Relationship between position of the coronary sinus catheter and distribution of cardioplegia

Background and aims of fire study: The use of retrograde cardioplegia is co ntroversial, mainly due to differences in theoretic and methodologic aspect s. The aim of this study was to identify an optimal position for the cardio plegia catheter within the coronary sinus. Methods: Thirteen cadaver hearts was used, and three different catheter pos itions in the coronary sinus were compared, using a radio-opaque dye which had a viscosity similar to that of blood. The distribution of dye at differ ent segments of the heart was examined. Results: Dye distribution, indicative of cardiac perfusion, was found to be related to the position of the catheter in the coronary sinus and the quan tity of dye injected. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the efficiency of retrograde cardiople gia, and also that optimal positioning of the catheter and the use of high- volume cardioplegia are required concomitantly for successful perfusion.