Sevoflurane anesthesia during acute right ventricular ischemia in pigs preserves cardiac function better than propofol anesthesia

BACKGROUND: The intention of the present study was to evaluate possible cardioprotective properties of inhalation anesthesia with sevoflurane. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A porcine, open-chest model of right ventricular ischemia was used in 7 pigs receiving inhalation anesthesia with sevoflurane. The model was earlier developed and published by our group, using pigs receiving intravenous anesthesia with propofol. They served as controls. The animals were observed for three hours after the induction of right ventricular ischemia by ligation of the main branches supplying the right ventricular free wall. RESULTS: In the sevoflurane group, the cardiac output recovered 2 hours after the induction of ischemia and intact right ventricular stroke work was observed. In the propofol group, no such recovery occurred. The release of troponin T was significantly lower than in the sevoflurane group. CONCLUSIONS: Inhalation anesthesia with sevoflurane seems superior to intravenous anesthesia with propofol in acute right ventricular ischemic dysfunction.