SYNOPSIS: Neurologic impairment is frequently seen after cardiac surgery and remains a major cause of postoperative morbidity. BhaskerRao et al evaluated cerebral dysfunction after cardiac surgery both on and off pump in a 322-patient study sample undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Of the group, 305 were on pump; 17 were never on pump. They found that the number of micro-emboli generated is significantly higher in those on pump. They quantified cerebral dysfunction, and found this to be significantly lower in the off-pump group.SOURCE: BhaskerRao B et al. Evidence for improved cerebral function after minimally invasive bypass surgery. J Card Surg 1998;13:27–31.