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Conduction disturbances after blood and crystalloid cardioplegia in coronary bypass surgery
E J Pehkonen1, T T Rinne, P J Mäkynen
1Department of Surgery, Tampere University Hospital, Finland.
Insights
Postoperative conduction disturbances after coronary artery bypass grafting were transient in most patients. Myocardial ischemia was a key factor, with prior heart attack and right coronary artery stenosis increasing risk for heart block.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Postoperative conduction disturbances can occur after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
- The type of cardioplegia used may influence the incidence of these disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and determinants of postoperative conduction disturbances following CABG.
- To compare the effects of blood versus crystalloid cardioplegia on conduction disturbances.
Main Methods:
- A randomized study of 100 patients undergoing CABG.
- Patients received either blood cardioplegia or crystalloid cardioplegia.
- Conduction disturbances were monitored post-cardiopulmonary bypass.
Main Results:
- Conduction disturbances occurred in 30% of patients, primarily transient.
- There was no significant difference in incidence between blood and crystalloid cardioplegia groups (15 patients each).
- Myocardial ischemia was identified as a major determinant.
Conclusions:
- Transient conduction disturbances are common after CABG.
- Ischemia is a significant risk factor for these disturbances.
- Previous myocardial infarction and right coronary artery stenosis increase the risk of right bundle branch block.
Abstract:
Postoperative conduction disturbances after coronary artery bypass grafting were analyzed in 100 patients who randomly received either blood or crystalloid cardioplegia. Conduction disturbances, mostly transient, developed after termination of cardiopulmonary bypass in 30 of the 100 patients--15 in either group. Ischaemia appeared to be a major determinant for conduction disturbances. Previous inferior myocardial infarction and stenosis of the right coronary artery both exposed the patient to risk of right bundle branch block.
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