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G R Curry

Publications and source records attributed to G R Curry.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Role of perfusion pressure and flow in major organ dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass.

The role of perfusion pressure and flow during cardiopulmonary bypass with moderate hypothermia and hemodilution in the development of new postoperative renal or clinically apparent cerebral dysfunction was examined in 504 adults. Cardiopulmonary bypass flow was targeted at greater than 40 mL.kg-1.min-1 and pressure at greater than 50 mm Hg. Flows and pressures less than target occurred in 21.6% and 97.1% of patients, respectively. Fifteen patients (3.0%) suffered new renal and 13 (2.6%) new central nervous system dysfunction. Low pressure or flow during cardiopulmonary bypass, expressed in absolute values or in intensity-duration units, were not predictors of either adverse outcome. Multivariate analysis identified use of postoperative intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (p less than 10(-6], excessive blood loss in the ICU (p less than 10(-4], need for vasopressors before cardiopulmonary bypass (p less than 10(-4], postoperative myocardial infarction (p less than 10(-3], emergency reoperation (p less than 0.002), excessive postoperative transfusion (p less than 0.02), and chronic renal disease (p less than 0.03) as independent predictors of postoperative renal dysfunction. Independent predictors of postoperative central nervous system dysfunction were cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the intensive care unit (p less than 10(-6], intracardiac thrombus or valve calcification (p less than 0.02), and chronic renal disease (p less than 0.03). Age greater than 65 years (40.7% of patients) did not predict either outcome. We conclude that failure of the native circulation during periods other than cardiopulmonary bypass rather than the flows and pressures considered here is the major cause of renal and clinically apparent central nervous system dysfunction after cardiac operations.

Adult

The limitation of pulsatile flow through the aqueduct of Sylvius as a cause of hydrocephalus.

The concept is advanced that hydrocephalus results from limitation in the pulsatile flow of CSF downwards through the aqueduct of Sylvius during systole which is necessary to accommodate for the pulsatile pressure and volume increase that accompanies the propagation of the arterial pulse through the brain. Evidence is given to show that flow through the fixed human aqueduct is disturbed and not laminar. Further, with the pressures availalbe, the aqueduct is only just large enough to pass the quantity of fluid which must be vented extracranially during systole. Should the capacity of this systolic venting mechanism be exceeded, physical strain will cause cellular damage in the periventricular and periaqueductal regions which, if prolonged, will lead to tissue destruction and hydrocephalus. There appear to be two main causes for hydrocephalus resulting from this mechanism. Firstly, structural lesions, restricting the lumina of the CSF-venting pathways, especially the aqueduct, will reduce the volume of CSF that can flow through these pathways during systole. The hydrocephalic process will then be continuous and only limited when tissue destruction reduces the systolic volume expansion of the brain such that it can be accomodated by the restricted CSF venting pathways. Secondly, conditions which may increase the amount of the systolic volume expansion of the brain beyond the capacity of the CSF venting pathways. Raised mean intracranial pressure is the most important of these conditions. In such cases the hydrocephalus will be limited by the duration of the causal process and possibly also by the enlargement of the venting pathways, as a result of tissue destruction. This hypothesis also accounts for hydrocephalus resulting from obliteration of the cortical subarachnoid space, obstruction to the cranial venous drainage, deformities in the region of the foramen magnum and arterial encroachment upon the ventricular system.

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