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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers
Published on: January 13, 2018
[Effects of propofol induction on haemodynamics]
Waldemar Machała1, Renata Szebla
1II Zakład Anestezjologii i Inensywnej Terapii UM w Łodzi. w.machala@skwam.lodz.pl
Background:
Propofol is probably the most popular intravenous anaesthetic in daily practice. Its use is known to be associated with dose-dependent cardiovascular compromise. We have assessed the effect of a single dose of propofol on cardiovascular function.
Methods:
Eighty-six ASA I and II patients of both sexes, scheduled for elective thoracic cancer surgery, were enrolled to the study. Midazolam 7.5 mg was given as premedication. All patients received epidural or paravertebral catheters one day before the surgery, and a Swan-Ganz catheter before induction. MAP, CO, SVI, PAP, PCWP, SVRI, PVRI, LVSWI, RWSWI and CPP were measured before induction (I) and after administration of 1 mg kg(-1) propofol with 1-3 microg kg(-1) fentanyl, during spontaneous respiration (II).
Results:
Propofol increased: heart rate (8%), PAP (12%), PVRI (27%), PCWP (27%) and decreased MAP (4.5%), CI (12%), SVI (18%), LVSWI (23%), RVSWI (17%). CPP decreased by 7%. SVRI remained unchanged.
Discussion And Conclusions:
The results indicated that 1 mg kg(-1) propofol moderately compromised cardiac contractility and increased afterload on the right ventricle, without significant effect on coronary perfusion pressure. The cardiovascular compromise was clinically insignificant, but caution is required when propofol is administered in larger doses.
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