Use of del Nido Cardioplegia in Adult Cardiac Surgery

Background del Nido cardioplegia was developed to protect pediatric hearts, and similar to pediatric hearts, older adult hearts tolerate ischemia–reperfusion poorly. This study investigates the feasibility of del Nido cardioplegia as an alternative to conventional Buckberg cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery. Methods A total of 142 adult patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass with del Nido cardioplegia and conventional Buckberg cardioplegia were retrospectively reviewed. Results Fewer doses of cardioplegia and fewer defibrillations were noted with del Nido cardioplegia, and there were no significant differences in incidence of postoperative events. Conclusion del Nido cardioplegia may be a feasible alternative to conventional Buckberg cardioplegia.