cardioplegic arrest
Pronunciation: kar-dee-oh-PLEE-jik
Intentional cessation of cardiac activity during surgery using cardioplegic solution to protect the myocardium during complex repairs.
Full Definition
Cardioplegic arrest is a crucial technique in pediatric cardiac surgery that involves deliberately stopping the heart using specialized cardioplegic solutions to create optimal operative conditions for complex intracardiac repairs. The cardioplegic solution typically contains potassium to depolarize the myocardium, along with other protective agents that reduce cellular metabolism and prevent ischemic injury during the procedure. In pediatric patients, this technique allows surgeons to perform delicate repairs on structures such as intracardiac baffles, valve repairs, and septal defect closures under direct vision without the interference of cardiac motion. The duration of arrest is carefully monitored, and periodic re-dosing of cardioplegia maintains myocardial protection throughout the procedure.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from deep hypothermic circulatory arrest; always document arrest and cross-clamp times.
In Context
- "The VSD repair was performed under cardioplegic arrest with excellent visualization." — Operative note
- "Cardioplegic arrest time was 45 minutes with good myocardial protection." — Perfusion record