Del Nido Solution Research Articles

Traditional vs. modified Ringer lactate-based del Nido cardioplegia impacts on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: results from a clinical trial

Introduction: myocardial protection with cardioplegia solution is one of the precautions during coronary bypass grafting surgery (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to reduce myocardial damage and ischemia/reperfusion injuries. Unfortunately, the major component of the del Nido cardioplegia solution, Plasma-Lyte A, is unreachable in Iran due to high cost. Therefore, we have utilized lactate Ringer's solution as the base solution for our modified del Nido solution (LR DN). Study design and methods: the present clinical trial was performed on 18-75 year old patients (EF>35%) undergoing CABG with CPB in Imam Hossein hospital Tehran-Iran in 2021. Patients were randomly allocated to LR DN (modified del Nido cardioplegia) and PL DN (standard del Nido cardioplegia solution) groups. Serum level of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) at baseline, declamp, ICU admission, and 24 hours after admission, the type and dosage of inotrope agents, EF, rate of arrhythmia after clamp removal and lactate level were measured and compared between groups. Results: 109 patients were recruited. There were no statistically significant differences between the PL DN cardioplegia and LR DN groups for cardiopulmonary bypass times, cardiac enzymes, transfusion requirements, and arterial blood gases. However, postoperative serum levels of cTnI among patients in the LR DN group was significantly higher than patients of the PL DN group after ICU admission and 24 hours postoperatively. Also, more patients needed epinephrine administration in the operating room in the LR DN group (29.8% vs. 11.5%; p: 0.019 vs. PL DN group). Conclusion: we concluded that standard del Nido cardioplegia solution offers better myocardial protection compared with Ringer's lactate-based del Nido cardioplegia in adult patients undergoing CABG with CPB. We recommend using standard del Nido cardioplegia with a base of Plasma-Lyte A for patients presenting for CABG surgery.

Comparison of Del Nido (a different application) and crystalloid blood cardioplegia on arrhythmia and early results.

The results of the use of del-Nido(DN) solution using a different method or crystalloid blood cardioplegia in coronary bypass patients were compared. We aimed to investigate the effects on intraoperative and postoperative arrhythmias, arrhythmia durations and early results. The study included 175 patients using crystalloid blood cardioplegia (Group 1) and 150 patients using DN solution(Group 2). In the DN group, 75% of the calculated plegia dose was given first. the remaining part was applied by giving from grafts. Intraoperative/postoperative data were compared. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic characteristics. Preop troponin level was similar.(p = 0.190) However, there was a statistical difference between the postoperative 6th hour.(p = 0.001) There was no difference in troponin values at the postoperative 24th hour. (p = 0.631) Spontaneous rhythm occurred at the cardiopulmonary by pass (CPB) weaning stage in most of the patients in Group 2 (95.3%). Although the need for temporary pacing was less in Group 2, it was not significant.(p = 0.282) No patient required permanent pacing. CPB duration, cross clamp times and intraoperative glucose levels, intensive care follow-up times and hospitalization times were found to be shorter in Group 2. Although the postoperative atrial fibrillation frequency was similar (p = 0.261), the time to return to sinus was lower in Group 2.(p = 0.001). The use of DN cardioplegia solution provides significant positive contributions to avoid arrhythmias compared to crystalloid blood cardioplegia. DN solution applied with this method may contribute to reducing the anxieties associated with its use in isolated coronary artery bypass surgery.

Serum Lidocaine Levels in Adult Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery With del Nido Cardioplegia

