The objective of this study was to investigate whether the addition of magnesium to a hyperkalemic cardioplegic solution containing 1.2-1.5 mmol/L ionized calcium improves myocardial protection. Twenty-seven coronary artery disease (CAD) patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) received hyperkalemic (20-22 mmol/L potassium) cardioplegic solutions containing 1.2-1.5 mmol/L ioniz...

The use of cardioplegia during surgically induced ischemia greatly reduces myocardial metabolic requirements. However, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion may occur, resulting in poor functional recovery after ischemia. This study investigated if augmentation of intracellular ATP could be achieved by delivering known ATP synthesis promoters (adenosine and/or phosphate) during cardioplegic ar...

Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest is associated with injury to the vasculature and microcirculation leading to coronary microvascular dysfunction, permeability changes and cardiac dysfunction. In the setting of cardiopulmonary bypass with cardioplegia, poorly-controlled diabetes is associated with significant changes in endothelium-dependent and independent vas...

BACKGROUND Preservation of cardiac grafts for transplantation is not standardized and most centers use a single administration of crystalloid solution at the time of harvesting. We investigated possible benefits of an additional dose of cardioplegia dispensed immediately before implantation. METHODS Consecutive adult cardiac transplantations (2005-2012) were reviewed. Hearts were harvested fo...

The delivery of cardioplegia has traditionally been constrained by the physical limitations of the mechanical devices in use, yet myocardial protective strategies may vary both according to patient condition and operative requirements. The need for a cardioplegia administration device that allows flexibility and safety is evident. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of the...

Objective: Minimal invasive mitral valve surgery using right thoracotomy is becoming a safe alternative and has an increasing impact in the clinical routine. The best strategy for myocardial protection for these patients is under discussion. Warm-blood cardioplegia, according to the protocol of Calafiore (group C), is well-established in coronary surgery throughout Europe, whereas the cold-crys...