Empirical i.v. doses of lignocaine or bupivacaine of equal local anaesthetic potency were administered to halothane-anaesthetized dogs. Both local anaesthetics caused the expected depression of global haemodynamic function. Regional myocardial systolic shortening was depressed similarly by both agents. Regional myocardial dysfunction, seen as post-systolic shortening, occurred to a similar extent with both lignocaine and bupivacaine. Coronary blood flow and coronary perfusion pressure were significantly correlated during the administration of lignocaine; bupivacaine had erratic effects on coronary blood flow and no correlation between coronary blood flow and coronary perfusion pressure was seen. These results suggest that regional myocardial dysfunction occurs with both local anaesthetics and does not account for the apparent increased cardiotoxicity of bupivacaine. Bupivacaine did, however, cause wider individual variations compared with lignocaine with respect to coronary blood flow.

No abstract

The use of beta-blockers in the management of patients with coronary artery disease, arterial hypertension and cardiac failure suggests that they should offer significant protection against perioperative cardiac events. Initiating or continuing beta-blockade in patients presenting for surgery may be regarded as offering protection with no need for further assessment of investigations. However, data do not support this and appropriate investigations are needed.