[Prophylactic use of cefpiramide (CPM) in open heart surgery]

The concentration of cefpiramide (CPM) in serum and myocardial tissues was measured in 24 patients with open heart surgery. The regimen was given in bolus of 2 g intravenously before the commencement of cardiopulmonary bypass. Blood and tissues of the right atrial appendage and pericardium were surveyed for samples at an estimated interval after the administration of CPM. The concentration of CPM in the blood and the myocardial tissues were consistently efficacious for both gram positive and negative bacterium. The duration and dosage of CPM, selected in the study, were both satisfactory for prevention of infection in open heart surgery.