Early neurocognitive function of patients after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

Design This was a prospective, descriptive study. Setting The study took place in cardiovascular units at a large urban metropolitan, midwestern tertiary care hospital. Sample Fifty-four patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery were included. Outcome measures Outcome measures were neurocognition preoperatively at baseline (within 72 hours of surgery) and postoperatively (at least 72 hours after surgery but before discharge). Results In neurocognitive tests of cognition (memory, language, and attention) there was an improvement in the cognitive composite from the preoperative baseline to the postoperative follow-up ( P P = .006). Conclusions After off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery, patients had an overall improvement in tests of memory, language, and attention (cognitive composite), but a decline in tests of motor speed and information processing speed (motor composite).