Neurologic Injury and Protection in Adult Cardiac and Aortic Surgery

NEUROLOGIC INJURY can be defined as any temporary or permanent injury to the central and peripheral nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. This is a major perioperative complication of cardiac and aortic surgery, which can manifest as short-term coma or a state of confusion and long-term decline in cognitive function, behavioral changes, or physical dysfunction. Stroke occurs in approximately 2% to 3% of adult cardiac surgery patients. The rate of postoperative cognitive decline is less clear, due to heterogenous testing methods, but is reported in 50% to 70% of patients at 1 week, 30% to 50% at 6 weeks, and 20% to 40% at 1 year.

Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia - January 24, 2015 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Michael Seco, J. James B. Edelman, Benjamin Van Boxtel, Paul Forrest, Michael J. Byrom, Michael K. Wilson, John Fraser, Paul G. Bannon, Michael P. Vallely Tags: Review Article Source Type: research