Del Nido Cardioplegia can be safely administered in high-risk coronary artery bypass grafting surgery after acute myocardial infarction: a propensity matched comparison

In this recently published clinical study investigators from Columbia University, New York Presbyterian Hospital evaluated the safety of Del Nido cardioplegia in high-risk CABG surgery after AMI. The comparisons are made between commonly used wshole blood cardioplegia and the Del Nido solution.  The authors report no differences in transfusion rates, length of stay, need for pharmacologic or mechanical support post pump, or 30 day mortality between the two groups. However, the investigators do report shorter cross clamp, CPB and overall operative times due to the lack of interruption inherent to standard whole blood cardioplegia, which requires re-dosing.  The investigators discuss the biochemical and metabolic changes seen in AMI and further explain the potential advantages the Del Nido solution affords in stabilizing these derangements, which may lead to improved outcomes.