[Effect of peripheral counterpulsation on the body of an animal with intact heart].

The effect of lasting peripheral counterpulsation upon the haemodynamics and the main biochemical factors of the blood was studied in 14 dogs with intact hearts. In cases of significant tachycardia counterpulsation in a 1:2 regimen results in only a partial reduction of the resistance to the cardiac output. This does not always permit to prevent the formation of the phenomenon of an elevated myocardial contractility. The haemodynamic conditions are most optimal in a 1:1 regimen of counterpulsation. Slowing down of the cardiac rhythm was achieved by means of hypothermia.