Vasoplegic syndrome or Vasoplegia syndrome (VPS) is a postperfusion syndrome characterized by low systemic vascular resistance and a high cardiac output.
VPS occurs more frequently after on pump CABG surgery versus off pump CABG surgery.[1] Hypothermia during surgery may also increase ones risk of developing VPS post operatively.[2]
Vasoplegic syndrome is defined as low systemic vascular resistance (SVR index <1,600 dyn∙sec/cm5/m2) and high cardiac output (cardiac index >2.5 L/min/m2) within the first 4 postoperative hours.[3]
There is some evidence to support the use of methylene blue in the treatment of this condition.[4][5]
One case series reports a rate of 1 in 120 cases.[6]