Vasoplegic syndrome

Vasoplegic syndrome (VPS) is a postperfusion syndrome characterized by low systemic vascular resistance and a high cardiac output. Vasoplegic syndrome (VPS) is a postperfusion syndrome characterized by low systemic vascular resistance and a high cardiac output. VPS occurs more frequently after on pump CABG surgery versus off pump CABG surgery. Hypothermia during surgery may also increase ones risk of developing VPS post operatively. Vasoplegic syndrome is defined as low systemic vascular resistance (SVR index <1,600 dyn∙sec/cm5/m2) and high cardiac output (cardiac index >2.5 l/min/m2) within the first 4 postoperative hours. There is some evidence to support the use of methylene blue in the treatment of this condition One case series reports a rate of 1 in 120 cases.