The interaction between cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and the brain deserves discussion because the available literature suggests that stroke occurs with an incidence ranging from 2% to as much as 10% (1). In addition, the rate of neuropsychologic dysfunction shortly after cardiopulmonary bypass can exceed 50%. With respect to the latter, the incidence is clearly related to the testing interval post CPB. The meta analysis by Robinson et al. of CABG patients revealed reported rates of neuropsychologic dysfunction for the immediate post-CPB period (5–8 days) of 11–75%; of 11–40% after 6–12 weeks; and of 5% at 6 months or longer (2).