Transesophageal Echocardiography Guidance of Antegrade Cardioplegia Delivery for Cardiac Surgery

Abstract

Objectives The initial volume of antegrade cardioplegia used to induce asystole during aortic cross-clamp still is based on empiric methods and may be excessive, potentially leading to hyperkalemia, myocardial edema, and acute left ventricular distention from aortic regurgitation. The objectives were to determine whether the volume of cardioplegia required to induce asystole is proportional to left ventricular mass, and whether the degree of left ventricular distention is proportional to the severity of aortic regurgitation. Design Prospective observational study. Setting Two tertiary university hospitals. Interventions Transesophageal echocardiography was used to estimate left ventricular m..