# Del Nido vs. Blood Cardioplegia: A Comparative Analysis of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Patients

## TL;DR

This study compares del Nido and blood cardioplegia solutions in heart surgery patients and finds that del Nido reduces postoperative atrial fibrillation.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates that del Nido cardioplegia is more effective in reducing atrial fibrillation than traditional blood cardioplegia in adult heart surgery.

## Key findings

- Del Nido cardioplegia significantly reduced postoperative atrial fibrillation on days 1, 5, and 30.
- Del Nido cardioplegia resulted in shorter cardiopulmonary bypass duration and fewer defibrillation needs.
- Del Nido cardioplegia did not disrupt surgical flow and had fewer complications.

## Abstract

Cardioplegia solution, also called the del Nido solution, has been widely
used in pediatric cardiac surgeries, and has recently started to be used in
adult cardiac surgeries. In this context, this study aimed to investigate
the relationship between the use of del Nido and blood cardioplegia
solutions and postoperative atrial fibrillation rates in our clinic.

The study sample comprised 140 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass
grafting. The del Nido and blood cardioplegia solutions were used in 70
(50%) patients. The postoperative atrial fibrillation rates of both groups
were compared. Additionally, patients’ preoperative, intraoperative, and
postoperative data were evaluated.

The cardiopulmonary bypass duration and defibrillation rate were lower in the
del Nido cardioplegia group than in the blood cardioplegia group (P <
0.001). Atrial fibrillation rates on postoperative days one, five, and 30
were significantly lower in the del Nido cardioplegia group than in the
blood cardioplegia group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.007,
respectively).

The postoperative atrial fibrillation rate was significantly lower in the del
Nido cardioplegia group than in the blood cardioplegia group. In addition,
the del Nido cardioplegia solution did not interrupt the surgical flow, thus
resulting in less total perfusion, shorter cross-clamping durations, and
fewer defibrillation needs. In conclusion, the del Nido cardioplegia
solution can be used safely and effectively in coronary artery bypass
grafting surgeries.