BackgroundLidocaine in del Nido cardioplegia solution prolongs the refractory period of cardiomyocytes, yielding a longer arrest per dose. Serum lidocaine concentrations >8 mg/L are associated with seizure and cardiotoxicity. We evaluated serum lidocaine concentrations in patients receiving del Nido solution during cardiac surgery. MethodsForty consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures with del Nido cardioplegia were selected for serum lidocaine concentration measurements determined immediately after aortic cross-clamp removal. Variables included weight, body surface area, operation, cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamp time, and total volume of del Nido solution. The primary outcome was serum lidocaine concentration relative to total volume of del Nido solution. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlations were computed. ResultsMedian weight was 78.3 kg (range, 43-132.4 kg), and mean body surface area was 1.9 ± 0.2 m2. Operations included coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 26 [65%]), a combination procedure (n = 5 [12.5%]), isolated mitral valve repair or replacement (n = 4 [10%]), isolated aortic valve replacement (n = 3 [7.5%]), and aortic repair or replacement (n = 2 [5%]). Median total volume of del Nido solution was 1870 mL (range, 800-5800 mL). Mean serum lidocaine concentration was 2.2 ± 0.6 mg/L. Serum lidocaine concentration was weakly correlated with del Nido solution volume (R2 = 0.21). The highest total volume of del Nido solution (5800 mL) did not yield the highest serum lidocaine concentration of 3.5 mg/L. ConclusionsSerum lidocaine concentration during cardiac surgical procedures weakly correlates with the volume of del Nido solution used and does not reach toxic levels even at high doses of del Nido solution. The results of this study may help alleviate concerns for lidocaine toxicity with high doses of del Nido solution.

Self-constituted modified del Nido cardioplegia solution in pediatric congenital heart defect surgery.

ABSTRACT… Objective: To present our experience of modified del Nido Cardioplegia for chemical arrest and myocardial protection during congenital heart defect in pediatric cardiac surgeries. Study Design: Retrospective Cross Sectional. Setting: Department of Cardiac Surgery, PAQSJIMS, Gambat, Khairpur. Period: 15th March, 2021 to 10th October, 2022. Material & Methods: del Nido solution is generally constituted in plasma lyte A solution, not available in Pakistan; therefore, we constituted del Nido solution in ringer lactate solution. We had collected our data retrospectively for our study to assess the safety and efficacy of modified del Nido cardioplegic arrest during the open heart surgeries for congenital heart defects. We report clinical outcomes of our patients that include spontaneous rhythm, ionotropic score and duration of mechanical ventilation underwent open heart surgeries with. Results: During the study period we had performed 102 surgeries for correction or palliation of congenital heart defects. We have included 54 patients in our study co with 28 (52%) male and 26 female (48%) patients; had a mean age 8.9 (±3.7) years and mean weight 22.4 (±12.7) kg. Majority of patients 29 (54%) belonged to Category 2 on RACHS-1 scale. Our average cross clamp time was 39.7min, and 37(68%) patients required a single dose of cardioplegia. Spontaneous sinus rhythm was established in 48(89%) patients; average ionotropic score of patients at the time of PICU arrival was 8.6 (±5.6) with 31(57%) have score of less than 10, while 2(4%) patients were received without the ionotrope. All the patients were shifted on mechanical ventilators with average time of 253.6 (±219.6) min of mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: Our results show modified del Nido solution is safe, with added benefits of fewer interruption in surgery, greater magnitude of spontaneous sinus rhythm and fewer ionotropic requirements.

Calafiore cardioplegia offers better myocardial protection in adult and senescent rat hearts than Del Nido cardioplegia.

We compared the cardioprotective capacity of Del Nido cardioplegia and warm Calafiore blood cardioplegia in an experimental setting during 90min of ischaemia. 20 adult and 20 senescent rat hearts were isolated and mounted on a blood-perfused, pressure-controlled Langendorff apparatus. After a stabilization period, cardiac arrest (90min) was induced by the administration of either Calafiore (Cala) or Del Nido solution (DNS). While Cala was given warm and intermittently, DNS was given as a cold single shot. During 90min of reperfusion, cardiac function and metabolism were evaluated and biomarker levels were measured. After the end of the experiment, hearts were prepared for electronmicroscopic investigation. Hearts exposed to Cala recovered faster during reperfusion compared with hearts administered DNS (Cala vs DNS at 30min reperfusion: left ventricular developed pressure 72, SD: 22% of baseline (BL) versus 40, SD: 32% of BL, p < .001, and positive derived left ventricular pressure over time was better in both adult and senescent Cala groups (96, SD: 31% of BL) than in the DNS groups (39, SD: 27% of BL, p < .001). Ischaemic contractures were seen in the DNS groups starting after 30min of ischaemia, whereas no rise in diastolic pressure was observed for the Cala groups. Accordingly, lactate production was higher after DNS (1.23mg/dl (SD 0.87) than after Cala (0.33mg/dl (SD 0.68), p = .015) at the beginning of reperfusion. Troponin I levels at the end of reperfusion were higher after DNS treatment in adult hearts (DNS: 287.9 SD: 147.7ng/mL vs Cala 91.2: SD: 94.7ng/mL, p = .02) and in senescent hearts (DNS: 376.5 (SD: 162.8) ng/ml versus Cala 104.7 (SD: 150.2) ng/ml, p = .025). Electron microscopy showed that the cellular oedema index was higher in adult DNS hearts (1.2 ± 0.2) than in adult Cala hearts (0.8 ± 0.1, p = .012), whereas the VS ratio was similar (0.18 ± 0.01 vs 0.17 ± 0.03). Calafiore cardioplegia offers better myocardial protection from ischaemia/reperfusion-related damage in isolated perfused adult and senescent rat hearts than Del Nido cardioplegia.

