Assessing brain protection during heart surgery using noninvasive optical methods

Noninvasive optical assessment of neuroprotection in deep hypothermic circulatory arrest procedures

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11102176

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11102176 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients scheduled for aortic arch surgery who are at risk for neurologic dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing aortic arch surgery or those with pre-existing severe neurologic conditions may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.