Reduced rate of microembolism by optimized aortic cannula position does not influence early postoperative cognitive performance in CABG patients.

Background And Purpose: The number of microemboli as measured by Doppler ultrasound during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) can be reduced by positioning the arterial cannula into the aorta descendens. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate whether this alternative aortic cannulation procedure leads to better neuropsychologic outcome early after surgery along with embolus reduction.

Methods: Sixty patients with elective CABG were randomized to either using a short aorta ascendens cannula or an elongated cannula placed in the aorta descendens.

Cerebral oxygen saturation assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy during coronary artery bypass grafting and early postoperative cognitive function.

Background: Cerebral oxygen saturation (ScO2) can be assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy. We investigated the correlation between early postoperative cognitive performance and intraoperative ScO2 in a prospective observational setting.

Methods: Forty-seven patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass underwent preoperative and postoperative neuropsychological evaluation.

Brain damage after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with a risk for focal neurological deficits and neuropsychological impairment postoperatively.

Objectives: To examine the brain damage after CABG using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and (1)H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and to correlate the results with neurological and neuropsychological findings.

Patients And Methods: Thirty-five consecutive patients undergoing elective CABG were included.