Retrograde Blood Cardioplegia Research Articles

Antegrade versus Retrograde Blood Cardioplegia in Left Main Coronary Artery Disease Patients Underwent CABG

Antegrade versus Retrograde Blood Cardioplegia in Left Main Coronary Artery Disease Patients Underwent CABG

Comparison Of Antegrade And Antegrade/Retrograde Blood Cardioplegia Applications In Cardiopulmonary Bypass Accompanıed Cardiac Surgery

Introduction: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is among the leading causes of death worldwide. Sometimes, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is inevitable in the treatment of heart diseases by open heart surgery procedures. Myocardium protection is of great importance in CPB cases. Various techniques and applications exist for the protection of the myocardium.
 Objective: In this study, it was aimed to determine the perioperative and postoperative early outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operations with CPB by comparing intermittent antegrade and intermittent antegrade (Initial) combined with retrograde (Maintenance) blood cardioplegia applications.
 Materials and Methods: 240 patients with similar characteristics who underwent CPB-guided CABG operation were included. Two groups were formed as Antegrade (Group 1) and Antegrade/retrograde (Group 2). The preoperative, intraoperative, and early postoperative results of the groups were compared.
 Results: Gender, age, body surface area, flow, ejection fraction percentages, EuroSCORE and LMCA lesion presence values were similar in both groups (p>0.05). Cross-clamp time, total perfusion time, mean activated clotting time during CPB and perioperative drainage were similar in both groups (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the sodium, potassium, calcium, glucose, and lactate levels evaluated after CPB of the two groups (p>0.05). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of defibrillation requirement, inotropic requirement, and IABP requirement after CPB. (p>0.05).
 Conclusion: Similar results were observed between antegrade cardioplegia alone and antegrade combined with retrograde cardioplegia in CPB-guided CABG operations. For this reason, we think that the antegrade cardioplegia technique alone will be more advantageous in terms of ease of application, not requiring additional invasive intervention, and eliminating the risks of the necessity of additional intervention. Furthermore, we think that the importance of case-based evaluation in cardioplegia techniques should not be ignored.

Outcomes after aortic valve replacement for aortic valve stenosis, with or without concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting.

To assess the effects of concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), we analyzed the outcomes after aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis (AS) with and without coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at our institution. Between 2002 and 2014, 605 consecutive patients underwent AVR for AS. Of these, the 275 who received isolated AVR (Group A) and the 122 who received both AVR and CABG (Group AC) patients were enrolled, after the exclusion of 8 patients who underwent reoperation and 200 who received other concomitant surgery. AVR and all bypass anastomoses were performed under intermittent retrograde cold blood cardioplegia. Multivariate analysis was used to assess any association of concomitant CABG with morbidity and mortality. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess all-cause mortality. No significant difference in 30-day mortality was found between Group A and Group AC (1.5% vs. 0.8%, P = 1.000). Nor did post-discharge survival differ significantly between the two groups (P = 0.20). Likewise, multivariate analysis showed that concomitant CABG was not associated with significantly greater in-hospital or mid-term mortality. Operative morbidities were comparable between the two groups, in terms of stroke (1.8% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.466), prolonged ventilation (4.0% vs. 5.5%, P = 0.565), deep sternal infection (1.8% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.466), and acute renal failure (0.4% vs. 1.6% P = 0.176). Concomitant CABG at the time of AVR was performed without increasing early- or mid-term mortality. This absence of increased risk deserves consideration when choosing between different treatment strategies.

Clinical Results of Different Myocardial Protection Techniques in Aortic Stenosis.

BackgroundHypertrophied myocardium is especially vulnerable to ischemic injury. This study aimed to compare the early and late clinical outcomes of three different methods of myocardial protection in patients with aortic stenosis.MethodsThis retrospective study included 225 consecutive patients (mean age, 65±10 years; 123 males) with severe aortic stenosis who underwent aortic valve replacement. Patients were excluded if they had coronary artery disease, an ejection fraction <50%, more than mild aortic regurgitation, or endocarditis. The patients were divided into three groups: group A, which was treated with antegrade and retrograde cold blood cardioplegia; group B, which was treated with antegrade crystalloid cardioplegia using histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution; and group C, treated with retrograde cold blood cardioplegia.ResultsGroup A contained 70 patients (31.1%), group B contained 74 patients (32.9%), and group C contained 81 patients (36%). The three groups showed significant differences with regard to the proportion of patients with a New York Heart Association functional classification ≥III (p=0.035), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels (p=0.042), ejection fraction (p=0.035), left ventricular dimensions (p<0.001), left ventricular mass index (p<0.001), and right ventricular systolic pressure (p<0.001). Differences in cardiopulmonary bypass time (p=0.532) and aortic cross-clamp time (p=0.48) among the three groups were not statistically significant. During postoperative recovery, no significant differences were found regarding the use of inotropes (p=0.328), mechanical support (n=0), arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, p=0.347; non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, p=0.1), and ventilator support time (p=0.162). No operative mortality occurred. Similarly, no significant differences were found in long-term outcomes.ConclusionAlthough the three groups showed some significant differences with regard to patient characteristics, both antegrade crystalloid cardioplegia with HTK solution and retrograde cold blood cardioplegia led to early and late clinical results similar to those achieved with combined antegrade and retrograde cold blood cardioplegia.

