Spinal Cord Perfusion Pressure in Dogs after Control of Proximal Aortic Hypertension during Thoracic Aortic Cross-clamping with Esmolol or Sodium Nitroprusside

Background: Spinal cord perfusion pressure may be reduced when sodium nitroprusside is used to control proximal aortic hypertension during thoracic aortic clamping. The effect of esmolol infusion on spinal cord perfusion pressure during thoracic aortic clamping is unknown. This study compares spinal cord perfusion pressure following control of proximal hypertension with either sodium nitroprusside or esmolol during thoracic aortic clamping. Methods: The thoracic aorta was cross-clamped for 30 min in 18 dogs anesthetized with halothane. A control group (n=6) received no treatment of proximal hypertension during cross-clamping