Detection and Neurological Impact of Cerebrovascular Events in Cardiac Surgery Patients

Delirium and cognitive decline are common following cardiac surgery and increase the burden on patients and health care resources. Covert (sub-clinical) strokes are associated with these complications. The investigators conducted a prospective cohort pilot study enrolling consecutive cardiac surgery patients to receive a post-operative brain MRI and a series of questionnaires to assess for changes in cognition, physical function and delirium. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) was recorded during surgery with the use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) sensors placed on the patients' forehead. The primary aim was to determine the feasibility of conducting a larger study to establish an association between covert stroke and long-term cognitive decline in cardiac surgery patients.