Abstract: Objective To analyze the correlation of carotid artery stenosis（CAS）with postoperative cognitive dysfunction（POCD）in patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting（OPCABG） . Methods Between March 2014 and October 2014, a total of 157 patients who underwent OPCABG in our hospital were enrolled and divided into POCD group and non-POCD group according to their performance respondent to MMSE questionnaire survey conducted 5 days before operation. LOTCA questionnaire survey was conducted at the first day and 7th days pre- and post-operation respectively in order to investigate the influence of CAS on POCD in patients. Results The incidence of POCD was 30.6%(48 out of 157). Advanced age, diabetes， cultural level， carotid artery stenosis, Hb level after operation, score of LOTCA questionnaire survey conducted before surgery， time of respirator and the time spend in ICU were significant predictive factors for POCD. However, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, CAS and the time spend in ICU were independentrisk factors for POCD, especially CAS（OR=5.078， 95% CI: 2.211-11.662, P < 0.001） . Patients with severe CAS suffer from a significant decline in cognitive function on space, time, action and ideation. Conclusion CAS is a predominant risk factor for POCD in patients undergoing OPCABG.

Key words: coronary artery bypass, off-pump, cognition disorders, risk factors, carotid stenosis