Journal of anesthesia
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A modified thermodilution catheter (KATS catheter) capable of monitoring continuous cardiac output by thermodeprivation and preserving its conventional function was devised. The KATS catheter has a thermistor incorporated closer to the tip of the catheter in addition to the usual thermistor used for conventional thermodilution. This additional thermistor is heated by a constant electric current but is capable of measuring its own temperature. ⋯ Calibration can be derived from a cardiac output measurement by the usual thermodilution method with the same catheter. The KATS catheter readings correlated significantly with conventional thermodilution values and electromagnetic flowmeter readings in anesthetized dogs. Continuous cardiac output measurement by the KATS catheter appears to be a promising technique.
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We examined the effects of enflurane on the diaphragmatic function in 15 pentobarbital-anesthetized, mechanically ventilated dogs. They were divided into three groups of five animals each, according to the administered concentration of enflurane. The diaphragmatic function was assessed from transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) and integrated diaphragmatic electromyography (Edi) developed at functional residual capacity against an occluded airway during bilateral supramaximal phrenic nerve stimulation at 0.5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Hz under quasiisometric condition. ⋯ Edi during 50 Hz stimulation was also decreased at 1 MAC. Relative changes in Edi following enflurane administration were greater than the corresponding changes of Pdi. These results demonstrate that enflurane impairs diaphragmatic function through its inhibitory effects on neuromuscular transmission.