Beating-heart valve surgery: is the introduction of lung perfusion/ventilation the next step?

Abstract

Myocardial and pulmonary ischemia during cardiopulmonary bypass has been associated with postoperative cardiac and pulmonary dysfunction, as well as poor outcomes. Beating-heart valve surgery utilizing continuous coronary perfusion with warm oxygenated blood via the antegrade/retrograde routes, is a novel strategy for myocardial protection. Conceptually, it is proposed that maintenance of pulmonary perfusion and ventilation during the cardiopulmonary bypass period also might be advantageous. The most current evidence regarding these evolving techniques and further areas of research are discussed in this article.