Affiliations: Institute of Mechanics and Biomechanics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Akad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 4, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria | Department of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, Military Medical Academy, G. Sofijski Str., 3, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
Note: [] Corresponding author: Nadia Antonova, Institute of Mechanics and Biomechanics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Akad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 4, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria. Tel.: +359 2 979 6413; Fax: +359 2 8707498; E‐mail: antonova@imbm.bas.bg.
Abstract: Hemorheological and hemodynamic effects of high molecular weight polyethylene oxide (PEO) solutions have been studied in vitro and in vivo at 30 experimental dogs. The rheological behaviour of the PEO solutions and of blood samples has been assessed by rotational viscometers at 20°C, 25°C and 37°C. An addition of PEO solutions to the blood in vitro has modified its rheological behavior, depending on the shear rates, concentration and temperature. Saline with aqueous PEO solutions at the concentration of 500 ppm has been infused into the blood circulation of the experimental dogs to achieve the total concentration in blood of 20–30 ppm. The following parameters cardiac output, mean arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, pulse frequency, blood volume flow in the femoral artery, total vascular resistance and blood viscosity before and after the infusion of PEO solutions have been studied. The main observed effect was a decrease of the hemodynamic resistance in the cardiovascular system up to 40% below the baseline after infusion of PEO solutions.
