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Cardiopulmonary bypass triggers a systemic inflammatory response that alters pulmonary endothelial function, which can contribute to pulmonary hypertension. This study was designed to demonstrate that inhaled prostacyclin, a selective pulmonary vasodilator prostaglandin, prevents pulmonary arterial endothelial dysfunction induced by cardiopulmonary bypass.

Abstract: . Microvascular anastomosis compliance mismatch is a predictive factor for anastomosis patency rate. We compared the arterial wall compliance of manual and laser-assisted vascular micro-anastomosis. Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were operated with conventional manual microanastomosis (CMMA) on the left femoral artery (10-0 separated stitches) and laser-assisted microanastomosis (LAMA) on the right (diode laser, wavelength 988 nm, power output 500 mW). Diameter and compliance were immediately measured by echotracking with 20 MHz microprobes, on the anastomosis level, as well as 3 mm upstream and 3 mm downstream from the anastomosis. On the LAMA side, diameter decreased downstream from the anastomosis (from 1.94±0.41 to 1.65±0.21 mm; p=0.012), while compliance increased upstream from the anastomosis (from 0.0034±0.001 to 0.0042±0.0012 mm/mm Hg; p=0.0195). There were no significant diameter or compliance change on the CMMA side (p<0.05). It was concluded that diode LAMA creates a transition site at the anastomosis level, increasing compliance mismatch.

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2003;125:204-5