Effects of droperidol on peripheral vasculature: use of cardiopulmonary bypass as a study model

The effects of droperidol on the systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and the venous capacitance were studied during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in 24 patients. CPB was performed with either pulsatile or non-pulsatile flow. During non-pulsatile flow, droperidol (0.15 mg X kg-1 and 0.30 mg X kg-1) decreased SVR and increased venous capacitance. These values were significantly different after the 2nd and the 7th min, respectively. During pulsatile flow, the initial SVR was lower. The decremental effect of 0.30 mg X kg-1 droperidol on SVR was proportional to the preinjection level of SVR (r = 0.64). The increase in venous capacitance related to droperidol was independent of the dose and of the type of flow in all patients. It can be concluded that the vasodilating action of droperidol during CPB on the arterial bed is transient, independent of dose, and related to the preinjection level of SVR. The effect of droperidol on venous capacitance is not as rapid but has a longer duration.