Abstract
We studied myocardial protection during coronary artery bypass graft surgery using
low-volume cardioplegia (Cardioplexol) and minimal extracorporeal circulation (MECC)
for different types of coronary artery diseases. In total, 426 consecutive patients
were included and divided into four groups: those with left main stem stenosis (n = 45), those with three-vessel disease (n = 200), those with both (n = 141), and those with neither (n = 40). The peak postoperative myocardial markers and 30-day mortality were analyzed.
Both myocardial markers and 30-day mortality were significantly elevated in patients
with isolated main stem stenosis. We conclude that the use of low-volume cardioplegia
and MECC is safe. However, patients with underlying isolated left main stem stenosis
might be less protected.
Keywords
coronary artery bypass graft surgery - CABG - myocardial protection - cardioplegia
- ischemia/reperfusion - outcomes - surgery - complications