HVAD continuous flow assist device for ischemic ventricular septal rupture

HVAD continuous flow assist device for ischemic ventricular septal rupture

Saphenous vein graft interposition following aggressive endarterectomy for right coronary artery: experience with 32 cases

Increasingly more diffuse and complex atherosclerotic lesions are encountered in coronary bypass surgery. Although coronary endarterectomy has been performed for a long time, it possesses risks of mortality and morbidity. For LAD techniques such as closure with saphenous patch and patch + anastomosis with LIMA are used following endarterectomy. In this case series, we aimed to present our experience with saphenous interpositions that we performed or were compelled to perform following endarterectomy carried out on the trunk of RCA. Of 554 patients operated with primary coronary surgery by the same surgical team between 2008 and 2012, 32 underwent right coronary endarterectomy. Median sternotomy was performed and standard aortobicaval cannulation + antegrade + retrograde blood cardioplegia were used in all surgeries. Saphenous vein grafts were used in all RCA anastomoses. Care was taken to excise the plaque as a whole with an endarterectomy blade after right coronary arteriotomy. All of the aggressive endarterectomy applications performed in those 32 patients were against trunk lesions of the RCA. The length of the plaques excised with endarterectomy ranged between 6-10 cm. After completion of endarterectomy, a saphenous interposition was performed at the trunk region of the right coronary artery and then a saphenous vein bypass was carried out distal to the interposition as deemed necessary after a check with coronary probe. All operations were completed uneventfully and patients were taken to the ICU after the operation. They were discharged between postoperative days 5-7.Only 4 patients developed postoperative atrial fibrillation, which were converted back to normal sinus rhythm by medical therapy. No sign of ischemia was observed in the RCA region in scintigraphic examination performed 12 months after the operation. We suggest that saphenous vein graft interposition performed after endarterectomy for the trunk of RCA is safely applicable, as trunk region of RCA does not have any side branch.

Double venous drainage through vena cava superior in upper ministernotomy and right minithoracotomy approaches for aortic valve replacement facilitate the operation

Methods 236 patients were included in our study, to whom aortic valve was replaced. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential benefit of double venous cannulation through superior vena cava (SVC) for venous drainage for aortic valve replacement (AVR) in upper mini-sternotomy and right mini-thoracotomy approaches. Five to 7 cm skin incision was made at the level of third intercostal space, through which the pericardium was opened longitudinally. Shortly after the patient was fully heparinized, venous drainage was achieved by vacuum assisted (40-60 mmHg) double venous cannulation through SVC (22 French) while arterial return was established by right femoral artery or ascending aorta (standard arterial cannula. We cross-clamped the aorta and infused antegrade cold blood cardioplegia into the ascending aorta and retrograde cold blood cardioplegia into the coronary sinus to achieve cardiac arrest. The aortic valve was approached through a transverse aortotomy. The native valve was removed completely and replaced with biological or mechanical valve, secured by Teflon pledges and sutures.

Total arch replacement with selective antegrade cerebral perfusion and mild hypothermic circulatory arrest.

