Infusion of Hypertonic Saline-hetastarch in Cardiac Surgery

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with fluid overload and edema formation occasionally resulting in vital organ dysfunction affecting heart, respiratory system , gastrointestinal tract and brain. Hyperosmolar/hyperoncotic preparations (HSH/HSD) have been used in cardiac surgery essentially with the aim to mobilize fluid excess and improve postoperative cardiorespiratory function.Most studies dealing with the administration of HSD or HSH during and after CPB, have used protocols recommended for treatment of severe hypovolemia and shock, that is 4 mL/kg as a bolus, given within minutes.In animal experiments we have used HSD or HSH, 1 mL/kg/h to a total dose of 4 mL/kg during CPB. The use of HSH/HSD reduced the total fluid gain about 50 % and resulted in significantly lower content of tissue water in vital organs as heart and lungs. In the actual clinical trial we hypothesize that a continuous infusion of HSH will reduce fluid load and increase hemodynamic and respiratory functions monitored with the PiCCO system in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass with CPB.