Myocardial edema, inflammation, and injury in human heart donated after circulatory death are sensitive to warm ischemia and subsequent cold storage

BackgroundSingle-dose del Nido solution was recently used in human donation after circulatory death (DCD) heart procurement. We compared the effect of del Nido cardioplegia on myocardial edema, inflammatory response, and injury in human DCD hearts and human donation after brain death (DBD) hearts with different warm ischemic times (WIT) and subsequent cold saline storage times (CST). MethodsA total of 24 human hearts, including 6 in the DBD group and 18 in the DCD group—were procured for the research study. The DCD group was divided into 3 subgroups based on WIT: 20, 40, and ≥60 minutes. All hearts received 1 L of del Nido cardioplegia before being placed in cold saline for 6 hours. Left ventricular biopsies were performed at 0, 2, 4, and 6 hours. Temporal changes in myocardial edema, inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), and histopathology injury scores were compared between the DBD and DCD groups. ResultsDCD hearts showed more profound changes in myocardial edema, inflammation, and injury than DBD hearts at baseline and subsequent CST. The DCD heart with WIT of 20 and 40 minutes with CST of 4 and 2 hours, respectively, appeared to have limited myocardial edema, inflammation, and injury. DCD hearts with WIT ≥60 minutes showed severe myocardial edema, inflammation, and injury at baseline and subsequent CST. ConclusionsSingle-dose cold del Nido cardioplegia and subsequent cold normal saline storage can preserve both DCD and DBD hearts. DCD hearts have been shown to be able to tolerate a WIT of 20 minutes and subsequent CST of 4 hours without experiencing significant myocardial edema, inflammation, and injury.

Surgical results of only antegrade del Nido cardioplegia infusion in conventional coronary artery bypass grafting: a retrospective study.

Additional retrograde cardioplegia infusion in conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was introduced to address the concern of inappropriate cardioplegia delivery through the stenotic coronary artery. However, this method is complex and requires repeated infusions. Therefore, we investigated the surgical outcomes of only antegrade cardioplegia infusion in conventional CABG. We included 224 patients who underwent isolated CABG between 2017 and 2019. The patients were divided into two groups according to the cardioplegia infusion method: antegrade cardioplegia infusion with del Nido solution (n=111, group I) and antegrade+retrograde cardioplegia infusion with blood cardioplegia solution (n=113, group II). The sinus recovery time after release of the aorta cross-clamp was shorter in group I (3.8±7.1 minutes, n=98) than in group II (5.8±4.1 minutes, n=73) (p=0.033). The total cardioplegia infusion volume was lower in group I (1,998.6±668.6 mL) than in group II (7,321.0±2,865.3 mL) (p<0.001). Creatine kinase-MB levels were significantly lower in group I than in group II (p=0.039). Newly developed regional wall motion abnormalities on follow-up echocardiography were detected in two patients (1.8%) in group I and five patients (4.4%) in group II (p=0.233). There was no significant difference in ejection fraction improvement between the two groups (3.3%±9.3% in group I and 3.3%±8.7% in group II, p=0.990). The only antegrade cardioplegia infusion strategy in conventional CABG is safe and has no harmful effects.

Del Nido versus blood cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis.

