Inclusion criteria | Rationale for inclusion |
Adult patients (18 to 80Â years) undergoing primary coronary artery bypass grafting with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass | Population of interest |
Preoperative exclusion criteria | Rationale for exclusion |
Emergent coronary artery bypass grafting | Higher-risk profile |
Recent acute myocardial infarction | Concurrent indication for dual antiplatelet therapy |
History of stroke or transitory ischemic attack | Prior neurological condition |
Structural brain abnormalities | Prior neurological condition |
Carotid artery disease | Ineligible for study enrollment |
Valve surgery | Ineligible for study enrollment |
Left ventricular ejection fraction <30% | Higher-risk profile |
Atrial fibrillation | Higher-risk of neurological complications |
Renal failure | Higher-risk profile |
Repeat coronary artery bypass grafting | Higher-risk profile |
Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting | Avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass |
Inability to provide consent | Ineligible for study enrollment |
Contraindications for MRI | Ineligible for study enrollment |
Peripheral vascular disease of upper extremities | Contraindication for remote ischemic preconditioning |
Postoperative exclusion criteria | Rationale for exclusion |
New-onset contraindication for MRI | Protocol violation |
Hemodynamic instability | Inability to complete follow-up MRI |