[Universal system for cardioplegia]

A universal system for the delivery of cardioplegia solutions has been described. The use of the system makes it possible to conduct all the kinds of cardioplegia, i. e. antegrade, retrograde, combined and shunt cardioplegia (the combination of the first and second types with the delivery of cardioplegia solutions via coronary anastomoses). The system is a distributor with six taps, each of them supplied by a cannula for the delivery of cardioplegia solution via autovenous shunts via the aortic root and coronary sinus. Besides, at the stage of lateral aorta clamping (during aortocoronary bypass surgery) the delivery of oxygenated blood from cardiopulmonary bypass apparatus to the respective myocardial segments via autovenous shunts is possible. The above system improves even distribution and cooling of various myocardial zones, especially in the area of affected coronary arteries and makes it possible to shorten the period of warm-induced ischemia of myocardial shunts.