Counterpulsation in experimental cardiogenic shock with ventricular arrhythmias. The antiarrhythmic effect of morphine.

In two groups of dogs a cardiogenic shock was induced and their circulation assisted by counterpulsation. In the second group aside from the counterpulsation, 4 mgrs/Kg of morphine was administered when stable ventricular arrhythmias appeared. Morphine showed to eliminate the ventricular arrhythmias in three cases and lessened them considerably in one, permitting better assistance with a counterpulsator.