The effect of abdominal aortic cross-clamping on myocardial function.

Elective aneurysmectomy and bypass grafting are now well established as the preferred methods of treatment for patients with symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms or abdominal aortic occlusive disease. Since these are late manifestations of generalized arteriosclerosis, it is not surprising that cardiac reserve is the major factor in determining operative survival. In an effort to define the myocardial response and peripheral vascular response to abdominal aortic operations more clearly, 27 patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic operations were studied.