Pentastarch is a new synthetic hydroxyethyl starch similar to hetastarch. We report on the clinical comparisons the clinical efficacy and safety of 10% pentastarch in prime solutions for CPB in cardiac operations with that of 20% serum albumin. During CPB, group P [n = 20] received 500ml of 10% pentastarch and group A [n = 20] received 100ml of 20% albumin in prime solutions The postoperative time of ICU stay in group P and the day and amount of chest drain, hospital stay in group A were longer [p<0.05]. Fresh whole blood and PRBC were added only in group A and a higher amount of hartman solution was added in group A during CPB [p<0.05]. Prothrombin time was prolonged preoperatively and 2 days postoperatively in group A and 7 days postoperatively in group P [p<0.05] but there were no significant differences in bleeding time or fibrinogen level. Platelet count was higher immediately postoperatively in group A and preoperatively and 1, 2, and 7 days postoperatively in group P [p<0.05].Total protein and albumin level were higher 1 day postoperatively in group A and 2 and 7 days postoperatively in group P [p<0.05]. BUN was increased 2 days postoperatively in group A and Cr was increased 1 day postoperatively in group P [p<0.05]. CPK was higher preoperatively and 1, 2, and 7 days postoperatively in group A and plasma hemoglobin level was also higher 2 and 7 days postoperatively in group A [p<0.05]. There were no significant differences in arterial blood gas analysis but higher pO2 and lower pCO2 levels were maintained in group P and ejection fraction was higher 7 days postoperatively in group P [p<0.05]. Both groups were improved postoperatively in NYHA class and the hemodynamic parameters such as MAP, CO, CI, SV, LVSWI were well maintained in group P [p<0.05]. The amount of blood products used was higher in group A and urine output was higher immediately postoperatively in group A and 1, 2 days postoperatively in group P and the chest output was higher in group A. The complications were developed in 7 patients in group A and 5 patients in group P and mortality was not present in both groups.In conclusion, 10% pentastarch is as safe and effective as 20% albumin in prime solutions for cardiopulmonary bypass in cardiac operations.