An Analysis of the Direct Hydraulic Effect of Intra-Arterial Transfusion

Abstract

The validity of the concept that its hydraulic effect explains the therapeutic effectiveness of intra-arterial transfusion was examined in dogs. It was found that the increase of blood pressure to be expected from an arterial infusion may be predicted with considerable accuracy. The level of peripheral resistance and the rate of infusion determine the hydraulic effect of an infusion. This effect is negligible under clinical conditions. It was also noted that the ratio of pressure rise to rate of infusion gives a fair index of the state of the peripheral arteriolar tone in dogs at various stages of peripheral circulatory failure.