[Our experience using the Cerebral Function Monitor in anesthesia for heart surgery under extracorporeal circulation]

Abstract

In our experience, although still fairly limited, of the monitor of cerebral function in cardiac surgery anaesthesia, we have found that this apparatus allows for a more precise supervision of cerebral activity during an operation with artificial extra-corporeal circulation. Due to a far simpler handling than for the classical electroencephalogram it should enable us to detect earlier states of cerebral damage during the course of the anaesthesia or the use of the artificial circulation. We also believe that it may have a valuable part to play in certain particular situations, as for example when dealing with an aortic dissecting aneurysm, or when there is an urgent need to perfuse the carotids.