This article describes the surgical techniques demonstrated in our video, “Total arch replacement (TAR) with selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP) and mild hypothermic circulatory arrest” (Video 1). Video 1 Total arch replacement with selective antegrade cerebral perfusion and mild hypothermic circulatory arrest The aortic arch is the most common location for the development of aortic aneurysms. These aneurysms are often located close to the brachiocephalic vessels, and atheromatous plaque and thrombus are often present both in the aneurysm and in the nearby aorta. In addition, the brachiocephalic branches, especially the left subclavian artery, frequently have atheromatous plaque at the orifices. Despite recent progress in endovascular treatments, mural thrombus and atherosclerotic debris in the aortic arch are frequently problematic. Therefore, endovascular repair cannot be considered as the first-line intervention for arch aneurysm without establishing secure preventive measures against atheroembolism caused by catheterization. The open replacement of the whole aortic arch with brachiocephalic vessel reconstruction using prosthetic grafts remains the gold standard procedure for the management of this condition. Historically, open aortic arch surgery for aortic arch aneurysm has been invasive. We believe that four factors make open arch repair difficult: (I) possible brain injury due to inadequate protection; (II) a deep, narrow operative field in the distal aorta and the left subclavian artery; (III) hemorrhage and transfusion; and (IV) possible myocardial damage due to prolonged ischemia. Therefore, we have used hypothermic circulatory arrest with SACP rather than other brain protective methods, and developed a method to optimize the operative field. Our procedure for arch aneurysm is simple and standardized. We use systemic cooling until 25 to 28 °C at tympanic membrane temperature, followed by SACP with balloon-tipped catheters and myocardial protection by intermittent retrograde blood cardioplegia. Anastomoses are sequentially constructed at the distal arch, the proximal root, the left subclavian artery, the left carotid artery, and the right brachiocephalic artery. Most of these procedures are routinely completed within 3 hours. Patients even over 80 years old can mobilise on the ward and resume oral diet on postoperative day one. Fast-tracked recovery is certainly achieved with this surgical procedure.

Intraoperative Assessment for Mitral Valve Competency in a Beatin Heart Under Retrograde Coronary Perfusion

Intraoperative assessment of a repaired mitral valve is of paramount importance for reparative mitral surgery. From September 2010 through November 2012, 20 consecutive patients underwent mitral valve plasty for mitral regurgitation. The patients who underwent surgery after June 2012 received assessment of the repair with the heart beating (HB group, n = 10), and the patients who underwent the operation before May 2012 were assessed for the repair only under cardioplegic heart arrest (non-HB group, n = 10). Intermittent cold retrograde blood cardioplegia was used in all patients. In the HB-group, after completion of the procedures, pump blood without a crystalloid additive was delivered into the coronary sinus. The function of the mitral valve was assessed under beating conditions. There were no differences between the two groups in aortic cross clamp time and operation time, although operative and concomitant procedures were slightly more complicated in the HB group than in the non-HB group. Postoperative echocardiography revealed none or mild mitral regurgitation in all the patients in both groups. Reopening of the closed left atrium for additional repair was necessary only in one patient in the HB group and 3 patients in the non-HB group. In conclusion, the method of perfusing the myocardium retrogradely via the coronary sinus with warm blood is safe and effective for assessing the competency of the mitral valve in a beating heart.

Myocardial Protection Era: From Valve Surgery to Heart Transplantation

Myocardial Protection Era: From Valve Surgery to Heart Transplantation

Cardiopulmonary Bypass Transiently Inhibits Intraventricular Vortex Ring Formation in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Transmitral blood flow during early left ventricular (LV) filling produces an intraventricular rotational body of fluid known as a "vortex ring" that enhances the hydraulic efficiency of early LV filling. The authors tested the hypothesis that exposure to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) attenuates intraventricular vortex formation time (VFT) in patients with normal preoperative LV systolic and diastolic function undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. A prospective, observational study. Ten men (65 ± 4 years, 91 ± 11 kg, and 175 ± 8 cm) with a normal preoperative LV ejection fraction (58% ± 6%) scheduled for elective CABG surgery were studied after institutional review board approval. None. Anesthesia was induced with etomidate, fentanyl, and rocuronium and maintained with isoflurane. Myocardial protection during CPB consisted of antegrade and retrograde cold blood cardioplegia administered at 15-minute intervals, systemic and topical hypothermia, and warm continuous antegrade cardioplegia before aortic cross-clamp removal. The peak early LV filling and atrial systole blood flow velocities (E and A, respectively) and corresponding velocity-time integrals (VTI-E and VTI-A, respectively) were obtained with pulse-wave Doppler echocardiography and used to determine E/A and atrial filling fraction (β, VTI-A/[VTI-E + VTI-A]), respectively. Mitral valve diameter (D) was calculated as the average of minor and major axis lengths obtained in the midesophageal bicommissural and long-axis transesophageal echocardiographic imaging planes, respectively. VFT was calculated 30 minutes before and 15, 30, and 60 minutes after CPB as 4 × (1 - β) × stroke volume (SV)/πD(3), where SV is the stroke volume measured using thermodilution. All patients separated from CPB in sinus rhythm without pacing or vasoactive drug support. Systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics were similar before compared with all times after CPB. CPB significantly (p < 0.05) reduced VFT (5.3 ± 1.8 to 4.0 ± 1.5 15 minutes after CPB); the recovery of VFT (to 4.7 ± 1.6, p > 0.05 v baseline) was noted 60 minutes after CPB. A reduction in E/A (1.26 ± 0.22 to 0.96 ± 0.27) and an increase in β (0.33 ± 0.04 to 0.41 ± 0.07) occurred 15 minutes after CPB. E/A and β also recovered gradually toward control values after CPB (1.25 ± 0.22 and 0.36 ± 0.04, respectively, 60 minutes after CPB; p > 0.05 v. baseline). The results indicated that CPB transiently attenuate VFT in patients with normal preoperative LV systolic and diastolic function undergoing CABG surgery. These data suggest that CPB adversely affects diastolic transmitral flow efficiency by reducing intraventricular vortex ring formation in vivo.

