Analysis of diastolic function in patients undergoing aortic aneurysm repair and impact on hemodynamic response to aortic cross-clamping

Conclusions: About 50% of patients undergoing aortic aneurysm repair exhibit signs of diastolic dysfunction. The majority of these patients showed delayed relaxation. Patients with pseudonormal filling displayed a significantly lower cardiac index. Laparotomy resulted in an improvement in diastolic function in about half of patients with preexisting diastolic dysfunction. The effects of cross-clamping on diastolic function are minimal.