Abstract
A series of experiments were made to correlate the anatomic, electrocardiographic and myocardial surface temperature changes following ligation of the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery. The effect of stellate ganglionectomy on these changes was also studied. Seventeen dogs were used.
Under amytal anesthesia, with respirations maintained by positive pressure the pericardium was exposed by cutting a window through the anterior portion of the left 5th and 6th ribs. The pericardium was opened and sutured to the adjacent pleura. The stellate ganglion was exposed by an anterior axillary approach. The anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery was ligated 1 or 2 cm. from its bifurcation. No attempt was made to separate the artery from its vein. Both vessels were ligated by means of a single suture. Thermocouples were sutured onto the surface of the myocardium, one being placed in the region supplied by the ligated artery, the other in a region with an independent blood supply. Thermal changes over each area were recorded on a Leeds and Nor-thrup Potentiometer System. Simultaneous records of room and rectal temperatures were obtained. Immediately following coronary artery ligation transient cyanosis and bulging of the surface area supplied by the ligated vessels was noted. In every instance the surface temperature of the ischemic area after ligation fell from 2-7°F., and persisted throughout the period of observation.
Ventricular fibrillation, which was noted in 7 dogs, appeared under the following conditions: (1) In 3 dogs immediately following ligation of the artery; (2) In one dog during suture of the pleura and pericardium; (3) In 2 dogs following release of a vessel which had been ligated for 1 hour and 40 minutes and 3 hours and 40 minutes respectively; and (4) In one dog by manipulation of the heart by a suture needle 96 hours after ligation of the artery.
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