Changes of microcirculatory blood flow in various cardiac chambers after surgical correction of aortic stenosis

Intraoperative study was centered on microcirculatory blood flow (MCBF) in 56 patients with aortic stenosis of III-IV stage. MCBF was measured depending on the changes in microcirculation by using BLF-21 computer-based Doppler laser flowmeter (Transonic System Inc., USA), with the right and left heart examined before and after repair. Sonographic data allowed for determining a pressure gradient between the aorta and the left ventricle, as well as the latter's size. Depending on the degree of MCBF postoperative change, all patients were classified into 3 groups: 1st group included those with a uniform MCBF observed in all cardiac chambers, 2nd group featured a MCBF gradient between the auricles and ventricles and 3rd group demonstrated a low MCBF in the left heart and a remaining MCBF gradient between the auricles and ventricles of the heart, which was accompanied by the development of complications (arrhythmia) in 54% of cases during early postoperative period. Also obser-ved in this group was a lowered left-ventricle ejection fraction (40,5±3,2%).