Effect of sodium nitroprusside on cerebral haemodynamics during cross-clamping of the descending thoracic aorta in pigs.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of sodium nitroprusside on cerebral haemodynamics during cross-clamping of the descending thoracic aorta in pigs.


METHODS
Non-randomised controlled animal study.


METHODS
University hospital, Norway.


METHODS
17 Pigs.


METHODS
Cross-clamping of the descending thoracic aorta for 30 minutes. In 8 pigs sodium nitroprusside was given to prevent proximal hypertension (sodium nitroprusside group); 9 pigs were given no sodium nitroprusside (control group).


METHODS
Intracerebral pressure, sagittal sinus pressure, cerebral flux, and internal carotid artery blood flow.


RESULTS
Intracerebral pressure, sagittal sinus pressure, and cerebral flux increased in both groups during cross-clamping of the descending thoracic aorta. There were no differences between the groups in these variables despite significantly lower mean proximal aortic pressure in the sodium nitroprusside group.


CONCLUSIONS
Sodium nitroprusside did not affect intracerebral pressure, sagittal sinus pressure, or cerebral flux during cross-clamping of the descending thoracic aorta. Increased cerebral blood flow rather than venous congestion is the most likely cause of increased intracranial pressure during cross-clamping of the descending thoracic aorta.
Strømholm
T
T
Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Trondheim, Norway.
Aadahl
P
P
Saether
O D
OD
Aakhus
S
S
Myhre
H O
HO
D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000502:physiology*; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D003250:Constriction; D006973:Hypertension / Q000517:prevention & control; D007427:Intracranial Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D009599:Nitroprusside / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D009599:Nitroprusside