ARTICLE

DEL NIDO CARDIOPLEGIA: A SAFE, EFFECTIVE AND ECONOMICAL

MYOCARDIAL PROTECTION STRATEGY

ANGIE NATALIA BAUTISTA BAUTISTA

01200022008

UNIVERSITY OF SANTANDER
HEART INSTITUTE

TEACHER
LIDY HIGUERA

BUCARAMANGA
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTATION
2023
 ABSTRACT
Cardioplegia is an essential and comprehensive method of myocardial protection used in
cardiac surgeries that require electromechanical arrest of the heart. Its main objective is to
stop the mechanical and electrical activity of the heart, thus reducing metabolic activity
during periods of ischemia. This is achieved by using cardioplegic solutions containing
potassium additives to inhibit calcium entry into myocardial cells.

In this context, Del Nido cardioplegia has gained popularity in adult cardiac surgery because
this solution has a higher potassium concentration adjusted by volume, flow and pressure
ranges, allowing longer periods of depolarization of myocardial cells. and more effective
inhibition of the action potential. In addition, it contains lidocaine, which blocks sodium
channels and prevents the entry of calcium into cells.

In summary, Del Nido cardioplegia stands out for its unique composition and hyperpolarizing
properties, such as lidocaine and magnesium, which are commonly used in myocardial
protection.

LINK: https://www.elsevier.es/es-revista-cirugia-cardiovascular-358-articulo-cardioplejia-
del-nido-una-estrategia-S1134009615001060

QUESTIONS

1. What is the main purpose of cardioplegic solutions?

a) Reduce intracellular acidosis.

b) Stop the mechanical and electrical activity of the heart.

c) Increase blood flow to the myocardium.

d) Stimulate myocardial contraction during surgery.

2. What characteristic distinguishes Del Nido cardioplegia from other
cardioplegic solutions?

a) Its highest concentration of calcium.

b) Its ability to inhibit the entry of potassium into myocardial cells.

c) Its adjustment by volume, flow and pressure ranges.

d) Its composition without potassium additives.

3. What is the effect of lidocaine in Del Nido cardioplegia?

a) Blocks sodium channels and prevents the entry of calcium into myocardial cells.

b) Increases the metabolic activity of the myocardium during periods of ischemia.

c) It inhibits the depolarization of myocardial cells and reduces the action potential.

d) Improves blood flow to the myocardium during surgery.