Effects of Dobutamine on Hemodynamics and Left Ventricular Performance after Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Cardiac Surgical Patients

Abstract

Our results suggest that the response to graded dobutamine infusion in the post-cardiopulmonary bypass period differs from that previously reported. After cardiopulmonary bypass, the dominant mechanism by which dobutamine improves left ventricular performance is by increasing heart rate. Dobutamine affects blood pressure minimally.