Buckberg versus Del Nido in isolated aortic valve replacement: a prospective, two-centre, randomized trial

OBJECTIVES Interest in Del Nido solution is increasing in adult cardiac surgery. This study compared Del Nido with Buckberg cardioplegia in patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement. METHODS A prospective, two-centre, randomized trial was conducted from July 2019 to August 2023, with adult patients undergoing first-time isolated aortic valve replacement, and were randomized to receive Buckberg (n = 159) or Del Nido (n = 152) solution. Primary end-point was Creatine Kinase and ultrasensitive Troponin T postoperative peak level. RESULTS A total of 311 patients were recruited. Total cardioplegia volume was higher in Del Nido group (1000 ml vs 374.5 ml, P < 0.001). No differences were observed in peak Creatine Kinase or Troponin T levels (422 vs 407 U/L and 282 vs 258 ng/L for Buckberg and Del Nido, respectively) or during postoperative days 1-5. After cross-clamp removal, patients in Del Nido group showed higher rates of spontaneous rhythm (66.7% vs 43.1%, P < 0.001) and less ventricular fibrillation requiring defibrillation (23.6% vs 49.7%, P < 0.001). Peak intraoperative glucose levels (128 mg/dl vs 198 mg/dl, P < 0.001) and insulin administration (18.1% vs 51.0%, P < 0.001) were lower in the Del Nido group. No other differences were found. CONCLUSIONS No differences between Del Nido and Buckberg solutions were detected. Del Nido presents better intraoperative glycaemic control, higher spontaneous rhythm, less ventricular fibrillation requiring defibrillation after cross-clamp removal, and more comfortable surgical workflow due to less re-dose interruptions. CLINICAL REGISTRATION NUMBER EU-CTR number: 2018-002701-59.