Myocardial protection: an expanding or contracting discipline?

Abstract

For the past thirty years cardiac surgeons have had a unique opportunity to study the consequences of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. With the advent of an ability to intervene in acute myocardial syndromes, cardiologists have vigorously joined that effort as have fundamental scientists. Exogenous myocardial protective strategies have emerged as have novel strategies that take advantage of endogenous mechanisms of myocardial protection. As a consequence of improved myocardial protection, operative mortality and morbidity, in particular the low output syndrome, have diminished. However, despite important increases in the knowledge base referable to myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, major advances in myocardial protection have slowed in the past several years. This article explores potential untapped options for augmenting myocardial protection and focuses on the potential adverse interactions between cardiopulmonary bypass and myocardial protection as a prime target for future investigations leading to improved myocardial management during heart operations.