Topic: Mechanisms of Inflammation and Microvascular Injury in Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Cardiac Surgery

The inflammatory response to cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has long been a subject of investigation, yet research efforts have remained fragmented and often inconclusive. Several anti-inflammatory strategies have been tested in randomized controlled trials, but all have failed to demonstrate meaningful benefits in terms of morbidity or mortality.

Nowadays, there is growing recognition that inflammation triggered by surgery and extracorporeal circulation plays a central role in the development of postoperative complications including organ dysfunction and death. Despite this, inflammation in cardiac surgery remains poorly characterized in clinical terms, and no standardized definition or management framework has been adopted. Recent advances in translational research, perioperative monitoring, and artificial intelligence have the potential to reshape the field enabling precise risk stratification and outcome prediction.

This Special Issue aims to drive this transition forward by collecting high-quality original articles, reviews, and expert perspectives that explore the biological mechanisms, clinical implications, and potential therapeutic strategies related to inflammation and microvascular injury in the setting of cardiac surgery.

Recommended topics for the special issue include:

● Clinical impact of systemic inflammation and SIRS on postoperative outcomes after cardiac surgery;

● Mechanistic insights into CPB-induced endothelial dysfunction and microvascular injury;

● Predictive models for early identification of inflammatory complications;

● Biomarkers and bedside monitoring tools to guide perioperative inflammatory risk assessment;

● Surgical and Perfusion strategies to minimize inflammation and protect organ function;

● Translational advances and therapeutic approaches to modulate the inflammatory response.

Cardiac surgery, inflammation, microvascular injury, biomarkers, risk stratification.