The study has ceased recruiting as Ethics approval has lapsed and the investigator availability reduced.

The purpose of the project is to test whether or not the commonly used medication frusemide, given after heart surgery, and aiming to increase urinary output can have an effect on kidney function.

All patients will receive standard supportive care based on current established management practice of cardio-thoracic patients. The only difference in treatment will be the randomisation of patients to receive/not receive protocolised administration of frusemide targeting a urine output.

There will be 2 groups of patients. The control group-which will receive frusemide bolus doses if required as determined by the surgeon/consultant physician. The frusemide infusion group-which will be monitored to achieve a trial specified hourly urine output target range of 1-2mls/kg/hour. In order to achieve this target the patient may need to receive a loading dose of frusemide and may also then require a frusemide infusion. The aim will be to maintain the urine output within the target range for the first 48 hours after cardiac surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

All patients admitted for cardiac surgery will be assessed for eligibility. Participants will be approached for inclusion, from the pre-admission clinics and wards of the Cardiothoracic surgery unit. Potential participants will be identified by the daily review of planned cardiothoracic surgery schedule.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Already in established dialysis dependent chronic renal failure.
2. Known allergy to frusemide
3. Age < 18 years
4. Pregnant