上动脉几乎完全闭塞和肠缺血1例；Ⅲ型夹层动脉瘤真假腔难判断者4例；腹主动脉瘤瘤颈长度〈1cm需开窗型支架治疗1例；破裂腹主动脉瘤1例：5枚支架治疗胸腹主动脉瘤1例；腹主动脉瘤瘤颈夹角为90。2例；主动脉溃疡紧邻腹腔动脉，需开窗型支架开窗型人工血管治疗1；肝动脉瘤腹腔动脉瘤合并动静脉瘘1例。结果：15例病人经支架治疗均获得成功。结论：支架型人工血管治疗复杂动脉瘤为微创方法，但需严密设计。     

真腔远端完全闭塞De Bakey Ⅲb主动脉夹层的治疗方法

主动脉夹层是一类病情十分凶险的血管疾病,起病急骤,进展快,病死率高。我们对1例复杂的主动脉夹层病人联合采用覆膜支架腔内隔绝术和远端腹主动脉切开 人工血管置换术治疗,疗效较好。报告如下。1资料和方法1.1一般资料真腔远端完全闭塞的De BakeyⅢb型主动脉夹层,经磁共振血管造影(MRA)及数字减影血管造影(DSA)确诊。病人为男性,63岁。病史1年。术前MRA(如图1a、b)示:De BakeyⅢb型主动脉夹层假腔明显扩张,真腔受压明显,近端破口位于降主动脉,距离左锁骨下动脉开口约3cm,破口长径约1.8cm,腹腔干动脉、肠系膜上动脉、双肾动脉均起源于…     

血管内覆膜支架系统在主动脉夹层二期手术重建肾动脉中的应用

目的探讨血管内覆膜支架系统在主动脉夹层二期手术重建肾动脉中的应用效果。方法分析2010年5月至2018年5月宜昌市第一人民医院收治的10例累及腹腔内脏动脉的主动脉夹层进行二期手术中接受开放手术的患者临床资料。结果手术均获得成功,无围术期死亡病例。术后腹主动脉CT血管造影示患者人工血管及支架内血流均通畅,缝扎的腹主动脉不显影。二期手术后随访0.5～3.0年,患者人工血管及支架内血流均通畅,未见狭窄,缝扎的胸腹主动脉不显影。6例患者因髂动脉有破口致髂动脉仍有夹层表现,未做处理,随访假腔未见增大。结论血管内覆膜支架系统可代替缝合线连接两根血管,尤其适用于解剖位置较深、不方便暴露和吻合的肾动脉重建,具有缩短肾热缺血时间、节省手术时间、创伤小、操作方便等优点,值得在临床中推广。     

主动脉夹层TEVAR术后远端破口的临床分型及手术时机的选择

目的 探讨主动脉夹层TEVAR术后远端破口的治疗方法.方法 对新疆维吾尔自治区人民医院血管外科2006年1月-2012年4月168例行TEVAR的Stamford B型主动脉夹层患者的病例资料进行同顾性分析,根据远端破口位置的不同将其分为4型:Ⅰ型:破口位于支架尾部;Ⅱ型:破口位于胸腹主动脉,距离内脏动脉较近或累及内脏动脉;Ⅲ型:破口位于肾下腹主动脉,破口未累及内脏动脉;Ⅳ型:破口位于髂动脉.据此分型标准,对主动脉夹层TEVAR术后发生远端破口的82例患者制定相应的治疗策略并决定手术时机.结果 有82例患者支架远端仍有破口,临床分型为Ⅰ型:12例出现支架尾部破口,均行支架远端破口腔内隔绝术;Ⅱ型:47例破口位于腹主动脉并累计内脏动脉,经随访,其中4例在随访中发现假腔持续扩大或伴有症状,行“杂交”手术,即先行内脏动脉重建(髂动脉-双肾动脉,髂动脉-肠系膜上动脉,髂动脉-腹腔干人工血管搭桥术),二期行胸腹主动脉腔内隔绝术.43例患者随访发现假腔无扩大,目前继续随访.Ⅲ型:13例破口位于肾下腹主动脉,均行腔内隔绝术.Ⅳ型:10例破口位于髂动脉,均行腔内隔绝术.术后围手术期无死亡.82例患者获得随访,随访时间10 ～36个月,平均随访时间(25.6±8.4)个月,在随访过程中未发现并发症.结论 对于TEVAR术后远端破口,应根据个体情况,结合临床分型选择适宜的手术时机和手术方式,从而达到满意的治疗效果.     

