Neurocognitive Function and Cerebral Emboli: Randomized Study of On-Pump Versus Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Cerebral emboli are more prevalent during on-pump CABG. At discharge from hospital, neurocognitive function is better after off-pump surgery, possibly as a result of the lower embolic load. However, the difference in neurocognitive function does not persist at 6 weeks and 6 months.