Initially developed for myocardial protection in immature cardiomyocytes, del Nido cardioplegia has been increasingly used over the past decade in adult patients. Our aim is to analyse the results from randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing early mortality and postoperative troponin release in patients who underwent cardiac surgery using del Nido solution and blood cardioplegia. A literature search was performed through three online databases between January 2010 and August 2022. Clinical studies providing early mortality and/or postoperative troponin evaluation were included. A random-effects meta-analysis with a generalized linear mixed model, incorporating random study effects, was implemented to compare the two groups. Forty-two articles were included in the final analysis for a total of 11 832 patients, 5926 of whom received del Nido solution and 5906 received blood cardioplegia. del Nido and blood cardioplegia populations had comparable age, gender distribution, history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. There was no difference in early mortality between the two groups. There was a trend towards lower 24 h [mean difference -0.20; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.40 to 0.00; I2 = 89%; P = 0.056] and lower peak postoperative troponin levels (mean difference -0.10; 95% CI -0.21 to 0.01; I2 = 0.87; P = 0.087) in the del Nido group. del Nido cardioplegia can be safely used in adult cardiac surgery. The use of del Nido solution was associated with similar results in terms of early mortality and postoperative troponin release when compared with blood cardioplegia myocardial protection.

Del Nido Cardioplegia in Adult Cardiac Surgery: The Auckland Experience

del Nido solution is a crystalloid-based cardioplegia that was first used in paediatric cardiac surgery. Its use in adult cardiac surgery in New Zealand is limited, with most centres using traditional blood cardioplegia. We report our early experience of using del Nido cardioplegia across the full breadth of adult cardiac surgery.

Is del Nido cardioplegia safe in isolated coronary bypass surgery? It may be possible with this method

Objectives: This study aimed to share the early results of the del Nido (DN) solution used with a different method in patients who underwent isolated coronary bypass. Patients and methods: The retrospective study included 150 patients (123 males, 27 females; mean age: 59.8±9.7 years; range, 38 to 84 years) who underwent isolated coronary bypass operation between January 2020 and May 2022. The DN solution was applied differently from the practice in the literature. Seventy-five percent of the dose calculated according to the body weight of the patients was administered at the first moment. The remaining amount was continued to be given through the saphenous veins as distal anastomoses were made. When the cross-clamp was lifted, all grafts were tied to the aorta cannula, and the coronary vascular bed was cleared. Follow-up of patients was done routinely. Results: The mean preoperative ejection fraction was 49.9±5.6, and the mean postoperative ejection fraction value was 50.3±5.0 (p=0.079). A statistically significant difference was found between the preoperative troponin level and the postoperative troponin level at 6 h (p&lt;0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the postoperative 6 h and the postoperative 24 h. Spontaneous rhythm occurred at the termination of cardiopulmonary bypass in most of the patients (97%). No permanent pacing was required in any patient. An intra-aortic balloon pump was used in nine patients, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used in two patients. Two patients died in the early period. Conclusion: The use of DN with this method seems to be a reliable alternative to eliminate hesitations in isolated coronary bypass surgery.

Del Nido Cardioplegia in Adult Cardiac Surgery: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

To compare the outcomes of patients receiving del Nido solution versus any other type of cardioplegia. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Cardiac operating rooms. Adult patients (≥18 years old) undergoing cardiac surgery. The EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL databases were searched systematically from their inception until August 2022 for randomized controlled trials comparing del Nido versus other cardioplegias. Ten studies were included, including 1,812 patients (871 in the del Nido group and 941 in the control group), and published after 2017. There were significant reductions in postoperative stroke and/or transient ischemic attack rate in the del Nido group: 9/467 (1.9%) v 25/540 (4.6%); odds ratio (OR), 0.43; 95% CI, 0.20-0.92 (p=0.007). Del Nido cardioplegia was also associated with significantly shorter aortic cross-clamp time (mean difference, -8.99 minutes; 95% CI, -17.24 to -0.73 [p < 0.001]), significantly reduced need for defibrillation (89/582 [15%] v 252/655 [38%]; OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.15-0.72 [p < 0.001]), significantly lower risk of postoperative acute kidney injury (21/235 [8.9%] v 34/301 [11%]; OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.26-0.97 [p=0.04]), with no effect on mortality (14/607 [2.3%] v 12/681 [1.8%]; p=0.5). According to the authors' meta-analysis of recent randomized clinical trials, del Nido is a safe cardioplegic solution, which might provide better organ protection in adult cardiac surgery without differences in mortality when compared to other cardioplegic solutions.

