Cerebral embolisation during modern cardiopulmonary bypass

S. J. Fearn, R. Pole, M. Burgess, S. G. Ray, T. L. Hooper, C. N. McCollum

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives: Cerebral microembolisation still occurs during cardiopulmonary bypass and may cause both stroke and postoperative cognitive impairment. We investigated the frequency of cerebral embolisation during coronary artery bypass surgery with modern cardiopulmonary bypass and related these to ascending aortic atherosclerosis. Methods: Transcranial Doppler monitoring for cerebral embolisation to both middle cerebral arteries was performed in 65 patients undergoing coronary artery surgery with non-pulsatile alpha-stat hypothermic bypass. Epicardial ultrasound imaging of ascending aortic atherosclerosis was performed in 14 patients. Results: Thirty patients (56.9%) had more than 200 emboli entering the middle cerebral artery territories during surgery; most at the start of bypass and during defibrillation. Readjustment of aortic clamps and aortic cannulation also caused a large number of emboli which were probably particulate. Aortic disease was mild (mean plaque thickness 1 mm, interquartile range 0.9-1.2 mm) and did not relate to the number of cerebral emboli produced by aortic manipulation. Conclusions: Cerebral embolisation remains common during coronary surgery despite advances in filter and bypass pump technology. Aortic manipulation and clamping was associated with emboli but epicardial ultrasound imaging was of little help in its prediction.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1163-1167
Number of pages5
JournalEuropean Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
Volume20
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Nov 2001
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cerebral embolisation during modern cardiopulmonary bypass'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this