Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
cardioplegia
A solution used to induce cardiac arrest during heart surgery to protect the myocardium.
Full Definition
Cardioplegia is a specialized solution containing electrolytes, metabolic substrates, and other protective agents that is infused into the coronary circulation to arrest the heart during cardiac surgery. This controlled cardiac arrest protects the myocardium from ischemic injury while allowing surgeons to operate on a motionless heart. The solution typically contains high concentrations of potassium to depolarize cardiac cells and may include blood or crystalloid components.
Usage
Usage note: Often modified with descriptors like 'cold,' 'warm,' 'blood,' or 'crystalloid' cardioplegia.
In Context
- "The surgeon ordered antegrade cardioplegia delivery through the aortic root." — operative report
- "Cold blood cardioplegia was administered every 20 minutes during the procedure." — anesthesia record
Also known as
cardiac arrest solution
heart arrest solution
Don't confuse with
cardioplegic arrest
cardiac arrest