Remote Ischemic Preconditioning for Heart Surgery

In 2007, researchers conducted a single-blind, randomized trial of remote ischemic preconditioning, induced via temporary upper limb ischemia, in 57 patients who then underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Based on troponin-T measurements at up to 48 hours after surgery, the authors concluded that patients “could benefit from remote ischemic preconditioning.” This and other research generated interest in a simple intervention that could reduce risk. Other studies, however, failed to replicate the finding. To add further evidence on the topic, two double-blind trials have now been conducted in patients undergoing CABG.

Meybohm and colleagues randomized 1403 patients to remote ischemic preconditioning or no preconditioning. The…