Our Summary

This research paper looks at the use of del Nido cardioplegia (DNC), a method initially used in pediatric heart surgery, in adult patients. The researchers wanted to compare the effects of DNC and another method, modified Buckberg cardioplegia (BC), on patients who have had a specific heart surgery (surgical aortic valve replacement with or without coronary artery bypass grafting).

The study found that DNC was safe to use and actually had better post-surgery results in comparison to BC. Patients who received DNC had slightly longer surgery times, but their hospital and intensive care unit stays were shorter. They also had fewer post-surgery complications and a lower incidence of death within 30 days after surgery. However, the study also suggests that DNC might cause a higher degree of heart muscle injury.

FAQs

  1. What is del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) and how is it used in adult heart surgery?
  2. How did the post-surgery results of DNC compare to the modified Buckberg cardioplegia (BC) method?
  3. What potential risks or drawbacks are associated with the use of DNC in heart surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing heart bypass surgery to ask about the use of del Nido cardioplegia as it has been shown to have better post-surgery outcomes compared to other methods. It is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare provider before the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for heart bypass surgery include those with severe coronary artery disease, which is a condition where the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked. This can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and an increased risk of heart attack.

Other factors that may indicate a need for heart bypass surgery include:

  • Multiple blocked coronary arteries
  • Severe blockages in the left main coronary artery
  • Previous heart attack or heart failure
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • High cholesterol
  • Family history of heart disease

Ultimately, the decision to undergo heart bypass surgery is made on a case-by-case basis by a cardiac surgeon and cardiologist, taking into consideration the patient’s overall health, medical history, and the severity of their heart disease.

Timeline

Before heart bypass surgery, a patient will typically experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and/or dizziness. They may undergo diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, stress test, and/or coronary angiography to determine the extent of blockages in their coronary arteries.

After heart bypass surgery, the patient will be closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a period of time. They will be on pain medication and may have tubes and drains in place to help with healing. Physical therapy will be initiated to help with mobility and breathing exercises to prevent complications such as pneumonia. The patient will gradually be transitioned from the ICU to a regular hospital room, where they will continue to recover and receive additional education on post-surgery care and lifestyle changes. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon and cardiologist will be scheduled to monitor progress and adjust medications as needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the difference between del Nido cardioplegia and modified Buckberg cardioplegia?
  2. Why was del Nido cardioplegia chosen for this specific heart surgery?
  3. What are the potential risks and benefits of using del Nido cardioplegia for my surgery?
  4. How does del Nido cardioplegia affect post-surgery recovery compared to other methods?
  5. Are there any long-term effects or considerations to keep in mind if I receive del Nido cardioplegia?
  6. How does del Nido cardioplegia impact the heart muscle compared to other methods?
  7. What are the success rates and outcomes associated with del Nido cardioplegia in patients who have had similar surgeries?
  8. Are there any specific precautions or follow-up care I should be aware of if I receive del Nido cardioplegia during my surgery?
  9. How does del Nido cardioplegia compare to other cardioplegia methods in terms of cost and availability?
  10. Are there any ongoing research or advancements in the field of del Nido cardioplegia that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Nakai C, Zhang C, Kitahara H, Shults C, Waksman R, Molina EJ. Journal: Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2023 Sep;71(9):491-497. doi: 10.1007/s11748-023-01914-x. Epub 2023 Feb 27. PMID: 36843184