Mitochondrial ATP Synthase Tetramer Disassembly following Blood-Based or del Nido Cardioplegia during Neonatal Cardiac Surgery

Conservation of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase proteins during ischemia is critical to preserve ATP supply and ventricular function. Following myocardial ischemia in adults, higher order ATP synthase tetramer proteins disassemble into simpler monomer units, reducing the efficiency of ATP production. However, it is unknown if myocardial ischemia following the use of cardioplegia results in tetramer disassembly in neonates, and whether it can be mitigated by cardioplegia if it does occur. We investigated myocardial ATP synthase tetramer disassembly in both a neonatal lamb cardiac surgery model and in neonatal children requiring cardiac surgery for the repair of congenital heart disease. Neonatal lambs (Ovis aries) were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and underwent cardioplegic arrest using a single dose of 30 mL/kg antegrade blood-based potassium cardioplegia (n = 4) or a single dose of 30 mL/kg antegrade del Nido cardioplegia (n = 6). Right ventricular biopsies were taken at baseline on CPB (n = 10) and after approximately 60 minutes of cardioplegic arrest before the cross clamp was released (n = 10). Human right ventricular biopsies (n = 3) were taken following 40.0 ± 23.1 minutes of ischemia after a single dose of antegrade blood-based cardioplegia. Protein complexes were separated on clear native gels and the tetramer to monomer ratio quantified. From the neonatal lamb model regardless of the cardioplegia strategy, the tetramer:monomer ratio decreased significantly during ischemia from baseline measurements (.6 ± .2 vs. .5 ± .1; p = .03). The del Nido solution better preserved the tetramer:monomer ratio when compared to the blood-based cardioplegia (Blood .4 ± .1 vs. del Nido .5 ± .1; p = .05). The tetramer:monomer ratio following the use of blood-based cardioplegia in humans aligned with the lamb data (tetramer:monomer .5 ± .2). These initial results suggest that despite cardioprotection, ischemia during neonatal cardiac surgery results in tetramer disassembly which may be limited when using the del Nido solution.

Mitochondrial ATP Synthase Tetramer Disassembly following Blood-Based or del Nido Cardioplegia during Neonatal Cardiac Surgery.

Conservation of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase proteins during ischemia is critical to preserve ATP supply and ventricular function. Following myocardial ischemia in adults, higher order ATP synthase tetramer proteins disassemble into simpler monomer units, reducing the efficiency of ATP production. However, it is unknown if myocardial ischemia following the use of cardioplegia results in tetramer disassembly in neonates, and whether it can be mitigated by cardioplegia if it does occur. We investigated myocardial ATP synthase tetramer disassembly in both a neonatal lamb cardiac surgery model and in neonatal children requiring cardiac surgery for the repair of congenital heart disease. Neonatal lambs (Ovis aries) were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and underwent cardioplegic arrest using a single dose of 30 mL/kg antegrade blood-based potassium cardioplegia (n = 4) or a single dose of 30 mL/kg antegrade del Nido cardioplegia (n = 6). Right ventricular biopsies were taken at baseline on CPB (n = 10) and after approximately 60 minutes of cardioplegic arrest before the cross clamp was released (n = 10). Human right ventricular biopsies (n = 3) were taken following 40.0 ± 23.1 minutes of ischemia after a single dose of antegrade blood-based cardioplegia. Protein complexes were separated on clear native gels and the tetramer to monomer ratio quantified. From the neonatal lamb model regardless of the cardioplegia strategy, the tetramer:monomer ratio decreased significantly during ischemia from baseline measurements (.6 ± .2 vs. .5 ± .1; p = .03). The del Nido solution better preserved the tetramer:monomer ratio when compared to the blood-based cardioplegia (Blood .4 ± .1 vs. del Nido .5 ± .1; p = .05). The tetramer:monomer ratio following the use of blood-based cardioplegia in humans aligned with the lamb data (tetramer:monomer .5 ± .2). These initial results suggest that despite cardioprotection, ischemia during neonatal cardiac surgery results in tetramer disassembly which may be limited when using the del Nido solution.

