Cardiovascular Hemodynamics Consequence to Crossed Circulation in the Dog

Abstract

Twelve experiments were conducted on anesthetized and paired dogs of similar weights subjected to unimpeded, unregulated crossed circulation. Shunts were made between the carotid arteries and external jugular veins and free flow allowed for 60 minutes or longer. Statistically significant changes occurred in the mean femoral arterial blood pressures, carotid shunt blood flow, heart rate, cardiac output, cardiac work, percentage of cardiac output flowing through the shunt and pulmonary systolic and diastolic pressures of one or both animals from their control values. The mean arterial blood pressure remained at control levels for several minutes and then dropped precipitously to hypotensive levels. The lowest mean pressures between 42 and 49 mm Hg occurred within the first 16.5 minutes of the open shunt phase with a gradual return toward control levels. The volume of blood flowing through the shunt was increased initially 250% above the control carotid blood flow, followed by a reduction in flow after 15 minutes; the volume flow at this moment was still double precross circulation levels. A secondary increase in the shunt blood flow occurred throughout the remainder of the open shunt phase. In general, the heart rates and peripheral vascular resistance were slightly elevated during the open shunt phase while cardiac output and work decreased below their control values. A marked and similar increase in the percentage of the cardiac output flowing through the carotid artery was observed in both animals. During the 60 minutes of the recovery period mean arterial blood pressure, cardiac output and work tended to return to control levels while the carotid artery blood flow and pulmonary systolic and diastolic pressure remained slightly below their control values.