• T Strømholm, P Aadahl, O D Saether, S Aakhus, and H O Myhre.
• Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Trondheim, Norway.
• Eur J Surg. 1996 Apr 1; 162 (4): 329-34.

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of sodium nitroprusside on cerebral haemodynamics during cross-clamping of the descending thoracic aorta in pigs.DesignNon-randomised controlled animal study.SettingUniversity hospital, Norway.Material17 Pigs.InterventionsCross-clamping of the descending thoracic aorta for 30 minutes. In 8 pigs sodium nitroprusside was given to prevent proximal hypertension (sodium nitroprusside group); 9 pigs were given no sodium nitroprusside (control group).Main Outcome MeasuresIntracerebral pressure, sagittal sinus pressure, cerebral flux, and internal carotid artery blood flow.ResultsIntracerebral pressure, sagittal sinus pressure, and cerebral flux increased in both groups during cross-clamping of the descending thoracic aorta. There were no differences between the groups in these variables despite significantly lower mean proximal aortic pressure in the sodium nitroprusside group.ConclusionsSodium nitroprusside did not affect intracerebral pressure, sagittal sinus pressure, or cerebral flux during cross-clamping of the descending thoracic aorta. Increased cerebral blood flow rather than venous congestion is the most likely cause of increased intracranial pressure during cross-clamping of the descending thoracic aorta.

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