Myocardial energy metabolism and functional recovery in coronary bypass surgery: A comparative study between continuous retrograde warm and mild hypothermic blood cardioplegia

The optimal temperature for delivery of continuous retrograde blood cardioplegia is not known. Twenty-two patients admitted to the hospital for elective coronary artery bypass grafting were randomized into the warm (37°) and mild hypothermic (28°C) cardioplegia groups. Changes in myocardial energy metabolism during cardiopulmonary bypass, postoperative efflux of the creatine kinase MB isoform (CK-MB), functional hemodynamic recovery, and postoperative complications were followed. During aortic cross-clamp, the average oxygen consumption was higher in the warm than in the mild hypothermic group (3.4±0.4 vs 2.4±0.3 ml/minute,p=0.06), as was the average transcardiac (outflow-inflow) pCO2-difference (1.1±0.1 vs 0.7±0.1 kPa,p=0.02). The average transcardiac pH-difference during aortic cross-clamp was lower in the warm group (−0.08±0.01 vs −0.06±0.01 U,p=0.02), reflecting more profound tissue acidosis. In accordance with this, warm hearts produced more lactate, especially towards the end of the aortic cross-clamp period (p=0.001). The net efflux of adenosine and its degradation products was more prominent during warm than during mild hypothermic cardioplegia (p=0.016), indicating less degradation of high energy adenylates in the hypothermic group. The functional hemodynamic recovery during the first postoperative day was similar in both patient groups, although the myocardial injury estimated as postoperative leakage of CK-MB was less extensive in the hypothermic group (p=0.011). There were no major differences in the postoperative complications between the study groups. We conclude that continuous retrograde mild hypothermic blood cardioplegia offers better myocardial protection during coronary bypass surgery than does continuous retrograde warm cardioplegia. The clinical significance of this should be tested in a larger series of patients, especially those with recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or severely depressed left ventricular function.

Continuous warm blood cardioplegia: A randomized prospective clinical comparison

Seventy-eight patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were randomized to receive one of two myocardial preservation techniques. Control patients (C) (n=38) had myocardial protection by moderate systemic hypothermia, topical cold saline, and myocardial arrest with antegrade dilute blood/cold potassium cardioplegia with subsequent intermittent retrograde solution every 10–15 minutes during the period of aortic cross-clamping. The experimental group (warm blood, WB) (n=40) had myocardial protection at systemic normothermia, myocardial arrest with antegrade high potassium, and warm blood cardioplegia with subsequent continuous retrograde low potassium warm blood cardioplegia throughout aortic cross-clamping. The two groups were similar preoperatively. After aortic declamping, all WB patients developed a spontaneous rhythm. Only three (7.5%) required intraoperative defibrillation compared with 23 (61%) C patients,p<0.0001. The cross-clamp time per graft was greater with WB,p=0.003. The postoperative need for inotropes, cardiac pacing, incidence of ventricular dysrhythmia, chest tube drainage, and hospital stay did not differ between groups. Perioperative myocardial infarction occurred in 2 WB and 0 C patients (p=0.25). Mortality was not different between groups (WB=1, C=2,p=0.89). It is possible to perform CABG with continuous warm blood cardioplegia with low morbidity and mortality. However, no clear advantage was demonstrated over standard techniques that allow the technical ease of a bloodless field. The metabolic and physiologic significance of spontaneous resumption of sinus rhythm upon aortic declamping remains to be elucidated.

