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Xenon produces minimal haemodynamic effects in rabbits with chronically compromised left ventricular function
B Preckel1, W Schlack, T Heibel
1Klinik für Anaesthesiologie, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Germany.
British Journal of Anaesthesia
|March 7, 2002
Summary
Xenon anesthesia shows minimal impact on heart function in rabbits with compromised left ventricular (LV) function. This study indicates xenon is a safe anesthetic option for patients with heart failure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Xenon anesthesia is known for minimal hemodynamic side-effects on normal myocardium.
- It is considered a potentially preferable anesthetic for patients with heart failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hemodynamic effects of 70% xenon in rabbits with chronically compromised left ventricular (LV) function.
- To assess xenon's safety and impact on cardiac performance in a model of heart failure.
Main Methods:
- Ischemic heart disease was induced in rabbits via coronary artery ligation.
- Hemodynamics were measured using echocardiography and invasive techniques (LV pressure, dP/dtmax, cardiac output) during 70% xenon inhalation in rabbits with compromised LV function.
Main Results:
- Rabbits exhibited compromised LV function post-coronary artery ligation, evidenced by increased LV end-diastolic dimension and decreased ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and velocity of circumferential fiber shortening.
- Echocardiography showed no significant hemodynamic changes in closed-chest rabbits during xenon inhalation.
- Invasive measurements revealed minor decreases in LV pressure, LV dP/dtmax, and cardiac output during xenon inhalation (all P<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Xenon anesthesia demonstrates minimal negative inotropic effects in rabbits with LV dysfunction.
- These findings support xenon's potential as a safe anesthetic agent for cardiac patients, including those with heart failure.