Remote Ischemic Preconditioning in Aortic Valve Surgery

Remote Ischemic Preconditioning in Aortic Valve Surgery (RIP-Valve)

RIP-VALVE is a randomized, single blinded study that will test the hypothesis that remote ischemic preconditioning initiated before surgery reduces post-operative myocardial damage in aortic valve surgery. Infarct size will be determined by 72 hours area under curve of troponin-I.

The hypothesis tested in this research proposal is that remote ischemic preconditioning initiated immediately before aortic valve surgery reduces myocardial damage related to surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 18
• Aortic valve surgery for aortic stenosis
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Aortic valve surgery combined with CABG or an other valve surgery
• Previous Q-wave myocardial infarction or previous coronary artery bypass graft
• Coronary artery stenosis >70%
• Ejection fraction <35%
• Surgery performed in emergency
• Nicorandil ou metformin treatment within 8 days before surgery
• Patient refusal / patient not having provided written informed consent.