Macroemboli and microemboli during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Abstract

Macroscopic and microscopic emboli of gas, biologic aggregates, and inorganic debris can occur during cardiac operations with cardiopulmonary bypass and may result in end-organ ischemia. In the current era pump-generated embolism is a diminishing cause of perioperative neurologic injury, which now appears to be related mostly to atheroembolism from manipulation of the atherosclerotic ascending aorta, and presents a continuing technical challenge to the surgeon.