Nonrandomized matched pair analysis of intermittent ischemic arrest versus potassium crystalloid cardioplegia during myocardial revascularization.

The quest for the ideal method of myocardial preservation during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery continues at a rapid pace. Nevertheless, in the present clinical practice of cardiac surgery, the choice is chiefly between hypothermic intermittent ischemic arrest and hypothermic potassium cardioplegia. This study applies newer technics in radionuclear cardiology, as well as more conventional enzymatic, electrocardiographic, and hemodynamic determinations, to the evaluation of the effectiveness of the previously mentioned modes of myocardial protection. Serial assessments are made preoperatively as well as during the first ten days postoperatively. We find that the perioperative incidence of myocardial damage and changes in left ventricular performance are almost identical using either method in patients with relatively normal preoperative left ventricular performance who do not have severe preoperative refractory ischemia or necrosis.