Improving results in combined aortic and mitral valve replacement using cold potassium cardioplegia

Our entire experience (33 patients) of combined aortic and mitral valve replacement was reviewed. In 20 patients, coronary perfusion with moderate hypothermia (28-32 degrees C) was used with 7 operative deaths (35% mortality). Catecholamines were used in 14 patients (70%). Potassium cardioplegia was used in 13 patients with no mortality (P less than 0.02) and use of catecholamines in only 4 (P less than 0.05). These data suggest that potassium cardioplegia is the method of preference for myocardial preservation for combined aortic and mitral valve replacement.