Optimization of cardiopulmonary bypass prime fluid to preserve microcirculatory perfusion during on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery: PRIME study protocol for a double-blind randomized trial

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Background: Acute microcirculatory perfusion disturbances and organ edema are important factors leading to organ dysfunction during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Priming of the CPB system with crystalloid or colloid fluids, which inevitably leads to hemodilution, could contribute to this effect. However, there is yet no optimal evidence-based strategy for this type of priming. Hence, we will investigate different priming strategies to reduce hemodilution and preserve microcirculatory perfusion.