Cerebroprotective effect of preoperative dual antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery.

Objectives: Reduction of cognitive function is a possible side effect after coronary artery surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We investigated the effect of single versus dual antiplatelet therapy on cognitive performance in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with CPB.

Methods: 50 consecutive CABG patients with preoperative intake of aspirin were compared to 49 consecutive patients with aspirin and clopidogrel.