Cardioplegia Delivery Methods Flashcards
7 cards from real CCP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Cardioplegia Delivery Methods flashcards as text
Which cardioplegia delivery route provides more uniform myocardial protection in the presence of significant aortic regurgitation?
Answer: Retrograde via coronary sinus
Retrograde coronary sinus delivery bypasses the incompetent aortic valve, ensuring cardioplegia reaches the myocardium despite aortic regurgitation.
During retrograde cardioplegia, the coronary sinus perfusion pressure should generally be maintained below:
Answer: 50 mmHg
Coronary sinus perfusion pressure above 50 mmHg risks coronary sinus rupture and myocardial edema.
What is the primary advantage of warm blood cardioplegia ('hot shot') administered just before aortic cross-clamp removal?
Answer: It provides aerobic resuscitation and clears ischemic metabolites
A warm blood cardioplegia terminal dose ('hot shot') delivers oxygen and substrates to repay the oxygen debt and flush metabolic waste before reperfusion.
Which statement best describes 'del Nido' cardioplegia compared to standard blood cardioplegia?
Answer: Del Nido is designed for single-dose myocardial protection lasting up to 90 minutes
Del Nido cardioplegia is formulated to provide extended protection from a single dose, often lasting 60–90 minutes, reducing the need for re-dosing.
When using integrated (combined) antegrade and retrograde cardioplegia, what is the primary benefit over either method alone?
Answer: More complete myocardial distribution overcoming collateral and coronary artery disease limitations
Combined antegrade and retrograde delivery compensates for distribution gaps caused by coronary artery obstructions and poor collateral flow.
In continuous warm blood cardioplegia, myocardial arrest is maintained primarily by:
Answer: Continuous depolarizing blockade with potassium at normothermia
Continuous warm blood cardioplegia maintains arrest through persistent hyperkalemic depolarization while providing oxygenated blood at normothermia.
A perfusionist notices the coronary sinus catheter balloon has migrated distally during retrograde cardioplegia. What is the most likely consequence?
Answer: Occlusion of the middle cardiac vein with inadequate myocardial coverage
Distal balloon migration can obstruct major cardiac veins, limiting retrograde cardioplegia distribution and resulting in inadequate myocardial protection.