Protective Effect of Acupuncture on Myocardium

Abstract

Perioperative myocardial ischemia–reperfusion, pulmonary interstitial edema, and postoperative central nervous system complications are the main risk factors that affect the postoperative rehabilitation of patients who have undergone cardiac surgery. Based on the principle of “where there is a meridian acupoint, there is the indication,” we have selected two points of pericardium meridian of hand-Jue Yin [Neiguan (PC-6)] and lung meridian of hand-Tai Yin [Yunmen (LU-2), Lieque (lU-7)] to strengthen prevention and protection of perioperative myocardial ischemia, reduce perioperative risk factors effectively, and improve patient’s postoperative rehabilitation through regulation of body’s internal environment. The regulation mechanisms of circulatory function by acupuncture include (1) cardiac autoresuscitation rate, incidence of myocardial ischemia, vasoactive drug dosage, incidence of postoperative complications, ICU, and hospital stay days for cardiac surgery patients to whom the acupuncture anesthesia were significantly better than patients with endotracheal intubation anesthesia. (2) The studies show that the acupuncture anesthesia for cardiac surgery has reduced operative risk and improved surgical safety. Its main mechanisms include (a) regulation of β-EP, ACTH, cortisol, and plasma dopamine by electroacupuncture stimulation that improve impact of surgery on internal environment; (b) increase HSP70 expression by myocardial cells; (c) reduce mitochondrial membrane permeability; (d) inhibit cell adhesion process so as to reduce myocardial cell injury. (3) According to the principle of “where there is a meridian acupoint, there is the indication,” we find that double points selection of lung meridian of hand-Tai Yin [Yunmen (LU-2), Lieque (lU-7)] has apparent effect on myocardial protection, suggesting local and remote synergy of acupoints along meridians. Acupuncture anesthesia is a combined technique, including acupuncture combined with hypothermic anesthesia, and acupuncture anesthesia combined drugs (salvia, nicardipine, l-arginine) which have a synergistic effect on circulation regulation.