Posthypothermic Circulatory Failure

Abstract

Certain aspects of cardiovascular function were studied in dogs that were cooled to 30 C. without ventilatory assistance, and rapidly rewarmed in warm water. While in the hypothermic state, the animals appeared to make an adequate cardiovascular adjustment to the lowered body temperature. Upon rewarming, however, each animal incurred an acute circulatory collapse, which was characterized by a low cardiac output, diminished ventricular work, hypotension, hyperpnea, and increased arteriovenous oxygen difference. It is uncertain whether this circulatory failure is central or peripheral in origin.