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Ann Thorac Surg 2002;73:1259-1260
© 2002 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Invited commentary

^a Director of Cardiac Surgery, Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre, Level 5, Studley Rd, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia

e-mail: Brian.Buxton@armc.org.au

Potassium channel openers (KCOs) have been used to treat ischemic heart disease and hypertension by reducing the oxygen demand and promoting vasodilation and bradycardia KCOs hyperpolarize the cell and mitochondrial membranes, operating through the potassium (K⁺) ATP-sensitive channels. Because some of these actions mimic those following hyperkalemic-induced cardioplegic arrest during open-heart surgery, it has been suggested that KCOs may have a role as cardioplegic agents. KCO induced cardiac arrest has been followed by improved myocardial contractile function and a . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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