We evaluated the efficacy of combined antegrade and retrograde intermittent cold cardioplegia for patients with prolonged aortic cross-clamping. Thirty patients with cross-clamping time of more than 4h were divided into three groups according to the method of cardioplegia. Antegrade crystalloid cardioplegia was performed in 9 cases, combined antegrade and retrograde crystalloid cardioplegia was performed in 5 cases, and combined antegrade and retrograde cold blood cardioplegia was performed in

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... 6 cases. There was no statistical difference in mean aortic crossclamping time among the three groups. The hospital mortality was 33% in the antegrade crystalloid group, 20% in the combined crystalloid group, and 0% in the combined blood group. There was a significant statistical difference in the hospital mortality between the antegrade crystalloid and combined blood group. The incidence of low cardiac output syndrome (LOS) was 67% in the antegrade crystalloid group, 20% in the combined crystalloid group, and 6% in the combined blood group. There was a significant difference in the incidence of LOS between antegrade crystalloid and combined blood groups. The recovery rate of spontaneous rhythm after the release of the cross-clamp was also significantly greater in the combined blood group than in the antegrade crystalloid group. In conclusion, combined antegrade and retrograde intermittent cold cardioplegia provides excellent myocardial protection for patients with prolonged aortic cross-clamping.