Is cardioplegic rearrest safe?

In cardiac bypass procedures the use of anoxic arrest or ventricular fibrillation is known to cause severe myocardial damage. The authors have investigated the safety of using cardioplegic rearrest when surgical difficulties are encountered at the end of cardiac bypass procedure after cardioplegic arrest and reperfusion of the myocardium. From their clinical experience with 12 patients and laboratory experience with 13 pigs the authors conclude that although cardioplegic rearrest is not ideal it can be used safely in this situation.