cardioplegia
Pronunciation: kar-dee-oh-PLEE-jee-ah
Solution used to arrest the heart during cardiac surgery while providing myocardial protection and preservation.
Full Definition
Cardioplegia refers to specialized solutions containing high concentrations of potassium and other protective agents that are infused into the coronary circulation to induce cardiac arrest during open-heart surgery. The solution serves dual purposes: creating a motionless operative field and providing metabolic protection to the myocardium during ischemia. Cardioplegic solutions may be crystalloid or blood-based, delivered at different temperatures (cold, tepid, or warm), and can contain various additives such as buffers, metabolic substrates, and antioxidants. Proper cardioplegia delivery and composition are critical for preventing myocardial damage during surgical procedures.
Usage
Usage note: May be crystalloid or blood-based; distinguish specific delivery methods and compositions.
In Context
- "Cold blood cardioplegia was administered every 20 minutes throughout the procedure to maintain myocardial protection." — operative report
- "The cardioplegia was delivered both antegradely through the aortic root and retrogradely via the coronary sinus." — perfusion record