[Isoflurance-based intravenous and inhalation combined anesthesia versus low-dose-ketamine-based total intravenous anesthesia for valvuloplasty in minipigs].

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of anesthesia between Isoflurane-based intravenous and inhalant combined approach and low-dose-ketamine-based total intravenous approach for valvuloplasty in minipigs.
Methods: Twenty four minipigs were given 3-5 mg/kg ketamine intramuscularly and 15-20 mg/kg pentobarbital intravenously for anesthetic induction and intubation. They were then randomly divided into two groups, each with 12 minipigs. In group I (isoflurane), the minipigs received isoflurane 1.0-2.0 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), fentanyl 20-25 microg/(kg x h), midazolam 0.1-0.2 mg/(kg x h) and pipecuronium 0.10-0.15 mg/(kg x h) for maintenance. In group K (ketamine), the minipigs were given ketamine 3-5 mg/(kg x h), pentobarbital 8-10 mg/(kg x h) and pipecuronium 0. 10-0.15 mg/(kg x h) intravenously. The general peri-operation characteristics were recorded. Hemodynamics, blood gas and respirations were monitored. Anesthetic complications were observed.
Results: Two minipigs died from causes other than anesthesia. The minipigs in group I had lower mean aortic pressure (MAP) than those in group K during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), but without a statistical significance. The minipigs in group I had significantly lower levels of lactic acid than those in group K after CPB cessation (P < 0.05). The times on analepsia were (21.6 +/- 4.1) min and (67.8 +/- 8.5) min for group I and group K, respectively. The times on ventilator were (281.3 +/- 34.7) min and (330.4 +/- 27.0) min for group I and group K, respectively. The differences were significant (P < 0.05). One minipig in group K was intubated for espiratory depression after surgery.
Conclusion: The isoflurane-based intravenous and inhalant combined anesthesia was preferable for valvular reparation in minipigs. However, low-dose-ketamine-based total intravenous anesthesia is also a good choice in the circumstance of limited resources.