This study was done to evaluate the sole effect of norepinephrine on the regional myocardial perfusion during displacement of the porcine beating heart using thermal diffusion method.
MethodsThermal diffusion probe was inserted into the anterior myocardial wall during 20 procedures in 10 male pigs (30-35 kg). The measurements of regional myocardial perfusion and hemodynamic parameters were performed after complete instrumentation (baseline), after displacement of the beating heart anteriorly, and 5 and 15 minutes after norepinephrine infusion, titrated to restore baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP).
ResultsNorepinephrine infusion reversed the decrease in MAP and myocardial perfusion, caused by displacement of the beating heart (62 ± 3% to 115 ± 4% of baseline, P < 0.01; 41 ± 5% to 125 ± 4% of baseline, P < 0.05, respectively).
ConclusionsRestoration of MAP with norepinephrine infusion without any preload augmentation reversed deterioration in regional myocardial perfusion during displacement of the porcine beating heart.