Cardioplegia is a medical technique used during heart surgery to temporarily stop the heart from beating, providing a motionless field for surgeons to operate on while protecting the heart muscle from damage. This is typically achieved by infusing a specially formulated solution, known as a cardioplegic solution, directly into the coronary arteries, which induces cardiac arrest by disrupting the electrical impulses that cause the heart to contract. The solution often contains electrolytes, such as potassium, which stop the heart's electrical activity, along with cooling agents that reduce the heart's metabolic needs during surgery. By halting the heart's contractions and lowering its oxygen demand, cardioplegia allows surgeons to perform intricate procedures like valve repairs, bypass grafting, or heart transplants without damaging the heart tissue. Cardioplegia is most often required during open-heart surgeries when a still heart is essential for precision and safety. It is used to prevent ischemia (lack of oxygen) and to protect the heart muscle from injury that might occur while blood flow is temporarily interrupted. While cardioplegia itself does not cause symptoms, it is used in patients undergoing surgeries for conditions like coronary artery disease, valvular disorders, or congenital heart defects. Patients with these conditions may experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue due to compromised heart function. Cardioplegia is crucial for ensuring the success of cardiac surgeries by protecting the heart during the procedure and ensuring it can resume normal function after the surgery is complete.
