Digitalis-thiopentone effects on myocardial function. A study of systolic time intervals in man

Systolic time intervals were measured in 10 patients with cancer of the esophagus who required two anaesthetic procedures, before and after an induction dose of thiopentone. The patients were digitalised between the first and the second procedures. Digitalis improved systolic time intervals and reduced the depressant effect of thiopentone on the heart as measured by systolic time intervals.