腔内技术二期隔绝Stanford B型主动脉夹层远端破口并重建腹主动脉内脏分支

目的观察腔内技术二期隔绝Stanford B型主动脉夹层(AD)远端破口并重建腹主动脉内脏分支的效果。方法回顾性分析12例接受体外预开窗技术二期手术隔绝Stanford B型AD远端破口并重建内脏分支患者资料,记录手术成功率及术后并发症,以主动脉CT血管造影(CTA)随访评估疗效。结果12例手术均成功,技术成功率100%。术后2例股动脉穿刺点血肿,3例肺部感染,均经保守治疗后好转。随访1~23个月,中位随访时间15个月,未见脑梗死、心肌梗死、截瘫、脏器缺血等严重并发症及死亡;复查主动脉CTA示AD破口隔绝良好,假腔内血栓形成,无内漏、新发破口及分支支架闭塞等。结论腔内技术可有效隔绝Stanford B型AD远端破口并重建腹主动脉内脏分支。     

探讨Stanford B型主动脉夹层远端破口的分布特点及临床分型

目的 探讨Stanford B型主动脉夹层远端破口的分布特点及其临床分型方法.方法 对新疆维吾尔自治区人民医院2010年1月-2013年6月收治的Stanford B型主动脉夹层患者的计算机断层血管造影资料进行回顾分析,观察其远端破口的分布位置并统计远端破口的数量,进而总结远端破口的分布特点并进一步提出远端破口的临床分型方法.结果 共查阅115例Stanford B型主动脉夹层患者的计算机断层血管造影资料,其中有101例合并有远端破口(87.83％),共计有240个远端破口,平均2.37个/例.结论 Stanford B型主动脉夹层远端破口好发于累及内脏动脉区域,提出Stanford B型主动脉夹层远端破口的分型方法,即:Ⅰ型:内脏动脉以上破口;Ⅱ型:累及内脏动脉的破口;Ⅲ型:肾下腹主动脉破口;Ⅳ型:髂动脉破口.     

Stanford B型主动脉夹层远端破口处理原则的对比研究

目的 探讨Stanford B型主动脉夹层远端破口的处理原则.方法 按照不同的处理原则将Stanford B型主动脉夹层合并远端破口的患者分为两组：原则处理组：采取由近至远的原则,腔内修复远端破口,如不处理内脏动脉处破口,则也不处理其远侧破口;非原则处理组：不处理累及内脏动脉的破口,其余远端破口行腔内修复.分别对其术后不适主诉（胸背部、腰背部疼痛）发生情况、术后支架远端再破口发生情况及假腔变化情况进行分析.结果 共纳入符合标准的患者53例,其中原则处理组37例,非原则处理组16例,两组术后不适主诉发生情况及术后支架远端再破口发生情况差异无明显统计学意义（P＞0.05）,两组术后假腔变化情况差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.结论 原则处理组的患者预后优于非原则处理组,对于Stanford B型主动脉夹层远端多破口应按照由近至远的顺序行腔内修复,如不处理内脏动脉处破口,则也应不处理其远侧破口.     

腔内修复术治疗多破口Stanford B型胸主动脉夹层的临床研究

目的 分析多破口Stanford B型胸主动脉夹层的临床特征,探讨胸主动脉腔内修复术处理该病的临床方式.方法 回顾性分析2011年2月-2015年5月因多破口(≥2个破口)Stanford B型胸主动脉夹层在广州军区武汉总医院心胸外科接收TEVAR治疗患者的病例资料,除近心端第一破口外,使用外科方式处理远端夹层破口为处理组,否则为非处理组.比较两组术后6个月内胸背疼痛发病率、远端夹层进展情况、假腔变化情况、远端破口获益情况.结果 检索出符合条件的病例67例,所有腔内修复术均获成功,无严重并发症发生病例,术后6个月内无死亡病例.处理组7例,非处理组60例.TEVAR后两组胸背疼痛发病率、远端夹层进展发病率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),处理组夹层假腔较非处理组明显变小(差异有统计学意义,P＜0.05),非处理组19例患者通过夹层远端破口的血流供应腹腔内脏动脉.结论 TEVAR是治疗多破口Stanford B型胸主动脉夹层有效的手术方式,远端破口应根据Stanford B型胸主动脉夹层特点进行个性化处理或尽量不处理.     

