MortalitY in caRdIAc surgery (MYRIAD): A randomizeD controlled trial of volatile anesthetics. Rationale and design

Objective: There is initial evidence that the use of volatile anesthetics can reduce the postoperative release of cardiac troponin I, the need for inotropic support, and the number of patients requiring prolonged hospitalization following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Nevertheless,small Randomized Controlled Trials have failed to demonstrate a survival advantage. Thus, whethervolatile anesthetics improve the postoperative outcome of cardiac surgical patients remains uncertain. An adequately powered randomized controlled trial appears desirable.Design: Single blinded, international, multicenter randomized controlled trial with 1:1 allocation ratio.Setting: Tertiary and University hospitals.