Persistent Conduction Disturbances Following Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Cold Cardioplegic vs. Intermittent Ischaemic Arrest (32°C)

Abstract

Two-hundred patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were analysed to assess the incidence of new and persistent conduction disturbances in the postoperative period. Two groups, each of 100 patients, were studied. One group underwent surgery during cold crystalloid cardioplegic arrest with moderate whole-body hypothermia (28°C). The second group was subjected to intermittent ischaemic arrest with mild whole-body hypothermia (32°C). The incidence of postoperative conduction defects was significantly higher in the cardioplegic group.

Key Words:

• aortocoronary bypass
• angina pectoris
• postoperative complications
• cardioplegia
• fascicular conduction disturbances