High-Risk Mitral Valve Surgery: Perioperative Hemodynamic Optimization with Nesiritide (BNP)

Perioperative use of Nesiritide is safe, and may contribute to improved early outcomes in high-risk patients undergoing MV surgery. This may be due to improved ventricular loading conditions (decreased PA pressures, more effective diuresis) and/or a direct myocardial effect of BNP. Further prospective evaluation of the role of BNP in cardiac surgery is warranted.