Intraoperative thermographic imaging to assess myocardial distribution of Del Nido cardioplegia

We describe the intraoperative non-invasive use of an infrared (IR) camera to monitor Del Nido cardioplegia delivery in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Thermal pictures were taken pre- and post-cardioplegia and at timed points after arrest, and compared to readings from a transseptal temperature probe. There was good concordance between the transseptal probe and the IR camera temperature readings. This non-invasive technique, which assesses cardioplegic distribution, may help to determine when additional doses of Del Nido cardioplegia are required during periods of cardioplegic arrest.