[Evaluation of the neurologic risk before cardiovascular surgery]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Neurology
• Vascular Disease

Context:

• Neurological adverse outcomes following open-heart surgery have remained consistent since the 1960s.
• A growing interest in reducing neurological complications emerged in the early 1990s.
• Advancements in understanding stroke etiopathology and meta-analyses have improved management of carotid artery disease's role.

Purpose:

• To highlight the importance of identifying preoperative neurological risk markers in cardiac surgery patients.
• To emphasize the necessity of proactive, preventative strategies for neurological complications.
• To underscore the principle that neurological "prevention is better than cure".

Summary:

• The incidence of neurological adverse outcomes post-open heart surgery has been stable historically.
• Research has increasingly focused on mitigating neurological morbidity since the early 1990s.
• Understanding stroke mechanisms and carotid artery disease has led to better circumvention of neurological risks.

Impact:

• Enables surgeons to implement targeted prophylactic strategies before surgery.
• Aims to reduce the incidence and severity of neurological complications.
• Prioritizes patient safety and neurological well-being in the peri-operative period.