[Retrograde cardioplegia through the right atrium].

The results of retrograde cardioplegia through the right atrium in 50 patients are analysed. The uniform cooling of the myocardium, frequent restoration of the sinus rhythm, and the low hospital mortality rate are evidence of the high efficacy of this method of myocardial protection. Electronmicroscopy showed marked intactness of the myocardial ultrastructure and moderately manifested and reparable reperfusion changes. It is concluded that the method must be employed in coronary disease, combination of ischemic heart disease with heart valvular disease, as well as in mild forms of aortic insufficiency which cannot be corrected.