Cerebral blood flow during single lung ventilation

Aim: Our aim was to show the effect of one-lung ventilation (OLV) on cerebral blood flow (CBF) by measuring carotid blood flow. This technique has been the subject of experimental and clinical studies. Materials and methods: Carotid doppler flows were measured at 4 different times. Peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV) were measured and pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) calculated. Results: There were no significant changes in PSV, PI, RI, or flow volume in the normal or diseased sides at repeated measures (P 0.05).There was no significant difference between the flow velocities, PIs, RIs, or flow volumes measured in the supine and decubitus positions during OLV. In addition, there was no significant difference between the flow parameters of the upper and lower carotids measured in the lateral decubitus position before and after OLV. There was no correlation between any of the flow parameters and duration of OLV. Conclusion: OLV poses no additional risk in terms of CBF. However, further studies, supported by biochemical parameters and involving wider patient groups, are now needed.