Haemodynamics and renal function in patients undergoing surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Haemodynamics and renal function were studied in patients undergoing surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm, before, during and after infrarenal aortic clamping, in order to establish base-line criteria. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) remained practically unchanged during aortic clamping. A significant decrease in cardiac index (CI) was found. The significant decrease in pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP), despite a significant rise in the systemic vascular resistance (SVRI), probably reflects relative preoperative dehydration and venous pooling in the lower part of the body. Brief suggestions are made concerning the management of this condition. No irreversible loss of renal function was seen.