Protective effect of sevoflurane on vascular endothelial glycocalyx in patients undergoing heart valve surgery: A randomised controlled trial.

Background: The glycocalyx plays an important physiological role and may be damaged during cardiopulmonary bypass. Sevoflurane can protect the glycocalyx; however, its relevance in a clinical setting is unknown.

Objective: Glycocalyx degradation during cardiopulmonary bypass in patients was investigated.