Comparing heart surgery methods to protect brain health

Neurometabolic Outcomes of Different Cardiopulmonary Bypass Strategies

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-10773170

This study is looking at how two different heart surgery methods might affect brain health in kids with congenital heart diseases, to see which one helps protect their brain better during surgery.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-10773170 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of two different cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) strategies on brain health in patients with congenital heart diseases. It focuses on how these methods, Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest (DHCA) and Antegrade Cerebral Perfusion (ACP), impact neurodevelopment and brain metabolism during surgery. By using advanced MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques, the study aims to measure real-time changes in brain metabolites and energy levels, providing insights into which method may better protect brain function. The findings could lead to improved surgical practices and outcomes for affected patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children with congenital cardiac diseases who require surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have congenital heart conditions or those not undergoing surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better surgical techniques that minimize neurodevelopmental risks for children undergoing heart surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing debate about the effectiveness of these CPB strategies, this research aims to provide objective data that could clarify their impacts, making it a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, 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.
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.