Work

Vasoactive response of the thoracic aorta to phenylephrine infusion during cardiac surgery

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This original work challenges the traditional view of the aorta as a passive conduit by investigating its vasoactive response to phenylephrine during cardiac surgery. Luminal area was measured by transesophageal echocardiography while simultaneously recording blood pressure. A mean pressure-independent increase in luminal area and stiffness was observed, suggesting a paradoxical vasodilative response. However, strong patient-to-patient variability in the response to phenylephrine highlights the need to measure effects patient specifically.

Source: Journal of Applied Physiology

DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00996.2025