Single aortic cross-clamp technique in coronary surgery: a prospective randomized study

Objective: To test the hypothesis of an improved myocardial and cerebral protection by combining blood cardioplegia and the single aortic cross-clamp technique, 100 patients were enrolled in a prospectively randomized study and stratified for preoperative conditions. Methods: In Group I, 55 patients underwent myocardial revascularization using crystalloid cardioplegia and the conventional partial occluding clamp technique to perform proximal anastomoses, whereas in Group II, 45 patients were operated on combining blood cardioplegia and the single aortic cross-clamp technique. Unstable angina, emergency procedures, reoperations and preoperative counterpulsation accounted for an higher risk score in group II patients (P< 0.03). Operations were performed by the same surgical team. Aortic cross-clamp time was significantly longer in group II patients (59 ± 22 vs. 47 ± 18 min.) (P