Effect of Supplemental Oxygen on Perioperative BNP Concentration in Cardiac Risk Patients

The effect of supplemental oxygen on surgical site infections was already investigated in several studies before. Although, oxygen is one of the most used medical therapy in hospitalized patients, the influence on the cardiovascular system is still unknown. Available data indicate beneficial effects of supplemental oxygen on cardiovascular function. Because, no evidence exists concerning the perioperative period, it is our objective to investigate supplemental oxygen in cardiac risk patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Due to the significant reduction of BNP by inhibiting sympathetic nerve activity we hypothesize that supplemental oxygen have beneficial effects in perioperative BNP release in cardiac risk patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.