The effects of reduced pulmonary arterial blood flow (PAF) during venoarterial bypass (VAB) on hemodynamic and humoral conditions were investigated in a series of experiments in a chronic animal model. A biventricular bypass system was installed in five adult goats weighing 49.8 ± 1.1 kg. Two weeks later, the extracorporeal circuitry was changed to VAB without anesthesia. The PAF was reduced stepwise from 100% to 50,25,10, and 0% of total systemic flow. The mean aortic pressure and systemic vascular resistance decreased from 110 ± 14 to 66 ± 3 mmHg and from 1,288 ± 77 to 740 ± 73 dyne-sec/cm5, respectively, in proportion to the decrease in PAF from 100 to 0%. The prostaglandin E2 con.
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