Brain damage in cardiac surgery patients

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2012 Apr;12(2):189-94. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2012.01.013. Epub 2012 Feb 9.

Abstract

Neuropsychological disorders and brain injury are still a serious problem in cardiac surgery patients. Owing to multifactorial mechanism of brain injury during extracorporeal circulation, the effective and safe protection is extremely difficult. Despite several studies, the ideal neuroprotective treatment has not been found. Based on literature we analysed the main mechanisms of brain injury and new methods of brain protection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Injuries / etiology*
  • Brain Injuries / prevention & control
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents