THE CARDIOVASCULAR RESPONSE OF NORMAL ANAESTHETIZED MAN TO RAPID INFUSION OF SALINE

Abstract

Changes in pulmonary and brachial artery pressures were recorded in nine healthy patients during halothane anaesthesia.The effect of infusion of 1000 ml isotonic saline solution over 4 minutes was an immediate rise in recorded pressures followed by a gradual fall after completion of the infusion to reach the original values in 15–20 minutes. The proportional rise in pressure was highest in the pulmonary circulation, but when actual values were observed the changes were foundto be completely parallel. No change in pulse rates were found. No untoward side effects occurred and the results suggest that it is possible to perform very intensive infusion therapy in anaesthetized patients.