Comparison of the cardioprotective effects of St. Thomas and del Nido cardioplegia

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to histopathologically examine the cardioprotective effects of St. Thomas and del Nido (DN) cardioplegia. Materials and methods: A total of 18 rabbits aged 23 weeks and weighing 2000 g were included in the experimental animal study. The animals were randomized to three groups, with six rabbits in each group. The first group was determined as the control group and no cardioprotective agent was given after ligation of the aorta. The rabbits in the second group received DN cardioplegia solution, and those in the third group received the St. Thomas cardioplegia solution. The groups were histopathologically graded and evaluated with six different scores. Results: There were statistically significant differences between St. Thomas, DN, and control groups with hematoxylin and eosin, caspase 3 and connexin 43 staining at 30, 60, and 90 min (p<0.05). However, the St. Thomas, DN, and control groups showed equal score 2- and score 3-weighted, score 3-weighted, and score 3-weighted distributions with connexin 43 at 90 min, respectively; there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p=0.144). Conclusion: The most adverse tissue damage observed were localized hemorrhage and localized necrosis areas at the end of 90 min of cellular damage. Both cardioplegia applications significantly reduced tissue loss compared to the control group. However, we believe that DN cardioplegia has a longer application time and has better protection.