Nitrous oxide does not exacerbate pulmonary hypertension or ventricular dysfunction in patients with mitral valvular disease

Nitrous oxide 1844–1990

“…9 Clinical reports, however, have suggested that nitrous oxide can increase pulmonary vascular resistance 22 or have minimal effects. 23 The study by Konstadt et al 3 provides an interesting perspective on this issue. They used a thermodilution catheter, that is able to sense rapidly changes in injectate temperature, with which they could examine right ventricular ejection fraction and an echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular function.…”

“…2 Indeed, it does seem surprising to be investigating the effects of a drug nearly 150 years after its introduction. In this issue of the Journal, Konstadt et al 3 present the results of a clinical investigation of nitrous oxide and its effects on the pulmonary circulation and right and left ventricular performance.…”