| Barbiturates
may be used for brain protection. They decrease the metabolic
requirements of brain cells, and may be used to protect the brain
during aneurysm surgery, carotid surgery, or during cases of raised
intracranial pressure (pressure within the brain). By decreasing
the metabolic requirements of the brain, less oxygen is reuqired
by the cells, and they tolerate temporary cessation of blood flow
better. During aneurysm surgery, the surgeon will often temporarily
occlude the vessels feeding and leaving the aneurysm. During
carotid surgery, some surgeons use this technique of barbiturates
to protect the brain while the carotid artery is occluded. Other
surgeon use a shunt to preserve flow. |
Glossary 
