Abstract
The object of this study is to determine whether cardiopulmonary bypass in open heart surgery is associated with elevation of plasma endotoxin concentrations. We determined the serum concentration of endotoxin (limulus positive substance) in 30 patients undergoing coronary bypass operations. Endotoxin concentrations were low and stable until institution of cardiopulmonary bypass (rinsed solution 1.4pg/ml, preanesthetic level 5.8pg/ml). The peak endotoxin concentration was 248.1pg/ml at the end of operation. The rise in endotoxin concentration may be one of the factors responsible for the prolonged postoperative recovery seen in some patients.