复合手术在主动脉夹层二期手术中的应用

目的探讨复合手术在主动脉夹层二期手术治疗中的效果。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累及腹腔内脏动脉的主动脉夹层进行二期手术中接受复合手术的6例患者的临床资料。结果 6例患者手术均获得成功,术中造影显示所有患者腹主动脉破口完全隔绝,2例假腔延迟显影,破口位于髂动脉,其余假腔不显影。术后无截瘫、内漏、出血、血栓形成和感染等并发症。二期手术后随访0.5～3年,患者人工血管及支架内血流均通畅,5例患者假腔完全血栓化,1例患者因髂总动脉远端有破口假腔未完全血栓化,因假腔未见增大,未做处理,继续观察。结论复合手术能简化传统手术治疗方法,扩大覆膜支架腔内治疗的适应证范围,值得在临床中推广。     

“烟囱”技术在累及主动脉弓部血管的动脉夹层腔内修复术中的应用

目的探讨"烟囱"技术在主动脉夹层腔内隔绝术中保留重要分支动脉的作用及疗效。方法对2009年6月—2010年2月收治的8名第一破口位于主动脉弓部重要分支附近、腔内修复治疗近端锚定区不足的主动脉夹层患者的临床资料进行回顾分析。在DSA下对夹层第一破口及左颈总动脉、左锁骨下动脉开口行腔内隔绝的同时,以"烟囱"支架重建左颈总动脉的血流。术后2周行螺旋CT检查,观察疗效以及有无内漏、支架移位等并发症。结果手术成功率100%,无I型内漏发生,2例发生左锁骨下动脉延迟性返血。术后随访2～10个月,主动脉内支架型人工血管位置良好,左颈动脉内"烟囱"支架保持通畅,无移植物相关的漏血发生。2例左锁骨下动脉延迟性返血的患者中,1例于术后2周消失,1例随访5个月持续存在,但为微量且有减少趋势。结论 "烟囱"技术可以为第一破口位于弓部重要分支动脉附近的动脉夹层患者,提供腔内隔绝术治疗机会,避免主动脉弓部血管重建开放手术带来的大的创伤。短期随访结果满意,远期疗效有待于进一步随访。     

腔内隔绝术治疗主动脉夹层

目的探讨腔内隔绝术治疗主动脉夹层的价值。方法采用进口支架型移植物对14例主动脉夹层患者行腔内隔绝术治疗。结果14例中13例术后DSA造影均显示破口被成功封闭,1例植入裸支架显示假腔缩窄。术后5例CTA及2例MRA显示假腔内血栓形成。无术中严重并发症及术中死亡。结论腔内隔绝术治疗主动脉夹层明显简化了手术操作,减小了手术风险,疗效确切。尤其是在StanfordB型主动脉夹层中有较大应用价值。     

