To describe cardiopulmonary bypass in the elderly under anesthesia of patients undergoing myocardial revascularization in the Intensive Care Unit. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) can alter plasma concentrations of drugs used during anesthesia for cardiac surgery and cause effects on the central nervous system, leading patients to a greater degree of sedation, which alters the time of patient awakening. Method: This is a descriptive-qualitative-exploratory study, of a comprehensive nature, of the systematic type. Results: The three groups were compared in terms of weight, height, age and body mass index (BMI). Regarding intubation time and wake-up time, it was observed that the CPB group had higher values ​​for these variables, with a significant difference. Conclusion: The short duration of action of propofol of approximately 6 to 9 minutes can be explained by the high clearance and rapid distribution of the drug. Propofol concentration at the site of action also increases rapidly due to the rapid equilibrium between plasma and brain concentrations (< 4 minutes).