Results with retrograde delivery of cardioplegia for myocardial protection during cardiac surgery.

From November 19, 1990 through November 18, 1991 242 consecutive patients underwent cardioplegic arrest using retrograde delivery of crystalloid cardioplegia via blind transatrial cannulation of the coronary sinus. Of these procedures 196 (81%) were coronary artery bypass procedures. The overall operative mortality was 0.4%. Ten patients (3%) had enzyme and/or ECG criteria for myocardial damage in the peri-operative period and there was one deep sternal wound infection (0.4%). Two patients required VAD assistance post-operative, one following Protamine reaction (LVAD) and one following RV infarction and failed PTCA (RVAD). Both survived. Ninety-seven patients (40%) developed supraventricular arrhythmias and 20% required temporary pacing post-op for less than 6 hours. These results indicate the safety and effectiveness of retrograde delivery of intermittent crystalloid cardioplegia solution in general cardiac surgery.