Debakey Ⅲb型主动脉夹层腔内修复术后腹主动脉重塑的影响因素分析

背景与目的 胸主动脉腔内修复术（TEVAR）是复杂型主动脉夹层的首选治疗方法,近年来已得到广泛应用。TEVAR通常只封闭原发破口,而对夹层远端破口采取旷置处理,但在长期随访中发现旷置远端破口可导致一系列并发症,包括支架远端瘤样扩张、灌注不良导致内脏缺血及覆膜支架远端新发夹层等。此外,近期研究发现TEVAR术后支架覆盖段的胸主动脉重塑效果较好,但对于支架未覆盖的腹主动脉段重塑效果却不尽如人意,甚至出现主动脉扩张或形成夹层动脉瘤,需要再次干预。鉴于TEVAR术后腹主动脉重塑不良与患者预后密切相关,本研究探讨急性期、亚急性期Debakey Ⅲb型主动脉夹层患者TEVAR术后腹主动脉重塑情况及潜在的影响因素,为临床提供参考。方法 回顾性收集2017年5月—2023年5月南昌大学第二附属医院血管外科行TEVAR的Debakey Ⅲb型主动脉夹层患者术前、术后1年的临床信息及影像学资料,根据患者腹主动脉最大直径平面的动脉直径和真、假腔变化将患者分为未重塑组和重塑组,分析TEVAR术后腹主动脉重塑的影响因素。结果 根据纳入与排除标准,最终入选105例患者,其中未重塑组44例,重塑组61例。单因素分析结果显示,两组患者在性别、手术距发病时间、既往史等方面差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）;未重塑组与重塑组在中位年龄（62.50岁 vs. 55.00岁）、平均远端破口数量（2.98个 vs. 2.26个）、累及左肾动脉比例（38.64% vs. 19.67%）方面差异有统计学意义（均P<0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,远端破口数量是影响TEVAR术后腹主动脉重塑的独立危险因素（OR=0.589,95% CI=0.406~0.855,P=0.005）。结论 TEVAR术后部分患者腹主动脉重塑不良,远端破口数量是影响腹主动脉重塑的主要因素。对于远端破口较多者,应密切随访观察患者的主动脉重塑情况,必要时再次手术干预。     

胸主动脉腔内修复术后支架源性新破口——从支架力学损伤角度的思考

目的 着重从力学损伤的角度分析胸主动脉腔内修复(TEVAR)术后并发人工血管内支架(简称支架)源性新破口(SINE)的原因及其防治措施.方法 本研究中SINE定义为:排除了腔内操作导致的医源性损伤和自然病程进展,由支架本身引起的、发生在支架两端的新破口,出现在支架近端和远端者分别称为近端SINE和远端SINE.回顾性收集2000年8月至2008年6月期间在我院接受TEVAR治疗的650例Stanford B型主动脉夹层中22例并发SINE患者的临床资料,另有1例Stanford B型主动脉夹层在外院完成初次TEVAR后14个月并发远端SINE来我院治疗.分析SINE发生的时间、临床表现、治疗、随访效果及其原因.结果 本组有23例SINE共24处破口,其中近端SINE 15例(16处),远端SINE 7例(8处),1例患者先后在支架近、远端出现破口.我院SINE总体发生率为3.4% (22/650),死亡6例,死亡率为26.1%(6/23).16处近端SINE均位于主动脉弓大弯侧,导致逆行性A型夹层.8处远端SINE均出现在撕裂的内膜片一侧,其中5例引起夹层动脉瘤持续增大,3例随访稳定.23例患者初次TEVAR治疗中支架均跨主动脉弓降部释放.结论 TEVAR术后并发SINE并不罕见,死亡率高.支架导致的力学损伤是SINE形成的重要潜在因素,支架设计和围手术期评估时重视该因素的评估具有重要意义.     

杂交手术治疗胸腹主动脉瘤

目的:回顾近8年我院使用杂交技术(腹腔内脏动脉去分支加主动脉瘤腔内修复)治疗胸腹主动脉瘤的病例,总结随访结果并分析并发症发生原因。方法:对2007年8月至2015年3月我院以杂交手术治疗的13例胸腹主动脉瘤病人的临床资料进行回顾性研究。手术方法为一期先行腹腔内脏动脉去分支手术,二期行腔内修复术。结果:13例胸腹主动脉瘤病人Ⅱ型3例,Ⅲ型3例,Ⅳ型5例,马凡综合征A型夹层全弓置换术后2例。一期行内脏动脉去分支手术,其中以升主动脉为流入道行腹腔内脏动脉顺行去分支5例,以髂动脉或腹主动脉下段为流入道行腹腔内脏动脉逆行去分支8例。二期行胸腹主动脉瘤覆膜支架腔内修复术。病例无截瘫发生。围手术期1例死于弥漫性血管内凝血;因肾动脉人工血管闭塞,术后肾功能不全需长期血透1例。结论:杂交技术治疗胸腹主动脉瘤创造了良好的支架移植物锚定区,并完整保留了内脏动脉的血供,是一种有效的治疗方法。但去分支手术创伤较大,仍有术后发生凝血功能障碍、慢性肾功能不全的风险。尤其在瘤体巨大时肾动脉的显露及重建困难。     

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.