Microplegia During Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Was Associated With Less Low Cardiac Output Syndrome: A Propensity-Matched Comparison

Compared with 8:1 blood cardioplegia, microplegia during isolated CABG surgery was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome. Microplegia may reduce postoperative cardiac edema, increase buffering, and permit more rapid recovery of ventricular function. Randomized trials are required to determine whether the relationship between microplegia and reduced low output syndrome is causal or is merely an association.