*Department of Cardiothoric Surgery, Midwestern University, College of Health Sciences, Glendale, Arizona, Washington, DC
**Department of Cardiothoric Surgery, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
***Address for correspondence: Clinical Perfusionist, Midwestern University, Arizona Cell 623-302-3093, E-mail: greg96@cox.net
Technology has afforded the most significant advances in modern medicine. The ability to adapt the treatment to each patient is a reality. Cardiopulmonary bypass is no exception. The delivery of cardioplegic solution is an important function during cardiopulmonary bypass, and can be customized as well. The design of the cardioplegia proportioning system is easily achievable by materials located in most perfusion department store rooms. The evaluation of the cardioplegia proportioning system can provide the means to customize cardioplegia delivery for each patient. In this evaluation six trials were complete. There was an average difference of 1.8 ml of calculated versus actual solution. The ability to adjust the difference concentrations of potassium allow for better control over patient's potassium levels, alleviate the affects of hyperkalemia, hypokalemia, and ultimately providing better patient care.
Cardioplegia, Hyperkalemia, Hypokalemia, Perportioning system
