Impairment of left ventricular diastolic function during coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract

Twelve patients were studied by transoesophageal Doppler echocardiography to determine diastolic function during coronary artery bypass grafting. Haemodynamic and Doppler‐derived variables were measured after induction of anaesthesia and after closure of the sternum. Early diastolic filling of the left ventricle decreased from 55% to 35% during surgery. The contribution of atrial contraction to left ventricular filling increased from 41% to 62% (p < 0.001). We conclude that coronary artery bypass grafting results in impairment of diastolic function during the operation. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved