The procedure you're referring to is known as "cardioplegia," and it is commonly used during certain types of heart surgeries, such as open-heart surgeries, to temporarily stop the heart's beating while the surgeon operates on it. This allows the surgeon to work on a still heart, making the procedure safer and more manageable.
There are two main methods of achieving cardioplegia:
Cold Cardioplegia: In this method, a cardioplegic solution (a special solution containing electrolytes, potassium, and sometimes other substances) is infused directly into the coronary arteries of the heart. The solution is usually chilled to a low temperature (around 4 degrees Celsius or 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit). The cold temperature slows down the metabolic processes in the heart cells and temporarily halts the heart's electrical activity, causing the heart to stop beating.
Warm Cardioplegia: This method involves using a cardioplegic solution at body temperature, which is infused into the coronary arteries. The solution still contains the necessary electrolytes and substances to temporarily arrest the heart's activity, but without the cooling effect of the cold cardioplegia solution.
Regardless of the method used, the surgeon must carefully monitor the patient's condition during the temporary cardiac arrest. Once the surgical procedure is completed, the heart is rewarmed, and normal beating is restored. This is often done by rewarming the patient or allowing the heart to spontaneously return to its regular temperature and rhythm.
It's important to note that cardioplegia is a highly specialized and delicate procedure that requires a skilled surgical team and sophisticated monitoring equipment to ensure the patient's safety and successful outcome. Modern medical advancements and technology have made these procedures much safer, but they still carry some risks. Surgeons undergo extensive training to perform these complex operations and are well-prepared to handle any potential complications that may arise during surgery.