Routine use of del Nido Cardioplegia compared to blood cardioplegia in
all types of adult cardiac surgery procedures
Abstract
Background and aim of the study: Several studies reported safety and
potential benefits of single dose Del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) in
selected Adult Cardiac Surgery (ACS) procedures. However, studies are
scarce on routine use of DNC in more complex procedures and patients
with high risk profile. We sought to compare DNC with cold blood
cardioplegia (BC) in all types of ACS including complex procedures.
Methods: Data for 305 consecutive unselected patients who underwent ACS
procedures (July/2017 to Nov/2019) were included. DNC was routinely used
whenever is available (n=231) and if not available, cold BC is used
(n=74). All categories of ACS procedures (primary or redo) were
included. Repeated measures analysis was performed to compare baseline,
peak and trough Troponins levels in both groups. Linear regression
analysis was used to identify independent predictors of peak Troponins
level. Results: The two groups were comparable in baseline
characteristics including euro score (ES II), risk profile and surgical
complexity. DNC was associated with lower cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)
and cross clamp times, cardioplegia volume and number of cardioplegia
doses (P<.001). Importantly, DNC was associated with lower
postoperative Troponin level (P=.001), shorter duration of inotropic
support (P=.02) and shorter intensive care unit stay (P=.04). On linear
regression analysis, DNC was an independent predictor of lower
postoperative peak Troponin (t = -3.5, P<.001). Conclusions:
Routine use of DNC in all types of ACS procedures compared to BC was
associated with significantly shorter CPB and clamp times, significantly
lower post-operative troponin release and shorter duration of inotropic
support.