Limiting inflammatory response to cardiopulmonary bypass: pharmaceutical strategies

► Corticosteroids, statins and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors attenuate post-CPB inflammatory response. ► Statins reduce oxidative stress that may aid in maintaining long-term graft patency. ► Certain angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors can be pro-fibrinolytic, with potential implications in reducing the risk of acute graft thrombosis. ► Combined clopidogrel and aspirin therapy may improve short-term graft patency within the first few months after CABG.