Propofol and fentanyl anaesthesia for patients with low cardiac output state undergoing cardiac surgery: comparison with high-dose fentanyl anaesthesia

Abstract

We have compared the haemodynamic effects of an infusion of propofol 8 mg kg-1 h-1 followed by 4 mg kg-1 h-1 and fentanyl 15 micrograms kg-1 (group 1) with midazolam 3-6 mg and fentanyl 60 micrograms kg-1 (group 2) in patients with a low cardiac output state undergoing cardiac surgery. Heart rate was lower in group 1 throughout the period before cardiopulmonary bypass. There were no significant differences between the groups in other measured variables. Arterial pressure decreased in both groups after induction, by 21% in group 1 and 18% in group 2. Thermodilution assessment of right ventricular ejection fraction was unchanged. Myocardial contractility was not affected adversely. Patients in group 1 who received an infusion of propofol and a smaller dose of fentanyl awakened sooner and the trachea was extubated earlier.