cardioplegic arrest
Pronunciation: kar-dee-o-PLEE-jik
Intentional cessation of cardiac electrical and mechanical activity using high-potassium solutions to facilitate surgical procedures.
Full Definition
A controlled method of stopping the heart during cardiac surgery by administering cardioplegic solutions containing high concentrations of potassium (typically 15-25 mEq/L) directly into the coronary circulation. The hyperkalemic solution depolarizes myocardial cell membranes, preventing action potential formation and resulting in diastolic arrest. Modern cardioplegia may be blood-based or crystalloid, warm or cold, and delivered antegrade through the aortic root or retrograde through the coronary sinus. The technique provides a motionless, bloodless operative field while the cardioplegic solution offers myocardial protection through hypothermia, substrate delivery, and metabolic modulation.
Usage
Usage note: Specify delivery method (antegrade/retrograde) and solution type (blood/crystalloid, warm/cold) when documenting.
In Context
- "Cardioplegic arrest was achieved with 800mL of cold blood cardioplegia delivered antegrade through the aortic root." — Operative report
- "The surgeon maintained cardioplegic arrest for 67 minutes during the complex mitral valve repair." — Perfusion record