A Comparative Study of the Clinical Implications of Cardioplegia Infusion Between the Microplegia Technique and Del Nido Cardioplegia Among Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Cardioplegia is used to protect the heart from ischemic injury during cardiovascular bypass. We randomly selected candidates for coronary artery bypass surgery undergoing either microplegia or del Nido cardioplegia.

We performed a controlled randomized double-blind study to evaluate 60 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery in Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center during a 3-month period. During surgery, the case group received microplegia, and the control group received del Nido cardioplegia. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative personal information was collected from the patients’ records, and the data were analyzed using the SPSS software, version 22, using appropriate statistical tests.

Out of 60 patients under study, 28 patients underwent microplegia, and 32 patients received del Nido cardioplegia. The patients, randomly assigned to the groups, did not significantly differ concerning height, weight, and body surface area. No significant differences existed between the 2 groups. The levels of postoperative decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit were significant in the microplegia group and led to an increase in the number of blood transfusions in the intensive care unit. A significant increase in CK-MB was observed in the del Nido group 24 hours after surgery.

Microplegia, compared with del Nido cardioplegia, conferred proper myocardial protection. However, the use of the microplegia technique was associated with more significant decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit postoperatively, and the beneficial effects of microplegia in reducing hemodilution were not well-reflected.