The effect of etilefrine (Effortil) on regional blood flow during arterial reconstructive surgery.

Etilefrine is a sympathomimetic amine with high affinity for alpha- and beta2-receptors. Following vascular reconstructions in 38 patients the effect of intravenously administered etilefrine on cardiac output, mean systemic blood pressure, blood flow and vascular resistance of the carotid, subclavian, mesenteric, iliac and femoral arteries was studied intraoperatively. Cardiac output and the mean systemic blood pressure were significantly increased. The blood flow was increased in all the arterial beds studied distribution. The peripheral vascular resistance was considerably decreased for the subclavian, iliac and femoral arteries' regions of supply but unchanged or increased for those of the carotid and mesenteric arteries. This discrepancy may be explained by the different effects of etilefrine on the vascular resistance of parenchymatous and of muscular regions, but it is also possible that the effect of etilefrine on the blood flow to the intestines and brain is counteracted by autoregulation.