Polish Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
eISSN: 1897-4252
ISSN: 1731-5530
Kardiochirurgia i Torakochirurgia Polska/Polish Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Current issue Archive Manuscripts accepted About the journal Supplements Editorial board Reviewers Abstracting and indexing Contact Instructions for authors Publication charge Ethical standards and procedures
Editorial System
Submit your Manuscript
SCImago Journal & Country Rank
Search

1/2026
vol. 23
 
Share:
Send email
Share:
abstract:
Original paper

Del Nido versus Bretschneider HTK cardioplegia in adult aortic valve replacement: early clinical outcomes from a randomised trial

Barbara Brzeska
1
,
Wojciech Karolak
1
,
Paweł Żelechowski
2
,
Andrzej Łoś
1
,
Nikodem Ulatowski
1
,
Rafał Pawlaczyk
2

  1. Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
  2. University Clinical Centre, Gdansk, Poland
Kardiochirurgia i Torakochirurgia Polska 2026; 23 (1): 31–38
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/kitp.2026.160645
Online publish date: 2026/04/04
View full text Get citation
 
PlumX metrics:
Introduction
The search for the perfect cardioplegic solution continues. Although del Nido cardioplegia has achieved undeniable success in paediatric cardiac surgery, it has not gained comparable popularity in adult cases.

Aim
This prospective randomised trial aimed to compare the cardioprotective properties and in-hospital clinical outcomes of two single-dose cardioplegic solutions: del Nido and Bretschneider HTK.

Material and methods
One hundred adult patients scheduled for elective aortic valve replacement were randomly assigned to receive either del Nido or Bretschneider HTK cardioplegia. Details regarding cardiopulmonary bypass, the intra- and postoperative periods, and cardiac enzyme levels were collected.

Results
Cardiac enzyme concentrations were similar between the two groups across all postoperative measurements. Only a correlation between cardiac markers and reperfusion time in the del Nido group was found. The Bretschneider HTK group showed a greater need for defibrillation after cross-clamp removal and lower pH values during cardiopulmonary bypass. No other significant differences in postoperative complications or laboratory results were observed.

Conclusions
Del Nido and Bretschneider HTK cardioplegic solutions provide comparable cardioprotection and in-hospital clinical outcomes when used during elective aortic valve replacement. However, the use of Bretschneider HTK significantly increases the need for defibrillation and leads to greater intraoperative metabolic acidosis. Despite these findings, the cardiac enzyme levels in the postoperative period remain unaffected.

keywords:

del Nido cardioplegia, Bretschneider HTK cardioplegia, aortic valve replacement, cardioprotection
Termedia
About us Contact
Copyright notice Privacy policy Advertising policy Contact us
Quick links
Journals Books eBooks Events
© 2026 Termedia Sp. z o.o.
Developed by Termedia.