Effect of epinephrine on defibrillation in ischemic ventricular fibrillation.

Epinephrine is thought to improve the success of defibrillation with countershock therapy. However, a recent study failed to show any effect of epinephrine in dogs with normal coronary arteries undergoing electrically-induced ventricular fibrillation (VF). In the current study, the effects of epinephrine were examined in dogs with coronary occlusion undergoing both spontaneous and electrically-induced fibrillation.

The role of epinephrine in CPR: a reappraisal.

Epinephrine is the recommended drug for use in resuscitation from all types of cardiac arrest. Experimental evidence has shown that the actions of epinephrine important for the restoration of spontaneous circulation are mediated by the alpha-adrenergic properties. The beta-adrenergic effects do not aid restoration of spontaneous circulation, nor do they aid defibrillation; however, beta-adrenergic stimulation does increase the oxygen consumption of the fibrillating myocardium, a potentially deleterious effect.

Spontaneous ischemic ventricular fibrillation in dogs: a new model for the study of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Most sudden cardiac deaths in man are associated with events causing myocardial ischemia and only 40-60% of these patients are successfully resuscitated. Further progress in reducing the mortality from such events will depend on a better understanding of the interventions used during CPR. Animal models currently used for the study of CPR do not involve myocardial ischemia.

Comparison of dopamine, dobutamine, and epinephrine in CPR.

Two new catecholamines, dopamine and dobutamine, have found widespread use for cardiovascular support. The relative efficacy of these drugs in aiding resuscitation from cardiopulmonary arrest is unknown. Dogs were subjected to either asphyxial or fibrillatory cardiac arrest.

Mechanism of action of epinephrine in resuscitation from asphyxial arrest.

To determine the relative importance of the alpha and beta adrenergic effects of epinephrine in resuscitation, 32 dogs were studied in four groups. Group A (alpha blocked) received phenoxybenzamine, 70 mg/kg; group B (beta blocked), propranolol 5 mg/kg; group C (alpha and beta blocked) both drugs; and group D (control), no drug. After this treatment and 5 min of asphyxial arrest, all animals received closed chest cardiac massage (CCCM), artificial ventilation (AR), and epinephrine, 1 mg, iv.

Influence of time and therapy on ventricular defibrillation in dogs.

Factors that may influence energy requirements for ventricular defibrillation include the duration of fibrillation and the mode of resuscitation. The present study assesses the effect of these influences on the energy needed for defibrillation. Dogs were anesthetized, and arterial blood pressure and Lead II of the ECG were continuously recorded.

Relative importance of alpha and beta adrenergic receptors during resuscitation.

Successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest in the asphyxiated dog model has been ascribed to the use of artificial ventilation, closed chest cardiac massage, and administration of a vasopressor. Controversy remains over whether the most commonly employed vasopressor, epinephrine, exerts its effects primarily by elevating diastolic pressure and reestablishing coronary flow, or by exciting cardiac pacemaker cells and enhancing myocardial contractility. To observe pure alpha and beta adrenergic receptor influences during resuscitation, three groups (alpha-blocked, beta-blocked, unblocked) of dogs were studied.

Crdiovascular effects of lidocaine during acid-base imbalance.

Although lidocaine HCl is often given to critically ill patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias, it use is not without hazard. To investigate whether acid-base disturbances and their subsequent effects on molecular ioization influence cardiovascular (CV) response to lidocaine, dogs in normal acid-base balance, metabolic acidosis, respiratory acidosis, and respiratory alkalosis were given 2 or 4 mg/kg lidocaine IV. Heart rate (HR), PR and QT intervals, MAP, LVEDP, LV dp/dt, and LV dp/dt divided by CPIP were measured at intervals.

Effects of intraoperative PEEP on postoperative arterial oxygenation.

Previous studies have suggested that early postoperative hypozemia may be due to a reduction of functional residual capacity (FRC) during anesthesia and surgery. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) has been recommended as a means of maintaining FRC and improving arterial oxygenation. Fifteen selected patients undergoing peripheral surgical procedures were anesthetized with one of three types of ventilatory patterns: (1) spontaneous respiration; (2) controlled ventilation; and (3) controlled ventilation with 10 cm.

Influence of pH and hypoxia on the success of defibrillation.

Clinical impressions about the problem of defibrillation during states of acid-base imbalance and hypoxia have been influenced by studies involving the effect of these derangements on the ventricular fibrillation threshold. Based on body weight, energy requirements for defibrillation in normal dogs were compared to requirements in dogs subjected to commonly encountered acid-base disturbances and severe hypoxemia. No significant differences were found.