Evaluation of Patients After Cardiac Surgery: Novel Ultrasound Parameters for Quantification of Renal Perfusion & Analysis of Phenylephrines' Effect on Invasive Haemodynamics and Echocardiographic Measures

Evaluation of Patients After Cardiac Surgery: Novel Ultrasound Parameters for Quantification of Renal Perfusion & Analysis of Phenylephrines' Effect on Invasive Haemodynamics and Echocardiographic Measures

To investigate the influence of PEEP (Positive end-expiratory pressure), changes in preload (patient position) and changes in afterload (phenylephrine) on ultrasound measures of renal perfusion in patients after uncomplicated cardiac surgery.

To investigate the effects of phenylephrine on both invasive measures of the systemic- and pulmonary circulation and, secondarily, to assess the induced changes in echocardiographic indices of left- and right ventricular systolic- and diastolic function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients ≥ 18 years scheduled for open elective cardiac surgery at the Department of Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Insufficient ultrasonographic imaging of the kidneys
• Known morphological kidney disease
• Preoperative dialysis
• Chronic atrial fibrillation
• Planned mitral valve surgery