Myocardial Protection During Aortic Arch Repair in a Piglet Model: Beating Heart Technique Compared With Crystalloid Cardioplegia

The BH technique is associated with improved contractility compared with standard CC. There is comparable ischemic damage in both groups, with an earlier rise in blood levels of troponin T after BH and more fluctuation of serum electrolytes with CC. Evidence of ischemic changes should dissuade one from using the BH technique imprudently.