[The effect of fentanyl on myocardial function]

The addition of fentanyl to the perfusate (up to the concentration of 1.84.10(-7) M) did not change the baseline levels of the parameters studied in the isolated hearts. By the end of the experiments stroke volume, heart rate, coronary flow, heart performance, rates of contractions and relaxations in the left ventricle remained at baseline level and were better than in the control group. The authors hold that reduced O2 demands are the reason for the stabilization of the myocardial function observed. The above peculiarities of fentanyl make it a drug of choice in cardiosurgical patients.