Objective:Previous study indicated that acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) was associated with a depression of myocardial function in coronary surgery patients.It was suggested that this phenomenon would be explained by the occurrence of myocardial ischemia.In the present study,we hypothesized that the cardioprotective properties of a volatile anesthetic regimen might protect against the ANH related myocardial functional impairment.Methods:40 elective coronary surgery patients received a sevoflurane based anesthesia.In group A (n =20),heart rate was paced at 90 bpm.In group B (n =20),heart rate was paced at 70 bpm.A pressure microcatheter was inserted in the left ventricle (LV).The measurements consisted of recordings of electrocardiographic and LV pressure tracings during an increase in systolic and diastolic pressures,obtained by leg elevation.