Abstract

The ability of retrograde cardioplegia to protect the right ventricle has been questioned. Canine myocardial circulation was assessed by infusing colored microspheres through the coronary sinus. The relative flow index (RFI), a normalized measure of tissue blood flow, was determined for 76 sections of myocardium. Three distinct flow regions were evident from these measurements. A paucity of blood flow through some basal sections of the right ventricle (RFI = 0.23 +/- 0.19) was found to be significantly different (p < 0.005) from regions of the heart with normal flow (RFI = 1.12 +/- 0.06). Sections from the right ventricular apex demonstrated augmented flow (RFI = 3.72 +/- 1.18). These data indicate that retrograde coronary perfusion provides nonuniform flow and under some conditions may provide inadequate perfusion to portions of the right ventricle.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.