The effect of etilefrine (Effortil) on central hemodynamics and aorto-coronary bypass blood flow. A pre-operative study.

In an attempt to elucidate the function of an aorto-coronary bypass in patients with coronary artery obliterative disease, intravenous injection of etilefrine was used to bring about variations of central hemodynamics. Etilefrine proved to cause a significant increase of cardiac output (QPA), mean systemic blood pressure and aorto-coronary bypass flow. Calculations of peripheral myocardial resistance showed a rather pronounced decrease in all vascular regions studied. There was no change of central venous pressure. The decrease of the myocardial vascular resistance, as shown by the increase of aorto-coronary bypass flow, is indicative of the myocardial vascular capacity. Hence, it may be of value as a prognostic test.