No abstract

Ketamine 1 · 0 mg/kg and diazepam 0 · 3 mg/kg was used to induce anaesthesia in patients requiring pericardiectomy. A significant rise in blood pressure in patients receiving ketamine was noted. In contrast, a fall in blood pressure was seen when diazepam was administered. Changes in cardiac output, cardiac index, central venous pressure and systemic vascular resistance are discussed. Ketamine appears to be a more satisfactory agent for induction of anaesthesia in patients for pericardiectomy, whereas diazepam should be used with caution.