Divalent ions and myocardial function during cardiopulmonary by-pass (CPB). Changes of total calcium, ionized calcium, and magnesium in plasma.

: In 17 patients who underwent openheart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass using heparinized fresh blood for priming the heart-lung machine the following investigations were done: Blood samples taken at different periods of surgery were assayed for total calcium (Catot), ionized calcium (Ca++), magnesium (Mg), hemoglobin, total pasma proteins, and the acid-base-status. Considering the different kinds of cardiopulmonary bypass the patients were divided into three groups: In the first group the results ofsurgical procedure with and without hemodilution perfusion were compared. During hemodilution perfusion Catot decreased markedly whereas Ca++ remained nearly constant. In the second group the influence of different calcium concentrations of the prime solution on Catot and Ca was tested. A low calcium content of 2.8 mEq/1 lowered Catot and Ca++ to subnormal levels. In the third group results of Mg-induced cardioplegia were compared with findings during surgical procedure with anoxic cardiac arrest. A remarkable increase of magnesium at the perfusion onset could be observed. Magnesium remained within the upper level of normal range until surgery end and decreased to normal values in the postoperative stage. Since energy requirements of the arrested heart and thus the velocity of ATP-breakdown during ischemia are closely related to the Ca++ concentration of the extracellular space low plasma calcium levels are considered to be advantageous during cardiopulmonary bypass. Only at the end of partial bypass before the heart fully takes over circulating work a sufficient calcium substitution is recommended.