Comparison of plasma catecholamine levels between pulsatile and non-pulsatile extracorporeal circulation

Abstract

Biochemical analysis of epinephrine and nor-epinephrine, along with radioimmunoaasay of angiotensin II were carried out during extracorporeal circulation with pulsatile flow and non-pulsatile flow. Twenty-two patients with acquired valvular diseases were used as the materials. Increase in level of plasma catecholamines were observed both in pulsatile and non-pulsatile perfusion. The level of catecholamines, especially of epinephrine was significantly low in pulsatile flow perfusion than in non-pulsatile perfusion.