Introduction

This study identified risk factors and causes for neurocognitive dysfunction after cardiac surgery.

Material and methods

A systematic literature search was conducted on academic databases by using keywords. The literature on neurocognitive dysfunctions after cardiac surgery procedures has been reviewed, and the risk factors of cognitive dysfunction occurrence have been analysed.

Results

Postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction is significantly reduced compared to preoperative cognitive status. Especially after coronary artery surgery, the permeability of the blood-brain barrier increases and micro embolism occurs, which may affect cognitive function. On the other hand, generalized inflammatory response associated with anaesthesia and major surgical procedures may also be associated with cognitive impairment other than cardiopulmonary bypass.

Conclusions

In the postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction process, it was found that genetic structure, process of inflammation, functional change in neurotransmitters, stress response, anaesthesia, and cardiopulmonary bypass technique (off pump on pump) can be effective.