Hemodynamics during diazepam induction of anesthesia for coronary artery bypass grafting.

The hemodynamics during induction of anesthesia were studied in ten patients with ischemic heart disease about to have coronary artery bypass grafting. Intravenous diazepam, 0.5 mg/kg (with 50% N2O in oxygen inspired and pancuronium IV), was used to induce anesthesia. Compared to awake baseline, induction caused statistically significant decreases in the mean arterial pressure, rate pressure product, stroke index, and left and right ventricular stroke work indexed. Although statistically significant, the hemodynamic changes were small and transient and required no modifying treatment. This anesthetic induction technic is safe, efficient, and well tolerated by patients having myocardial revascularization surgery.

Duration of intubation and ICU stay after open heart surgery.

One hundred four consecutive patients undergoing open heart surgery were studied to determine the duration of intubation and ICU stay associated with an anesthetic management protocol designed to avoid prolonged postoperative respiratory depression. The results document the feasibility and safety of early extubation and shortened ICU stay in patients having operations for ischemic and acquired valvular heart disease. Patients with complex congenital heart defects require significantly longer periods of respiratory support and intensive care.