Objectives As proof of concept, this prospective, observational study assessed the feasibility and early clinical outcomes of performing on-pump cardiac surgery with the RenalGuard system.

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is reported in up to 30% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery and is a recognised independent predictor of both morbidity and mortality. Forced diuresis with the RenalGuard system reduces the incidence of AKI during percutaneous coronary intervention procedures but its use in cardiac surgery has not been explored.

Methods Ten consecutive patients who were at risk of developing AKI during cardiac surgery were selected. The RenalGuard system was used to facilitate forced diuresis using weight-adjusted intravenous furosemide while maintaining neutral fluid balance by matched intravenous fluid replacement. This regimen was initiated preoperatively in all patients and continued for 6–12 hours postoperatively. Serum creatinine, electrolytes and need for renal replacement were documented in all patients.

Results The RenalGuard system functioned successfully in all patients and facilitated high perioperative urine outputs, even when patients were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). There were no incidences of significant (A) electrolyte imbalance, (B) changes in haemoglobin levels or (C) pulmonary oedema. No patients developed AKI within 36 hours of surgery despite one patient developing cardiac tamponade 8 hours postoperatively and one patient developing paralytic ileus. One patient, however, was ‘electively’ haemofiltered on day 2 after developing acute right ventricular failure. The median intensive care stay was 1.5 (1, 5) days.

Conclusion The RenalGuard system can be used successfully in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB and may reduce the incidence of AKI in at-risk patients.

Trial registration NCT02974946; Pre-results.