The cellular immunological responses of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting compared with those of patients undergoing valve replacement.

Objective: Major surgical intervention such as cardiac surgery has been shown to have profound effects on the immune system. We conducted a prospective study comparing the effects of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) versus isolated valve surgery.

Methods: Blood samples were drawn from 59 patients undergoing either elective CABG or elective isolated valve replacement surgery.