Does the pre-ischaemic administration of sevoflurane reduce myocardial stunning? A porcine experimental model.

BACKGROUND

In a porcine model, the cardioprotective effect of sevoflurane was studied with regard to the preservation of myocardial contractility (myocardial stunning) after a myocardial ischaemic insult.

METHODS

Twenty-seven pigs were randomized to receive either a dual 4% sevoflurane inhalation period as a supplement to pentobarbital anaesthesia or pentobarbital anaesthesia only before a 15-min ischaemic insult on the left anterior descending coronary artery. The ischaemic period was followed by 180 min of reperfusion. Myocardial contractility was assessed by myocardial sonomicrometry.

RESULTS

A significant difference was found between the sevoflurane group and the control group at 5 min of reperfusion. However, subsequently, there was no overall difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Sevoflurane administered as a pre-ischaemic bolus does not provide long-term improvement of the myocardial contractility. However, it can be speculated that sevoflurane may induce an early improvement in contractility.