Abstract

Objective
To evaluate surgical outcomes and effectiveness of combined antegrade/retrograde cardioplegia for myocardial protection in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting
Methods
A total of 30 patients were randomly retrieved from the cardiac surgical database that had combined antegrade/retrograde cold blood cardioplegia for myocardial protection in coronary artery surgery. Pre and post operative data was then assessed for the case mix and results evaluated
Results
Preoperatively majority of the patients had moderate left ventricular impairment and had triple vessel coronary artery disease. There was no in hospital mortality from the combined approach. 05 patients needed inotropic support postoperatively, which was weaned off within 24 hours. One patient was reopened for bleeding. Mean hospital stay was 6.5 days.
Conclusion
Combined antegrade/retrograde cardioplegia is safe and is particularly useful in preserving myocardium in patients with impaired left ventricular function.

Key words: Coronary artery bypass grafting, myocardial protection, cardioplegia