Cold Versus Warm Cardioplegia: Recognizing Hemodynamic Variations

Abstract

The use of warm blood cardioplegia during open-heart surgical procedures represents a marked departure from the traditional hypothermic approach used over the past 30 years. Current literature regarding the two techniques reveals interesting and sometimes confusing results. Nurses aware of the different hemodynamic responses from both techniques provide critical assessment skills, which help prevent or identify early complications for these patients.