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Persistent atrial activity during cardioplegic arrest: suppression by verapamil
The Canadian Journal of Cardiology
|September 1, 1986
Summary
Verapamil reduced atrial activity during heart surgery's cold arrest. However, it also prolonged the recovery of normal heart rhythm, a potential drawback requiring clinical evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Postoperative supraventricular tachyarrhythmia is a concern in patients with persistent atrial activity during cardioplegic arrest.
- Current methods to reduce atrial activity, like dual vena cava cannulation, are cumbersome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of verapamil in achieving pharmacologically induced atrial arrest during hyperkalemic hypothermic cardioplegic arrest.
- To assess the impact of verapamil on atrial activity and sinus node recovery time.
Main Methods:
- Twelve dogs underwent one hour of hyperkalemic hypothermic cardioplegic arrest and cardiopulmonary bypass.
- Group I received cardioplegic solution with verapamil; Group II received cardioplegia without verapamil.
- Bipolar ventricular and right atrial electrograms were recorded.
Main Results:
- Verapamil significantly reduced the percentage of time atrial activity was present and the total number of atrial beats.
- Recovery of normal sinus rhythm during reperfusion was prolonged in the verapamil group compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
- Verapamil effectively suppresses atrial activity during hyperkalemic hypothermic cardioplegic arrest.
- The prolonged sinus node recovery time associated with verapamil requires further clinical assessment regarding its impact on postoperative supraventricular tachyarrhythmia.
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