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Peripheral vasoconstriction after open-heart surgery
  1. H. R. Matthews,
  2. J. B. Meade,
  3. C. C. Evans
  1. Cardio-thoracic Surgical Centre, Broadgreen Hospital, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3LB

    Abstract

    Matthews, H. R., Meade, J. B. and Evans, C. C. (1974).Thorax, 29, 338-342. Peripheral vasoconstriction after open-heart surgery. Great toe temperatures have been recorded serially after open-heart surgery on 148 patients in order to study the change from a peripherally vasoconstricted to a peripherally vasodilated state. The results in 81 `normals' show a remarkably consistent warm-up pattern which is independent of the duration or nature of operation and of many other potential variables. The reproducibility of this event has enabled us to construct a nomogram which predicts the limits of time within which a patient should warm up if he is recovering normally from operation. In our unit patients should reach a toe temperature of 34°C within 6·5 hours of return to the intensive care unit if they are breathing spontaneously and within 8 hours if they are on intermittent positive-pressure ventilation, time limits at lower temperatures also being defined by the nomogram. It is anticipated that the recognition of the normal postoperative warm-up pattern will facilitate the early detection and effective treatment of circulatory insufficiency after open-heart surgery.

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