A protective solution, usually chilled, containing potassium and dextrose, that significantly reduces myocardial injury during the arrest and reperfusion phases of cardiac surgery. It does so by inducing a rapid and complete diastolic arrest, decreasing myocardial energy requirements, reducing ischemic damage during the arrest phase, and minimizing reperfusion injury once coronary blood flow is restored. Chilling the solution with contaminated ice has resulted in several infections.