Cardioplegia

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Cardioplegia is the intentional and temporary cessation of cardiac activity, primarily for use in cardiac bypass surgeries.

The most common procedure for accomplishing asystole is called cold crystalloid cardioplegia. This process is considered the most successful because it protects the myocardium, or heart muscle, from damage [1]. In most cases, the patient is first exposed to hypothermia. Then an iced solution of dextrose, potassium chloride, and other ingredients [2] is introduced into one of the main heart valves via specialized cannulae.

When solution is introduced into the aorta, this is called Antegrade Cardioplegia. When introduced into the coronary sinus it is called Retrograde Cardioplegia [3].

[edit] Sources

"Cardioplegia Delivery Systems" hosted on Washington University, St. Louis, web site
"Cold Crystalloid Cardioplegia" Hans J. Geissler* and Uwe Mehlhorn, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cologne
"Cardioplegia Contents"