PROPOFOL AND FENTANYL ANESTHESIA FOR PATIENTS WITH LOW CARDIAC-OUTPUTSTATE UNDERGOING CARDIAC-SURGERY - COMPARISON WITH HIGH-DOSE FENTANYLANESTHESIA

We have compared the haemodynamic effects of an infusion of propofol 8 mg kg(-1) h(-1) followed by 4 mg kg(-1) h(-1) and fentanyl 15 mu g kg (-1) (group 1) with midazolam 3-6 mg and fentanyl 60 mu g kg(-1) (grou p 2) in patients with a low cardiac output state undergoing cardiac su rgery. Heart rate was lower in group 1 throughout the period before ca rdiopulmonary bypass. There were no significant differences between th e groups in other measured variables. Arterial pressure decreased in b oth groups after induction, by 21% in group 1 and 18% in group 2. Ther modilution assessment of right ventricular ejection fraction was uncha nged. Myocardial contractility was not affected adversely. Patients in group 1 who received an infusion of propofol and a smaller dose of fe ntanyl awakened sooner and She trachea was extubated earlier.