J Heart Stroke | Volume 2, Issue 1 | Editorial | Open Access

Stroke after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Where do we Stand?

Francesco Nicolini*

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Italy

*Correspondance to: Francesco Nicolini 

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Abstract

Stroke is a devastating complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), because its consequences are decreased quality of life and excess mortality. Although several authors have studied potential predictors of stroke after CABG, there is no definitive answer regarding the etiology and the risk factors related to this complication. The main reason is that postoperative stroke after CABG seems to have a multifactorial etiology. Preoperative screening and intraoperative measures that ensure adequate cerebral perfusion, minimize embolization and improve systemic inflammatory response and hemodynamic performance appear mandatory in these patients. Future efforts will be necessary to strongly validate surrogate markers of early neurologic damage to predict neuropsychological dysfunction after cardiac surgery. Knowledge of those patients at the highest risk of stroke after CABG could help to determine the most appropriate preoperative evaluation, adopt therapeutic measures to reduce postoperative stroke rate and improve postoperative management.

Citation:

Nicolini F. Stroke after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Where do we Stand? J Heart Stroke. 2017; 2(1): 1015.

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