Induced Therapeutic Hyperkalemia as a Method for Treatment of Refractory Arrhythmias after Aortic Declamping in Cardiac Surgical Procedures: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Cardiac surgical procedures are among the most complex operations with a detailed list of perioperative care. Weaning from CPB is associated with a number of disturbances in cardiac rhythm. One of the most challenging cardiac rhythm disturbances is the ventricular arrhythmia (tachycardia/fibrillation). Cardioversion and antiarrhythmic agents may be ineffective after aortic declamping; systemic hyperkalemia may be a therapeutic option. Here, we review the available studies regarding this issue and the possible underlying mechanisms of this therapeutic approach.