Abstract 15851: Increased Inflammation in Pericardial Fluid Persists 48 Hours After Cardiac Surgery

Introduction: Cardiac surgery causes direct trauma to cardiac tissue and disrupts the normal pericardial fluid (PCF), leaving the heart exposed to PCF and mediastinal contents comprised of inflammatory cells and their products. This can potentially have adverse effects on the myocardium, in particular the thin-walled atria, leading to initiation of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF). After cardiac surgery, the pericardium remains open, and chest drains are routinely placed to prevent fluid accumulation around the heart. However, few studies have examined inflammation in post-operative PCF composition over an extended period of time. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe the trajectory and concentration of pro-inflammatory factors in PCF after cardiac surgery over time and compare levels of inflammatory molecules in post-surgical PCF to those in the blood. Methods: PCF was collected immediately after the pericardial sac was incised with the heart beating (time 0), and from the mediastinal d...