Approaches to reduce neurologic complications during cardiac surgery.

As outcome measures of cardiac surgery are carefully analyzed, neurologic outcomes are a prominent determinant of overall outcome. Sensitive measures of pre- and postoperative neuropsychologic performance and intraoperative emboli reveal a risk group of patients at an advanced age, with severe generalized atherosclerosis who require cardiac surgery. By using the results of observational studies, we have developed a protocol that uses innovative intraoperative techniques to minimize injury and thus improve outcome. Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company