Grant: Operating Grant

During heart surgery, blood flow to the heart will be cut off and then be restored. Surprisingly, the return of blood supply could result in additional cell death and tissue damage rather than restoration of normal function. This is because oxygen returned to the heart can become electrically charged and changed to an unstable molecule that can destroy cells and tissue. This may explain the reason for the poor heart function after the surgery in diabetic patients. There is great world wide interest in the ability of anesthetics to provide heart protection during surgery, and beyond. We are the only group in the world studying the novel application of a commonly used intravenous anesthetic with antioxidant properties,propofol, during a crucial period of heart surgery for the sole purpose of protecting the heart and improving patient recovery. It sounds simple, but it is not. Traditionally, coronary bypass patients receive inhaled anesthetic, not intravenous. We believe intravenous anesthetic is more protective in diabetic patients whose hearts may not have the protective pathways that work normally, if at all. We have acquired early evidence from our laboratory, and from patients that propofol, when given in an appropriate dose, can stimulate molecular interactions and possibly protective cell activation. We are beginning to see positive results in patients. Our overall objective is to enlarge our understanding of its protective properties in heart cells and tissues and apply our new knowledge to develop a new, novel defense strategy for use in patients. We are very excited about this - this is a great example of translating findings in the scientist's laboratory to the patient's bedside, with the patient achieving better recovery. This outcome is directly relevant to the mission of the CIHR.