Review article

Neurological complications after cardiac surgery

Petra Ugljarević orcid.org/0009-0007-8558-4138 ; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia *

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Neurological complications represent a significant issue following cardiac surgery and are associated with elevated morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Conditions such as stroke, cognitive dysfunction, and delirium are common after procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and heart valve repairs. The mechanisms of brain injury in these patients are multifactorial, primarily involving embolism, hypoperfusion, inflammation, and metabolic disturbances. Advances in diagnostic tools such as Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound (TCD), and Electroencephalography (EEG) offer valuable insights into cerebral perfusion and metabolic and electric brain activity, enabling real-time monitoring and early detection of brain injury. Prevention and management strategies include tailored preoperative assessments, optimized blood pressure management during surgery, temperature regulation, and the use of neuroprotective measures.

Keywords

cardiac surgical procedures; cerebrovascular circulation; cognition disorders; intraoperative monitoring; neuroprotection; postoperative complications

Hrčak ID:

343397

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/343397

Publication date:

28.12.2025.

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