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Updated: May 25, 2026
Remote Limb Ischemic Preconditioning: A Neuroprotective Technique in Rodents
Published on: June 2, 2015
Effect of combined remote ischemic preconditioning and postconditioning on pulmonary function in valvular heart
Jong-Chan Kim1, Jae-Kwang Shim2, Sak Lee3
1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu.
Background:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the lung-protective effect of combined remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPCpre) and postconditioning (RIPCpost) in patients undergoing complex valvular heart surgery.
Methods:
In this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, 54 patients were assigned to an RIPCpre plus RIPCpost group or a control group (1:1). Patients in the RIPCpre plus RIPCpost group received three 10-min cycles of right-side lower-limb ischemia of 250 mm Hg at both 10 min after anesthetic induction and weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. The primary end point was to compare postoperative Pao(2)/Fio(2). Secondary end points were to compare pulmonary variables, incidence of acute lung injury, and inflammatory cytokines.
Results:
In both groups, Pao(2)/Fio(2) at 24 h postoperation was significantly decreased compared with each corresponding baseline value. However, intergroup comparisons of pulmonary variables, including Pao(2)/Fio(2) and incidence of acute lung injury, revealed no significant differences. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α were all significantly increased in both groups compared with each corresponding baseline value, without any significant intergroup differences. There were also no significant differences in transpulmonary gradient of IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α between the groups.
Conclusions:
RIPCpre plus RIPCpost as tested in this randomized controlled trial did not provide significant pulmonary benefit following complex valvular cardiac surgery.