血管、淋巴管

支架型人工血管腔内治疗复杂主动脉瘤；Stanford B型主动脉夹层腔内修复后转为StanfordA型10例分析；胸主动脉夹层合并腹主夹层动脉瘤的一期腔内治疗；血管损伤的腔内治疗体会；四肢骨骼肌血管畸形的分类与治疗方法的研究     

急性Stanford B型主动脉夹层并灌注不良的腔内治疗

目的 总结急性Stanford B型主动脉夹层并内脏或下肢动脉灌注不良的腔内治疗经验.方法 回顾性分析2001年7月至2012年12月收治的23例急性Stanford B型主动脉夹层并内脏或下肢动脉灌注不良患者的临床资料,其中男20例,女3例,年龄42～ 75岁,平均(52±9)岁.5例(21.7％)肾动脉缺血,9例(39.1％)肠系膜上动脉缺血,3例(13％)腹腔干缺血,6例(20.1％)下肢缺血(左下肢坏死1例).其中2例同时有肾动脉及下肢动脉缺血.分别采用不同的腔内技术治疗.结果 23例支架人工血管成功覆盖近端第一破口.11例(47.8％)其他分支动脉植入了支架.23例患者灌注不良得到改善,手术技术成功率100％.1例合并右髂动脉闭塞致下肢缺血者,支架人工血管覆盖第一破口并右髂动脉内植入支架后治愈.1例合并下肢动脉缺血坏死者支架人工血管植入术后一期行大腿中上段截肢术.23例患者均获随访,随访6 ～72个月,平均(21±11)个月,无移植物移位及器官缺血.本组无截瘫病例.结论 腔内支架人工血管植入覆盖主动脉夹层第1破口是首选的治疗手段.部分患者尚需结合分支动脉支架植入等方法来进一步治疗.     

主动脉腔内支架隔绝术治疗降主动脉瘤

目的探讨主动脉腔内支架隔绝术治疗降主动脉瘤的适应证和疗效。方法2005年3月-2008年10月,对21例典型B型（Stanford分型）主动脉夹层、5例假性动脉瘤、2例主动脉壁内血肿合并主动脉壁溃疡,在局麻（26例）或全麻（2例）下行主动脉腔内支架隔绝术。采用Medtronic Talent支架10例,Medtronic Valiant支架12例,微创直管型支架6例。结果28例手术均获成功,术后即刻造影示破口封闭,无内漏。术后无胸痛,无神经系统并发症,无内漏,术后住院时间（4.5±1.1）d,3-7 d。5例术后发热,吲哚美辛治疗1个月,体温正常。21例主动脉夹层术后1周CT扫描显示真腔扩大,血供明显改善,胸主动脉假腔内血栓形成,腹主动脉假腔存在,开口于假腔的分支靠远端破口供血;5例假性动脉瘤CT扫描显示破口封闭,假腔内血栓形成;2例壁内血肿CT扫描显示溃疡被支架覆盖。23例随访（21.3±10.2）月（1-40个月）,无并发症发生。结论主动脉腔内支架隔绝术疗效可靠,操作简单,创伤小,患者恢复快,并发症少,住院时间短。B型主动脉夹层、降主动脉假性动脉瘤和降主动脉壁内血肿均可采用腔内支架隔绝术治疗。     

应用一体式分叉支架型人工血管腔内治疗腹主动脉瘤42例

目的总结应用一体式分又支架型人工血管治疗腹主动脉瘤初步经验。方法本组42例，其中腹主动脉瘤39例，腹主动脉假性动脉瘤1例，Ⅲ型夹层动脉瘤1例，降主动脉瘤合并腹主动脉瘤1例。除均在腹主动脉放置一体式分又支架型人工血管外，1例降主动脉瘤合并腹主动脉瘤者共放置5枚支架型人工血管，其中4枚直型支架用于隔绝降主动脉瘤；1例Ⅲ型夹层动脉瘤者，降主动脉近侧破口用直型支架型人工血管封堵；1例因一侧髂外动脉闭塞需先经腹膜外切口行人工血管搭桥后才能放置一体式分叉支架。结果平均手术时间50min。1例死亡，8例附加近侧短的覆膜支架，1例附加远侧Cuff，1例近侧和远侧均加Cuff。8例术后有少量内漏，1周后内漏均消失。5例封堵了双侧髂内动脉，20例封堵了单侧髂内动脉，但均未导致臀肌坏死或疼痛等并发症。2例瘤颈与瘤体呈90度角也获得成功。结论一体式分又支架型人工血管可以达到隔绝腹主动脉瘤的作用，且操作更快捷。     

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.