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Milestones in the development of cardioplegia
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1096, USA.
Insights
Early research on cation influence on myocardial cells paved the way for modern myocardial preservation strategies in cardiac surgery. This review traces historical developments in protecting the heart muscle during procedures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Early physiological studies investigated cation effects on myocardial cells.
- These foundational studies preceded clinical applications of myocardial preservation.
- Open cardiac surgical techniques necessitated advancements in heart muscle protection.
Observation:
- Research from Sidney Ringer in 1878 marked early efforts.
- Subsequent investigations explored various cations and their impact on heart function.
- Historical progression reveals evolving myocardial protective strategies.
Findings:
- Understanding cation influence on myocardial cells was crucial for developing preservation methods.
- A sequential review highlights key contributions in myocardial protection research.
- The historical trajectory demonstrates a continuous effort to improve cardiac cell function preservation.
Implications:
- Reviewing past research enhances understanding of current myocardial preservation techniques.
- Knowledge of historical advancements can inform future strategies for cardiac cell protection.
- Further inquiry into historical practices may stimulate innovation in myocardial preservation.
Abstract:
Long before there was a possibility for the application of cardioplegia to clinical situations, physiologists and surgeons studied the influence of various cations on function of the myocardial cell. These monumental studies helped set the stage for the eventual practical application of various means of myocardial preservation once open cardiac surgical techniques became available. This presentation attempts to summarize early research effort from the work of Sidney Ringer in 1878 until the present time. The historical progression of myocardial protective strategies is reviewed in a sequential fashion, highlighting major contributions and practices of investigators at the time. It is hoped that such a review of the accomplishments of our colleagues past and present will improve our perspective regarding current applications of such knowledge and that it may stimulate further inquiry toward improving present-day myocardial preservation strategies.