Consequences of Electroencephalographic-suppressive Doses of Propofol in Conjunction with Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest

Background: Some patients who undergo cerebral aneurysm surgery require cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. During bypass, these patients often are given large doses of a supplemental anesthetic agent in the hope that additional cerebral protection will be provided. Pharmacologic brain protection, however, has been associated with undesirable side effects. These side effects were evaluated in patients who received large doses of propofol.

Methods: Thirteen neurosurgical patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest to facilitate clip application to a giant or otherwise high-risk cerebral aneurysm. Electroencephalographic burst suppression was established before bypass with an infusion of propofol, and the infusion was continued until the end of surgery. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic measurements were made before and during the prebypass propofol infusion and again after bypass. Emergence time also was determined.

Results: Prebypass propofol at 243 plus/minus 57 micro gram *symbol* kg sup -1 *symbol* min sup -1 decreased vascular resistance from 34 plus/minus 8 to 27 plus/minus 8 units without changing heart rate, arterial or filling pressures, cardiac index, stroke volume, or ejection fraction. Propofol blood concentration was 8 plus/minus 2 micro gram/ml. Myocardial wall motion appeared hyperdynamic at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass, and all patients were weaned therefrom without inotropic support. After bypass, vascular resistance decreased further, and cardiovascular performance was improved compared to baseline values. Nine of the 13 patients emerged from anesthesia and were able to follow commands at 3.1 plus/minus 1.4 h. Three others had strokes and a fourth had cerebral swelling.