Temperature during cardiopulmonary bypass for coronary artery operations does not influence postoperative cognitive function: a prospective, randomized trial.

Abstract

The objective was to examine the effect of temperature (28 degrees vs 36 degrees C) during cardiopulmonary bypass on postoperative cognitive functions in a prospective, double-blind, and randomized manner. Sixty-two patients scheduled for coronary operations were randomized to warm or cold cardiopulmonary bypass. Preoperative and postoperative (7 days) neuropsychologic evaluations were performed by an observer unaware of cardiopulmonary bypass temperature. Fifty-four patients completed the study (cold bypass, n = 24; warm bypass, n = 30). Significant (p < 0.01) postoperative deterioration for tests of psychomotor coordination and verbal memory was noted in both warm and cold groups, but no differences were observed between groups. Temperature during cardiopulmonary bypass for coronary operations does not influence postoperative cognitive function.