Cardiac Temperature Gradients During Profound Hypothermia with Extracorporeal Perfusion. ∗

Summary

During the production and reversion of profound hypothermia with extracorporeal perfusion temperatures were recorded from various sites throughout the heart. In all animals studied thermal gradients were observed. In some instances during cooling temperature variations as marked as 10°C were recorded. During rewarming similar differences were noted. From these studies it is concluded that thermal gradients alone are not responsible for hypothermic ventricular fibrillation.