Does the pre-ischaemic administration of sevoflurane reduce myocardial stunning? A porcine experimental model.
BACKGROUND
In a porcine model, the cardioprotective effect of sevoflurane was studied with regard to the preservation of myocardial contractility (myocardial stunning) after a myocardial ischaemic insult.


METHODS
Twenty-seven pigs were randomized to receive either a dual 4% sevoflurane inhalation period as a supplement to pentobarbital anaesthesia or pentobarbital anaesthesia only before a 15-min ischaemic insult on the left anterior descending coronary artery. The ischaemic period was followed by 180 min of reperfusion. Myocardial contractility was assessed by myocardial sonomicrometry.


RESULTS
A significant difference was found between the sevoflurane group and the control group at 5 min of reperfusion. However, subsequently, there was no overall difference between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Sevoflurane administered as a pre-ischaemic bolus does not provide long-term improvement of the myocardial contractility. However, it can be speculated that sevoflurane may induce an early improvement in contractility.
Aagaard
S
S
Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Research and Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby Sygehus, Brendstrupgaardsvej 100, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
Larsen
J R
JR
Berg
J S
JS
Sloth
E
E
Hasenkam
J M
JM
D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008738:Methyl Ethers / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D023421:Models, Animal; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*; D017682:Myocardial Stunning / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010424:Pentobarbital / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011897:Random Allocation; D000077149:Sevoflurane; D034421:Sus scrofa; D013997:Time Factors
D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D000077149:Sevoflurane; D010424:Pentobarbital