Del Nido versus Bretschneider cardioplegic solution in valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis - a case-control pilot study.

IntroductionThe adequate protection provided by the del Nido cardioplegia has already been proven in trials comparing the solution with blood cardioplegia. However, evidence regarding comparison to the Bretschneider HTK solution is limited.AimTo determine the efficacy of the del Nido cardioplegia when compared to Bretschneider HTK solution in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis.Material and methodsTen patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis using the del Nido solution (group 1) were case-control matched to patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) using the Bretschneider solution (group 2). The observation included: cardioplegia dosage, time to cardiac arrest, cross-clamp and extracorporeal circulation time, ventricular fibrillation (VF) after removing the cross-clamp, gasometry parameters, creatinine kinase (MB isoenzyme – CK-MB) at 24 and 48 h following the surgery and troponin (highsensitivity troponin T – hsTnT) at 24 and 48 h.ResultsPatients were no different in terms of comorbidities. Higher incidence of VF occurred in group 2 (3 vs. 9, 30% vs. 90%; p = 0.02). Blood sodium measurements after removing the cross-clamp were significantly higher in group 1 (median 137.0 vs. 130.0; p = 0.0004). Biomarker release trended toward lower values in group 1, but not significantly (median troponin at 24 h: 223.1 pg/ml vs. 294.8 pg/ml; p = 0.4 and 48 h: 208.0 pg/ml vs. 242.5 pg/ml; p = 0.7, median CK-MB at 24 h: 16.6 ng/ml vs. 17.3 ng/ml; p = 0.6, and 48 h: 6.7 ng/ml vs. 5.08 ng/ml; p = 0.3). Peak creatinine trended towards lower values in group 2, but not significantly (1.35 mg/dl vs. 1.05 mg/dl; p = 0.09).ConclusionsBoth del Nido and Bretschneider cardioplegia provide satisfactory myocardial protection. However, del Nido cardioplegia reduces the incidence of VF after declamping the aorta. Further studies are required.

Comparison of two cardioplegia solution—del Nido solution and St. Thomas solution used in adult cardiac surgery

Introduction: del Nido (DN) cardioplegia induces a depolarizing arrest during cardiac surgery. It is more dilute (1,4, blood crystalloid) as compared to the traditional 4:1 blood cardioplegia; it has lower Ca+2 and contains lidocaine. St. Thomas’ (ST) cardioplegia has been a popular crystalloid cardioplegia among cardiac surgeons; still, it must be administered constantly at short intervals during the surgery. Aim: To determine whether DN cardioplegia, with longer period of arrest provides better myocardial protection as compared to ST cardioplegia, with shorter period of arrest. Materials and Methods: The study population comprised 46 patients who undergone on pump coronary artery bypass grafting or any valve replacement surgery, which include aortic valve replacement, mitral valve replacement, and double valve replacement between February 2022 and June 2022. The patients were divided into two groups based on the type of cardioplegia given during surgery: (1) ST group (ST, n = 23) and (2) DN cardioplegia group (DN, n = 23). We compared the aortic cross clamp (CC) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) times, number of doses required, and postoperative outcome in the two groups. Results: The CC of time of DN versus ST group (75.82 ± 27.24 vs 85.69 ± 37.20) min and bypass times of DN versus ST group (102.73 ± 35.28 vs 104.86 ± 38.9) min. The DN group was noticed to have shorter CC and CPB times with (P < 0.05). Fewer cardioplegia doses were required in the DN group versus the ST group (1.21 ± 0.42 vs 2.86 ± 1.28; P = 0.001), while a single cardioplegia dose was given to 18 DN patients (78.26%) versus 2 ST patients (8.69%) (P < 0.001). LVEF was better preserved in the DN group. Conclusions: The use of DN cardioplegia results in shorter CC and CPB times, reduces cardioplegia doses, and also provides better myocardial protection with a safety profile as compared to ST cardioplegia.

Re-dosing of del Nido cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery requiring prolonged aortic cross-clamp.

