Effect of leukocyte-depleted blood cardioplegia on the early outcome in patients with preserved left ventricular function undergoing surgical revascularisation.

Background: It has been shown that leukocytes play one of the key roles in the myocardial reperfusion injury.

Aim: To examine the effects of cardiac protection with leukocyte-depleted blood cardioplegia on the early outcome of patients with preserved left ventricular function who undergo surgical revascularisation.

Methods: The study group consisted of 58 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) who were randomised to receive leukocyte-depleted blood cardioplegia (leukocyte filter Pall BC1B) (group A, n=29) or to receive standard blood cardioplegia (group B, n=29).

[Acute normovolemic hemodilution together with aprotinin applied as a scheme of blood saving in cardiac surgery].

The risk of blood loss in open heart surgery procedures is related to a high level of homologous blood transfusion. Due to numerous possible complications connected with transfusion, as well as the increase in prices of blood preparations, methods of blood saving are of great interest. The aim of the study was to assess acute normovolemic hemo-dilution (ANH) efficacy and aprotinin administration in homologous blood usage limitations.