Effects of propofol on the cardiac conduction system.

Background And Objectives: Some studies have demonstrated that the use of propofol is occasionally associated with bradyarrhythmias or reversion of arrhythmias to sinus rhythm. This property of propofol suggests interference with the Cardiac Conduction System (CCS).

Contents: A review of the main contemporary articles on the use of propofol in the presence of cardiac arrhythmias was undertaken.

[Antifibrinolytics and cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.].

Background And Objectives: Cardiac surgery is the surgical subspecialty most often associated with bleeding, bleeding disorders, and the need of blood products. Agents such as aprotinin, episilon-aminocaproic acid, and tranexamic acid are frequently used to aid the hemostasis of patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. The objective of this report is to present the physiopathology of bleeding during cardiac surgeries and the current role of antifibrinolytics regarding their efficacy and complications when used in those procedures, with emphasis on tranexamic acid and aprotinin.

Randomized study of propofol effect on electrophysiological properties of the atrioventricular node in patients with nodal reentrant tachycardia.

Background: Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is probably the most common form of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Percutaneous catheter ablation is a technique to interrupt cardiac conduction pathways selectively. The anesthetist is challenged to provide a safe anesthetic which takes into account the electrophysiologist's requirements for minimal cardiac conduction interference.