Beyond cold cardioplegia.

Abstract One hundred fifteen consecutive patients were operated on for myocardial revascularization or valvular disease or both with continuous antegrade and retrograde aerobic warm (37 °C) blood cardioplegia. Mean cross-clamp time was 56.3 ± 21 minutes (± standard deviation). Mean reperfusion time was 18.4 ± 11.8 minutes (range, 5 to 81 minutes). Five patients (4.3%) died, and 15 (13%) needed inotropic support. Two (1.7%) required intraaortic balloon support. Two patients (1.7%) had evidence of perioperative myocardial infarction, and 98 (85%) returned spontaneously to normal sinus rhythm. Sixteen patients had a cross-clamp time greater than 80 minutes. All 16 of them had an uneventful postoperative course except for 1 patient who required inotropic drugs. This method of myocardial protection is now used for all open heart procedures in our institution.