cardioplegia
Pronunciation: /ˌkär-dē-ō-ˈplē-jə/
A solution used to temporarily stop the heart during surgery to protect the myocardium from ischemic injury.
Full Definition
Cardioplegia is a specialized solution containing high concentrations of potassium that is delivered to the coronary circulation to induce cardiac arrest and protect the myocardium during cardiac surgery. The solution causes depolarization of cardiac myocytes, resulting in diastolic arrest, which reduces myocardial oxygen consumption and provides a motionless surgical field. Cardioplegia can be administered as cold or warm solutions, and may be blood-based or crystalloid. The composition typically includes potassium, magnesium, and various buffers. Proper delivery and timing of cardioplegia is crucial for myocardial protection during periods of aortic cross-clamping.
In Context
- "Cold blood cardioplegia was delivered antegrade through the aortic root every 20 minutes." — operative report
- "Retrograde cardioplegia was used due to the presence of severe coronary stenosis." — operative report