Effects of Experimental Hypothermia on Vital Organs

Abstract

This paper will be of particular interest to those concerned with the employment of hypothermia as a technique for inducing a state of suspended animation permitting the shutting off of circulation during surgery upon the heart. Dogs were subjected to a degree of hypothermia customarily employed in such operations and under circumstances intended to simulate the conditions employed. Pathologic changes were seen in microscopic sections of the liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands. These were of such a degree as to make it seem likely that they might easily become irreversible. The changes resembled those which have been reported to occur as a result of various forms of stress, particularly tissue anoxia. The authors express skepticism that hypothermia should be considered as a state of suspended animation. They question that the tissue changes induced by hypothermia should be considered as a safe preparation for ensuing anoxia. The article is illustrated with a color plate demonstrating the changes described.