SODIUM NTTROPRUSSIDE IN THE SURGICAL TREATMENT OF CEREBRAL ANEURYSMS AND ARTERIOVENOUS MALFORMATIONS

Abstract

Sodium nitroprusside in 0.01 per cent solution was used to induce arterial hypotension in twenty-four consecutive craniotomies for cerebral aneurysm and arteriovenous malformations. The mortality and morbidity for patients with arteriovenous malformation and grade I and II aneurysm compared favourably with previous experience in this Institute using other methods. The results in patients with grade HI and grade IV aneurysms were not improved. It is considered that further support is given to the value of sodium nitroprusside as a safe agent for use in controlled hypotensive anaesthesia