Heat Shock Proteins and Myocardial Protection during Cardiopulmonary Bypass

This prospective randomized study investigated the effects of two different cardioplegia techniques on myocardial heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) mRNA levels. Patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were divided into two equal groups. All patients received the same anaesthesia. Myocardial preservation was achieved by delivering intermittent antegrade isothermic blood cardioplegia in one group and antegrade plus continuous retrograde isothermic blood cardioplegia in the other. Biopsies for measurement of HSP70 mRNA levels were taken from the right atria before surgical manipulation of the heart, and later from the same place following CPB. HSP70 mRNA levels were evaluated using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Crossing-point values for HSP70 and β-actin were used to evaluate up-regulation. There was a significant increase in HSP70 mRNA levels in response to CPB in both groups, but no significant between-group difference in HSP70 up-regulation. Further investigation is required to evaluate the correlation between the level of HSP induction and the degree of myocardial protection in more heterogeneous groups of patients.

Operative Myocardial Protection in Patients with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: The Role of Systemic Hypothermia.

ObjectivesMyocardial hypertrophy represents a great challenge in cardiac surgery. Several strategies have been described to protect the hypertrophied myocardium during cardiopulmonary bypass, and aortic clamping, yet the ideal strategy has not been identified. This study investigates the use of moderate systemic hypothermia (MSH) as an adjuvant method to protect the hypertrophied myocardium in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR).MethodsTwenty eight patients undergoing AVR were divided into two groups, (Group I) received continuous cold 5–8 °C retrograde blood cardioplegia (CRBC) and their body temperature was cooled down to 23–26 °C. (Group II) also received CRBC but their body temperature was kept at 32–34 °C.ResultsNo operative morality (30 days) was noted in both groups. Postoperative reduction in ejection fraction (EF) was seen in nine patients of group I and in twelve patients of group II (P < 0.05). The need for multiple inotropes was more in group II (eight patients) than in group I (two patients) (P < 0.001). IABP was needed in three patients of group II and non in group I (P < 0.01).ConclusionModerate systemic hypothermia might have a role in protecting hypertrophied myocardium in patients undergoing AVR.

Systemic hyperkalemia and mild hypothermia for valve surgery in patients with patent internal mammary artery graft

Myocardial protection is compromised in patients with a patent internal mammary artery (IMA) graft. We assessed the advantages of systemic hyperkalemia with mild hypothermia for valve surgery in patients with a patent IMA graft. Nine patients (mean age 71.5+/-7.0 years) with a patent IMA graft underwent valve surgery from May 2004 to July 2009. Of those, eight underwent aortic valve replacement and one mitral repair, with two double-valve surgery. Antegrade and retrograde blood cardioplegia were performed intermittently, and systemic potassium was given to all. The lowest bladder temperature was 27.2+/-2.4 degrees C, and the initial and peak systemic potassium levels were 6.8+/-1.4 and 8.0+/-1.6 mEq/l, respectively, while potassium at the end of the cardiopulmonary bypass procedure after sufficient modified ultrafiltration was reduced to 5.5+/-0.6 mEq/l. There was one hospital death due to ischemic colitis. Cardiac arrest was easily achieved in each patient without IMA or aortocoronary graft injury. The postoperative peak creatine kinase-MB level was 33+/-17 IU/l, with no ST changes seen in electrocardiogram findings or new asynergy seen in echocardiogram findings. Systemic hyperkalemia and mild hypothermia for valve surgery in patients with a patent IMA graft is a good option to reduce graft and myocardial injuries.

Post-mortem tissue-type plasminogen activator preserves graft function of hearts harvested from non-pre-treated non-heart-beating donors

Intracoronary microthrombi may cause primary graft failure of hearts harvested from non-pre-treated non-heart-beating donors (NHBDs). We examined the extent of functional recovery to compare the protective effects of post-mortem tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and heparin pre-treatment. Heparin pre-treatment was systemically administered before hypoxic cardiac arrest in 6 mongrel dogs (Group A). No pre-treatments, including heparin, were administered in 8 dogs (Group B). After 60 minutes of ischemia, intracoronary microthrombi were flushed by retrograde blood cardioplegia with t-PA. After 120 minutes of controlled reperfusion, pre-load was increased for ejection against an after-load of 80 mm Hg. Pressure-volume loops were recorded to obtain the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (ESPVR) and end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship (EDPVR). Stroke volume at a given pre-load was calculated from averaged ESPVR, EDPVR, and after-load identical to the averaged baseline value. The Frank-Starling relationship was obtained, and cardiac status was classified using the Forrester hemodynamic sub-set. There were no significant differences between Group A and Group B in post-resuscitated end-systolic elastance (3.1 +/- 0.7 vs 3.0 +/- 0.8 mm Hg/ml), time constant of isovolumic relaxation (40 +/- 7 vs 40 +/- 6 msec), LV max +dP/dt (1133 +/- 131 vs 1090 +/- 105 mm Hg/s), and LV max -dP/dt (732 +/- 131 vs 752 +/- 122 mm Hg/s). The post-resuscitated cardiac index was decreased to about 50%, and cardiac status was classified as Forrester III or IV sub-set. Post-mortem t-PA preserves graft function of hearts harvested from non-pre-treated NHBDs. This pharmaceutical intervention may be an alternative to heparin pre-treatment, which could increase the number of cardiac allografts harvested from potential non-pre-treated NHBDs.

