The blood flow patterns of microsurgical procedures in rats with topical and systemic vasodilators.

The change in blood flow after anastomosis and the effects on the anastomosed artery of different classes of vasodilators such as lidocaine and chlorpromazine given topically (n = 10 in each group), and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)(n = 12) and diltiazem hydrochloride (n = 10) given systemically, were investigated in the femoral arteries of rats. The blood flow after anastomosis decreased by 45%-60% compared with that before the anastomosis. Lidocaine showed almost the same pattern of blood flow as chlorpromazine. The former dilated the diameter of the vessel less than the latter, and the depression of the heart rate was less with lidocaine than in chlorpromazine. PGE1 had a longer and stronger vasodilatative action than diltiazem, and resulted in a remarkable increase in blood flow. Clinically, the topical application of chlorpromazine or lidocaine is recommended during an operation, and PGE1 should be given systemically after an operation to obtain adequate blood flow.