We studied the haemodynamic effects of inhaled nitric oxide 40 p.p.m. in two groups of patients after cardiac surgery (mitral valve surgery or coronary artery bypass grafting). Nitric oxide caused a significant reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance after mitral valve surgery in patients who had pre-existing pulmonary hypertension, but no change in haemodynamic state in the coronary artery bypass group of patients, who had normal pulmonary arterial pressures.

Our findings confirm the hypothesis that there are objective differences in TFP pre and post RA harvest at 3 months. Further studies are required to assess the clinical significance and persistence of the loss of TFP.

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