[Remote Ischaemic Conditioning - an overview]

The strategy of Remote Ischaemic Conditionings (RIC) is easy to apply, cost effective, low in side effects and belongs to the most potent cardioprotective strategies evaluated within recent years. Its practical application is carried out by simple use of a blood pressure cuff, more precise by 4 repetitive cycles of inflating the cuff above 200 mmHg for 5 minutes followed by an equal long break between the cycles. First experimental and clinical data repetitively demonstrated a significant reduction in myocardial injury following ischemia/reperfusion. Nevertheless, given the neutral results of two recent clinical multicentre trials, the clinical significance and benefits of RIC in cardiac surgery patients remains uncertain. The combination of co-medication and narcotic agents is thought to be responsible for the failed transfer into the clinical practice.