Inhaled nitric oxide for right ventricular dysfunction following cardiac transplantation.

Abstract

A 55-year-old man developed postoperative hypotension following orthotopic cardiac transplantation, unresponsive to support with inotropes and counterpulsation. Acute right ventricular failure was confirmed by transoesophageal echocardiography, and the introduction of inhaled nitric oxide resulted in immediate improvement. A beneficial effect persisted for 11 days, with hospital discharge two months postoperatively.