OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of del Nido cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery as a novel approach in national surgical practice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Four hundred and two patients (292 males and 110 females) aged 63±9 years were examined. All patients underwent on-pump cardiac surgery (cardiopulmonary bypass time 108±45 min). Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on cardioplegia technique: group 1 (n=250) — del Nido cardioplegia, group 2 (n=152) — other methods of cardioplegia. Baseline characteristics and surgical interventions were similar in both groups (p>0.05).

RESULTS

In the group of Del Nido cardioplegia, there was a lower need for adrenaline infusion in post-CPB period (11.6% vs. 31.6%, p<0.001). In the same group, we observed less significant postoperative increase in serum MB fraction of creatine phosphokinase (p=0.043). However, postoperative ICU stay and in-hospital mortality were similar in both groups (p>0.1).

CONCLUSION

Del Nido cardioplegia is effective and available approach for myocardial protection in cardiac surgery. This technique ensures long lasting (at least 90 min) protective effect after a single administration. Further study is needed to address the issue of widespread introduction of this method into national clinical practice.