Assessing brain protection during heart surgery using noninvasive optical methods
Official title: Noninvasive optical assessment of neuroprotection in deep hypothermic circulatory arrest procedures
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11102176 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to keep your brain safe during heart surgeries that stop blood flow, using gentle light techniques to check on brain health, so that patients like you can recover better and have fewer complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 6, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $630,982 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS141988-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11102176 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients scheduled for aortic arch surgery who are at risk for neurologic dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing aortic arch surgery or those with pre-existing severe neurologic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to protect the brain during heart surgeries that require stopping blood circulation. It focuses on using noninvasive optical techniques to monitor brain health during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, a procedure often used in surgeries involving the aortic arch. By evaluating different methods of blood flow and temperature management, the study aims to identify the best strategies to minimize brain injury. Patients undergoing these surgeries may benefit from improved monitoring and neuroprotective strategies that could enhance their recovery and reduce complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better outcomes for patients undergoing complex heart surgeries by reducing the risk of brain injury.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using noninvasive techniques for monitoring brain health during surgeries, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carp, Stefan Alexandru — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Carp, Stefan Alexandru
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.