Use of p300 cognitive evoked potentials in the diagnosis of impairments of higher mental functions after cardiac surgery in conditions of cardiopulmonary bypass.

A total of 40 patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing aortocoronary shunting surgery in conditions of cardiopulmonary bypass were studied. Parameters of the P300 cognitive evoked potentials were studied before surgery and 7-9 days after surgery. Neurological and neuropsychological assessments were also performed. The most significant parameters of the P300 potential were found to be the latencies of the P3 and N2 components, increases in which showed positive correlations with the extent of the developing cognitive deficit. Evidence supporting the neuroprotective effects of Trasylol given during surgery was obtained. Patients given Trasylol showed less marked cognitive deficit and smaller changes in P300 parameters. Analysis of the P300 cognitive evoked potential can be recommended for detecting early cognitive dysfunction and assessing the efficacy of neuroprotective therapy in patients undergoing surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.