ObjectivesSurgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass induces an inflammatory response due to the contact of blood with the extracorporeal circuit. In some patients, this inflammatory response leads to multiple organ failure and death. Inflammatory states may increase the production of nitric oxide, either by increasing the activity of constitutive enzyme systems or by inducing of inflammation-specific systems. We hypothesized that surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass would increase the production of nitric oxide in association with the inflammatory response.DesignProspective, single center, observational study.SettingUniversity-affiliated, tertiary referral cardiothoracic center.PatientsEleven adult patients undergoing routine myocardial revascularization.InterventionsSurgery for myocardial revascularization.Measurements and Main ResultsObservations were made after induction of anesthesia, before bypass, after completion of the bypass, and on return to the recovery area. Parameters measured included hemodynamics, exhaled nitric oxide concentrations, plasma nitrate/nitrite concentration, plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage myeloperoxidase concentrations, and protein carbonyl conversion. All patients survived surgery. Oxygenation index fell significantly after bypass. Plasma myeloperoxidase increased significantly during the study period. Plasma carbonyl conversion also increased, although not significantly. Plasma nitrate/nitrite and airway nitric oxide concentrations did not change through the course of the study.ConclusionSurgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass induced a demonstrable inflammatory response, but this response was not associated with increased nitric oxide production. (Crit Care Med 1998; 26:272-278)