The Pharmacokinetics of Remifentanil in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Abstract

Remifentanil concentrations decrease with the institution of cardiopulmonary bypass because of an increase in the volume of distribution. The decrease in elimination clearance with hypothermia results in increased total remifentanil concentrations during cardiopulmonary bypass if the infusion rate is not altered. More constant blood remifentanil levels may be obtained by reducing remifentanil infusion rate by 30% for each 5 degrees C decrease in temperature.