CVP CVP Myocardial Protection and Cardioplegia

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of cardioplegia solution in cardiac surgery?

Accepted Answer

To arrest the heart and protect the myocardium from ischemic injury

Answer

Cardioplegia solution is used to induce electromechanical cardiac arrest and provide metabolic protection to the myocardium during ischemia.

Question 2

Which electrolyte is primarily responsible for inducing cardiac arrest in cardioplegia solution?

Accepted Answer

Potassium

Answer

High concentrations of potassium (15–30 mEq/L) depolarize the myocardial cell membrane and arrest the heart in diastole.

Question 3

What temperature range is typically used for cold blood cardioplegia delivery?

Accepted Answer

4–10°C

Answer

Cold cardioplegia (4–10°C) reduces myocardial metabolic demand by lowering temperature, slowing enzymatic reactions.

Question 4

Antegrade cardioplegia is delivered via which route?

Accepted Answer

Aortic root or coronary ostia

Answer

Antegrade cardioplegia follows normal coronary blood flow, delivered into the aortic root proximal to the cross-clamp or directly into the coronary ostia.

Question 5

Retrograde cardioplegia is delivered via which structure?

Accepted Answer

Coronary sinus

Answer

Retrograde cardioplegia is infused through the coronary sinus, flowing backwards through the venous coronary system to perfuse the myocardium.

(CVP) Cardiovascular Perfusionist Practice Test

(CVP) Cardiovascular Perfusionist Practice Test

CVP CVP Myocardial Protection and Cardioplegia