Cold blood versus cold crystalloid cardioplegia: a prospective randomised study of 345 aortic valve patients

Although experimental studies have indicated that blood cardioplegia may be superior to crystalloid cardioplegia for myocardial protection, clinical data still remain uncertain. In a previous randomised study from our institution, including 1440 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), no beneficial effects of blood cardioplegia were seen in any relevant outcome variables. The investigation was therefore extended to a patient population having longer pump times and ischaemic periods. Over a 48-month period, all patients undergoing aortic valve replacement with or without CABG performed by two surgeons, were prospectively randomised to receive either intermittent cold retrograde blood cardioplegia (group B) or intermittent cold retrograde crystalloid cardioplegia (group C) during aortic cross-clamping. A total of 345 patients aged 28-90 years (median, 72 years) entered the study (group B, n=172, group C, n=173). All relevant demographic and operative variables were similar for both groups. As for the clinical course, no statistically significant differences were seen concerning spontaneous sinus rhythm after aortic declamping, use of inotropic drugs, duration of ventilatory support, bleeding and rate of allogeneic blood transfusions, perioperative myocardial infarction, episodes of atrial fibrillation, stroke or minor neurological dysfunction, renal function, infections, physical rehabilitation or mortality. Further, in the patients with the longest ischaemic times, no statistically significant differences between the groups could be demonstrated. There were no indications that retrograde cold blood cardioplegia was superior to retrograde cold crystalloid cardioplegia patients undergoing aortic valve replacement, with or without CABG.

Leucocyte-depleted Blood Cardioplegia

The effect of the depletion of leucocytes from cardioplegic and initial myocardial reperfusion blood on the inflammatory response and myocardial protection in patients with unstable angina undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was studied. Patients were allocated randomly to a leucocyte-depleted (LD) group or a control group. The LD group received continuous retrograde LD isothermic blood cardioplegia and the control group received isothermic blood cardioplegia. Blood samples were collected at seven time-points before, during and after the procedure. Total leucocyte counts of cardioplegia blood in the LD group were significantly lower than in the control group, but systemic leucocyte and neutrophil counts after CPB did not differ between the groups. The levels of adhesion molecules, cytokines, elastase and malondialdehyde were significantly increased after CPB in both groups and reached peak values 2-6 h after surgery; no other significant differences were found. LD cardioplegia and myocardial reperfusion did not attenuate the endothelial and neutrophil-mediated components of the CPB-induced inflammatory response, which may lead to myocardial reperfusion injury.

ENDOSCOPIC RADIAL ARTERY HARVESTING IN CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS: INFECTION RATE IN A SINGLE CENTRE

Introduction. Minimally invasive techniques have shown potential benefits. Smaller incision and avoiding sternotomy cardiac surgery has gained popularity. The aim of this report is to demonstrate the feasibility and early results of this techniquecomparedwith conventional surgery (sternotomy). Methods. Between January 2005 and August 2006, 424 consecutive patients had cardiac surgery. Thirty-four (8%) patients (14 males; age 50± 13 years) had sternal sparing cardiac surgery procedures. Seventeen patients had valve surgery through right thoracotomyusing the transthoracic clamp technique (2 were aortic valve and 15 were mitral valve). Six patients had atrial septal defect closure via right thoracotomy. Arterial cannulation was femoral artery and venous cannulations were internal jugular and femoral veins. Myocardial protection was tepid retrograde blood cardioplegia. Eight patients had off-pump coronary artery bypassgraftingvia left thoracotomyand threepatientshad total endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting. Results. There was no hospital mortality. These groups ENDOSCOPIC RADIAL ARTERY HARVESTING IN CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS: INFECTION RATE IN A SINGLE CENTRE