Anaesthetic experiences using extracorporeal circulation for open heart surgery

The contribution of Canadian anaesthetists to the evolution of cardiac surgery

“…Gain described his anaesthetic experience using extracorporeal circulation for open heart surgery in 1957. 19 Induction was with thiopentone or cyclopropane and succiny1choline used for intubation. Maintenance was with nitrous oxide, oxygen and ether analgesia, as described by Artusio in 1952.…”

“…He did not find isoproterenol to be very effective for treating this problem and, of course, pacemakers were not available. 19 Dr. Gain wrote that he had "many memories, sorne happy, sorne fearsome. It was an exciting time.…”

Management of Anaesthesia, Perfusion and Supportive Care During Open Intracardiac Operations and Extracorporeal Circulation

“…There is ample evidence that a variety of anaesthetic agents and techniques have proved to be satisfactory (Gain, 1957;Matthews et al, 1957;Mendelsohn et al, 1957;Patrick et aL, 1957;Bourgeois-Gavardin et al, 1958;Keats et aL, 1958;Norlander et al, 1958;Musicant et aL, 1959). As a general principle, first choice must be the agent and technique with which the individual anaesthetist is most familiar.…”