Influence of Xantinoli nicotans (Complamin) and papaverine upon internal carotid artery blood flow after arterial reconstruction.

The effect of intravenous administration of 0.3 g of Xantinoli nicotans (Complamin) and 40 mg of papaverine on internal carotid artery (ICA) blood flow in 17 conscious, newly operated patients was studied with the aid of electromagnetic flowmetry. A flow probe was attached to the ICA after carotid reconstruction. Administration of Complamin resulted in a significant decrease in arterial mean pressure and a corresponding decrease in ICA flow. The arterial mean pressure also diminished after administration of papaverine, but the decrease was moderate and did not influence ICA flow. The results indicate that the cerebral vascular autoregulation may be impaired in the early postoperative period. Vasoactive substances, which cause decreased arterial pressure, also influence ICA flow and should be avoided in patients newly operated upon for occlusive disease of the carotid artery.