Ischemic preconditioning in myocardial revascularization with intermittentaortic cross-clamping

Background. This study tests the hypothesis that initial brief periods of i schemia can increase the protection obtained by intermittent aortic cross-c lamping. Methods: In the control group (n=18), the procedure was performed under intermittent aortic crossclamping at 32 degreesC. Patients in the pre conditioned group (n=17) received a stimulus of two 3-minute periods of cro ss-clamping followed by 2 minutes of reperfusion prior to standard operatio n. CKMB, troponin I, adenosine, and lactate were obtained from the great ca rdiac vein at the onset of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), at the end of the first anastomosis, and at the end of CPB. Results: CKMB and troponin I were slightly higher at the end of CPB in the control group, while there was no difference between adenosine and lactate levels. [GRAPHIC] Conclusion: There was no difference between groups in terms of myocardial p rotection.