Abstract: The invention includes a novel cardioplegia solution in which pyruvate serves as the primary energy source. The solution may be used in any surgery where the heart must be arrested, but it is particularly useful in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Because the solution relies primarily upon pyruvate to protect the heart from damage during and immediately after arrest, other additives are not as necessary as with current cardioplegia solutions or are not necessary at all. The invention also includes a method for making the cardioplegia solution and a process of performing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery using the novel cardioplegia solution.

Abstract: A method for treating medical patients suffering from cardiac trauma by co-administering pyruvate with a .beta.-adrenergic agonist. This method for treating cardiac trauma, such as ischemic reperfusion injury and heart failure, augments the inotropic effects of .beta.-adrenergic agents. Typical .beta.-adrenergic agonists are epinephrine, norepinephrine, dobutamine, and isoproterenol. The amount of .beta.-adrenergic agonist necessary to achieve a 50 percent increase of cardiac power is diminished five-fold when co-administered with pyruvate. Since high concentrations of agonists have many detrimental and hazardous side effects in patients, this invention would have important applications in the treatment of patients with cardiac trauma such as ischemia reperfusion injury.