Impact of effect-site concentration of propofol on cardiac systolic function assessed by tissue Doppler imaging

To evaluate the relationship between effect-site concentration (CE) of propofol during total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) and cardiac systolic function using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures.

Stepwise increments of CE of propofol of 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 µg/ml (modified Marsh model) were achieved using a target-controlled infusion device. Transthoracic echocardiographic assessments using TDI were performed for each CE of propofol and corresponding systolic myocardial velocity (s'), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and bispectral index (BIS) were evaluated.

Data from 31 patients were analysed in this prospective study. The s' velocity decreased with increasing propofol CE and values recorded at propofol CE 3.0 and 4.0 µg/ml were near or below 8 cm/s indicating abnormal cardiac systolic function. MAP, HR and BIS also decreased with each propofol CE increment.

Although the recommended dosage for propofol is up to 4.0 µg/ml, caution should be taken when using propofol concentrations above 2.0 µg/ml during TIVA in patients with underlying cardiovascular diseases.