Issues in cardio vascular assessment in vasoplegia during or after cardiac surgery

<p>Kanishka Indraratna</p>

Issues in cardio vascular assessment in vasoplegia during or after cardiac surgery

Kanishka Indraratna

Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, Sri Lanka

: J Surg Clin Pract

Abstract

Severe vasodilatation during cardiac surgery has been known for many years. It is characterized by, low systemic vascular resistance, high cardiac index, low blood pressure, which can be resistant to even high doses of vasoconstrictors. This condition is associated with a high mortality. After cardiac surgery, there can be cardiac dysfunction as well. However with a low systemic vascular resistance, the cardiac function curve would be shifted upwards and to the left, giving the impression of good contractility. The ejection fraction, which is the commonly used measurement for assessment of cardiac contractility, cannot therefore be relied upon for a correct assessment under these circumstances.