[Comparative assessment of temperature of the myocardium during its protection by 2 methods in aortocoronary bypass]

Eighty-eight patients operated on for coronary heart disease were examined. Continuous irrigation of pericardial cavity with circulating cold solution in combination with antegrade cardioplegia was used in 53 patients, antegrade cardioplegia with external cooling of the heart by icy mass in the rest 35. Intensive external cooling provided a stable temperature of the myocardium during clamping of the aorta.