Effect of venoarterial pulsatile partial bypass on the coronary, renal and mesenteric circulations in cardiogenic shock

The effects of venoarterial pulsatile partial bypass upon the coronary, mesenteric and renal circulations were studied in cardiogenic shock. Circulatory assist corrected the shock state in 9 of the 10 animals as exhibited by return of systemic pressure to normotensive levels. The most uniform effect was the increase in coronary flow with lowering of coronary resistance associated with other objective signs of improved myocardial nutrition—that is, less cardiac irritability and correction of S-T elevations. Mesenteric flow was irregularly improved by pumping. Renal flow was not corrected; it remained at the same low levels that occurred during shock because of an increased renal vascular resistance.