[Postoperative enoximone in coronary surgery. Systemic and coronary hemodynamics and regional systolic function]

The effects of Enoximone (50 mg in 20 minutes) on systemic, pulmonary and coronary haemodynamics and on regional systolic function were examined after surgical myocardial revascularisation in 5 patients without overt cardiac failure. The flow in mammary artery grafts and the study of regional systolic function were assessed by Doppler probes implanted during the operation. Enoximone increased Qc and Qco without changing blood pressure or cardiac output, due to arterial vasodilatation and inotropic stimulation. Pulmonary vasodilatation resulted in hypoxemia which must be prevented. The increase in VO2 was unrelated to oxygen transport suggesting a specific drug related effect.