Affiliation:
1. Weill Cornell Medical College, USA
Abstract
This chapter discusses the salient features of arterial and venous dilating agents commonplace in the management of the post-cardiotomy surgical patient. A keen understanding of the underlying cellular mechanism, pharmacology, indication, safety profile, and controversies of clinical utility of vasodilating agents is imperative for routine use. The evidenced-based examination of each therapeutic modality will strengthen the practitioner's fund of knowledge for management of each pathophysiological state.