OBJECTIVESFew data exist on the use of del Nido cardioplegia in adults, specifically during operations requiring prolonged aortic cross-clamp. In this pilot study, we evaluate outcomes of patients undergoing surgery with cross-clamp time >3 h based on re-dosing strategy, using either full dose (FD; 1:4 blood to crystalloid ratio) or dilute (4:1 blood to crystalloid ratio) solution.METHODSConsecutive adult patients (>18 years) undergoing cardiac surgery from 2012 to 2018 with cross-clamp time >3 h were reviewed. Patients were excluded if del Nido cardioplegia was not used. Patients were categorized into FD or dilute groups based on re-dosing solution. Propensity score matching was used to control for baseline differences between groups. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Other outcomes examined included: postoperative mechanical support, arrhythmia, stroke, dialysis and cardiac function.RESULTSIncluded for analysis were 173 patients (115 male) with median age of 63.8 (interquartile range 53.9–73.1). Major comorbidities included diabetes (45), cerebrovascular disease (34), hypertension (131), atrial fibrillation (52) and previous cardiac surgery (83). There were 108 patients (62%) who received FD re-dosing, while 65 (38%) received dilute. A greater proportion of patients in the dilute group received retrograde delivery, for both induction (32/108 vs 39/65, P < 0.001) and re-dose (50/108 vs 53/65, P < 0.001). After propensity score matching, in-hospital mortality was not different between groups (6/48 vs 1/48, P = 0.131). There were no differences in rates of postoperative mechanical circulatory support, stroke, left ventricular ejection fraction or right ventricle dysfunction.CONCLUSIONSDel Nido cardioplegia has been used in complex cardiac surgery requiring prolonged cross-clamp. Re-dosing can be performed with either FD or dilute del Nido solution with no statistical difference in outcomes.

Myocardial Protection With Different Cardioplegia in Adult Cardiac Surgery: A Network Meta-Analysis

Cardioplegia is one of the most studied fields of myocardial protection during cardiac surgery. However, the most effective cardioplegia for protection in adult cardiac surgery remains unknown. PubMed and other databases were searched and a network meta-analysis with a Bayesian framework was performed. The primary outcomes were the serum concentrations of creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I, and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) at four time points. Several clinical outcomes were evaluated, including low output syndrome, myocardial infarction, and risk of early mortality. All studies that involved crystalloid cardioplegia without reference to St Thomas cardioplegia or histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution, and if the cardioplegia was used at a temperature between 4°C and 16°C were classified as cold crystalloid (cCCP) or cold blood cBCP cardioplegia. Warm blood cardioplegia (wBCP) was defined as the blood cardioplegia used at a temperature between 32°C and 37°C. Forty-seven (47) studies with a total of 4,175 patients were included. Seven (7) cardioplegia solutions were used, including cold CCP or BCP, del Nido solution, histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution, St Thomas cardioplegia, wBCP and warm terminal blood cardioplegia (wtBCP).Theserum concentrations of CK-MB at 2 hours (mean difference [MD], 213.56; 95% confidence interval [CI],-25.79 to-1.59) and cTnT at 24 hours of wBCP (MD,-1.50; 95% CI,-2.69 to-0.31) were significantly lower than that of cCCP. There were no significant differences in other outcomes of these six cardioplegia solutions, when compared to cCCP. The seven cardioplegia solutions analysed had similar myocardial protective effects after adult cardiac surgery, although wBCP had a lower CK-MB at 2 hours and lower cTnT at 24 hours.

Modified del Nido versus blood cardioplegia in congenital cardiac surgery.

