[Neurologic complications in cardiac surgery patients]

Cerebral infarction and hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIE) may impair the recovery of a patient from otherwise successful cardiac operation. Severe neurologic complications occur in approximately 2 to 5% of cardiac surgery patients. The major risk factors can be recognized. The most common cause of cerebral infarction is a calcific embolus released during manipulation of atheromatotic aorta. HIE results from cerebral circulatory deficiency and subsequent hypoxia in the cerebral tissue. The development of complications can be prevented by restricting aortic manipulation and by optimizing the perfusion technique and other treatment during the operation.