【Abstract】Background Positive inotropes are widely used in the perioperative period, especially in the heart and blood vessel operation. It is an effective way to support the circulation. Objective To investigate the problems and countermeasures of the application of positive inotropes in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, in order to improve the clinical rational use of these drugs. Content In this paper, the role of various types of positive inotropes, which are widely used at present, are briefly introduced from the view of the mechanism of the drugs action. The problems existing in the application of these drugs in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery are analyzed and the countermeasures are put forward. Trend Use traditional positive inotropes reasonably, develop safer, more effective new types of positive inotropes at the same time.To find out a better application of positive inotropes in perioperative period of cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.