Lactated Ringer-based del Nido cardioplegia has been reported to be safe for acquired cardiac surgery. The original Plasma-Lyte-based solution has been proved for congenital cardiac surgery but its modification has not been adequately examined. We compared the clinical outcomes of congenital cardiac surgery using lactated Ringer-based del Nido cardioplegia versus cold blood cardioplegia. Between September 2018 and November 2020, 116 consecutive patients with congenital heart disease undergoing operations with cardioplegic arrest performed by a single surgeon at Faculty of Medicine Siriraj hospital; 66 with modified del Nido solution and 50 with institutional's blood cardioplegia. The patient risk profiles, operative details, mortality rates, care durations, inotrope use, blood transfusion and complications were compared. Preoperative characteristics were similar between groups, including median age (2.5 vs. 3.1 years; p = 0.49), size, and gender. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery score of 3 to 5 was more prevalent in the del Nido group (24.2% vs. 10%; p = 0.049). There were 4 deaths in the modified del Nido group (risk category score of 4) but none in the cold blood group (p = 0.13). There was no significant difference in median intubation duration, length of intensive care unit stay, and vasoactive medications immediately and 24 h after the operation. The del Nido group required 70 to 100 ml less blood transfusion (p = 0.04). All complications were similar between the two groups. Clinical outcomes of lactated Ringer-based del Nido cardioplegia were comparable to those of blood cardioplegia in congenital cardiac surgery.

The Genetically Engineered Heart as a Bridge to Allotransplantation in Infants Just Around the Corner?

BackgroundMortality for infants on the heart transplant waitlist remains unacceptably high, and available mechanical circulatory support is suboptimal. Our goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing genetically engineered pig (GEP) heart as a bridge to allotransplantation by transplantation of a GEP heart in a baboon. MethodsFour baboons underwent orthotopic cardiac transplantation from GEP donors. All donor pigs had galactosyl-1,3-galactose knocked out. Two donor pigs had human complement regulatory CD55 transgene and the other 2 had human complement regulatory CD46 and thrombomodulin. Induction immunosuppression included thymoglobulin, and anti-CD20. Maintenance immunosuppression was rapamycin, anti-CD-40, and methylprednisolone. One donor heart was preserved with University of Wisconsin solution and the other three with del Nido solution. ResultsAll baboons weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass. B217 received a donor heart preserved with University of Wisconsin solution. Ventricular arrhythmias and depressed cardiac function resulted in early death. All recipients of del Nido preserved hearts easily weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass with minimal inotropic support. B15416 and B1917 survived for 90 days and 241 days, respectively. Histopathology in B15416 revealed no significant myocardial rejection but cellular infiltrate around Purkinje fibers. Histopathology in B1917 was consistent with severe rejection. B37367 had uneventful transplant but developed significant respiratory distress with cardiac arrest. ConclusionsSurvival of B15416 and B1917 demonstrates the feasibility of pursuing additional research to document the ability to bridge an infant to cardiac allotransplant with a GEP heart.

Del Nido Cardioplegia in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: A safe, efficacious and economic alternative to St. Thomas solution; an experience from a developing nation.

del Nido cardioplegia is a newer solution getting popular worldwide, whereas in Nepal, St. Thomas cardioplegia solution is conventionally used. There is no national recommendation on cardioplegia solutions supported by evidences from Nepalese studies. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of these solutions in Nepalese patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Patients undergoing coronary revascularization, from May 2018 to December 2019, were randomized into St. Thomas and del Nido groups based on the cardioplegia administered, with 45 patients in each group. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters and cost of cardioplegia preparation in the two groups were compared. The cardiopulmonary bypass time (106.13 ± 24.65 minutes vs 107.62 ± 18.69 minutes, p = 0.02), aortic cross clamp time (66.22 ± 15.40 minutes vs 72.07 ± 12.23 minutes, p = 0.04), volume (1059.22 ± 100.30 ml vs 1526.67 ± 271.81 ml, p < 0.001) and number of cardioplegia doses (1.00 ± 0.00 vs 2.51 ± 0.66, p < 0.001) were significantly lower with del Nido cardioplegia. A lower CPK-MB at second post-operative (59.91 ± 31.62 vs 73.82 ± 37.25, p = 0.03) and a higher left ventricle ejection fraction at discharge (56.33 ± 8.94% vs 50.45 ± 8.55%, p < 0.001) was observed in del Nido group. There was one death in St. Thomas group. ICU and hospital stay were similar in both groups. St. Thomas solution was found to be costlier than del Nido solution (USD 5.40 ± 0.96 vs USD 3.50 ± 0.34, p < 0.001). The del Nido cardioplegia was found to be efficacious, safe and more economical alternative to St. Thomas solution.