[Nitrous oxide: modification of the hemodynamics in patients with coronary heart disease]

The haemodynamic effects of 70%, 50% and 30% N2O--compared to 100% O2--were studied in 20 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. The measurements-performed after an equilibration phase of 10 minutes--were made preoperatively but after induction of anaesthesia with 0.3 mg/kg bw etomidate, 0.01 mg/kg bw fentanyl and 0.1 mg/kg bw pancuronium bromide. In relation to N2O concentrations, mean arterial pressure (-4.8%), total systemic resistance (-7.9%) and stroke volume index (-6.4%) decreased moderately, whereas the cardiac index remained unchanged and the heart rate increased (+9.7). Total pulmonary vascular resistance was always within the physiological range, as were the triple index and the rate pressure product. In patients with coronary heart disease cardiovascular functions are compromised in close relation to the degree of the underlying disease. In accordance with other investigators, nitrous oxide should not be used in patients with impaired left ventricular function because of the possibility of deterioration of myocardial function. In such cases, amnesia should be achieved by means of other agents.