The use of aminophylline for correction of haemodynamic repercussions of clamping of the aorta

Abstract

Occlusion of the abdominal aorta induces an increased impedance to ejection, leading to a reduction in cardiac output. The magnitude of the haemodynamic disturbances seemed important enough to justify the use of a vasodilator drug. In that respect the use of aminophylline was evaluated in twelve patients. The potentially dangerous increase in systemic resistance is prevented by aminophylline, which effectively neutralizes the increase in afterload. Moreover, a positive inotropic action can be inferred from the increase in stroke volume and ventricular systolic work. It must be stressed that this drug must be withheld in patients with cardiac irritability, for it has a beta-mimetic action.