Single versus multiple arterial grafts and memory after bypass surgery

Randomized Comparison of the Clinical Outcome of Single Versus Multiple Arterial Grafts: Cognition (ROMA:Cog)

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11467875

This project compares whether using one or multiple arterial grafts during coronary bypass changes thinking and memory in adults having the surgery.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11467875 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you join, you would be one of about 2,000 adults randomly assigned to receive either a single arterial graft or multiple arterial grafts during coronary artery bypass. The team will track your thinking, memory, and any signs of stroke or small brain infarcts over time using cognitive tests, active follow-up, and imaging when indicated. They will compare outcomes overall and in key groups such as women and people with diabetes to see if one surgical approach leads to fewer brain injuries or less cognitive decline. The goal is to detect even small changes after surgery and understand how surgical technique relates to postoperative brain health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults (21 years and older) scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting who are eligible for either single or multiple arterial graft approaches would be ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who are not having CABG, those under 21, or patients who are not eligible for one of the grafting techniques are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participating.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If differences are found, surgeons could choose grafting techniques that reduce the risk of stroke and long-term thinking or memory problems after bypass.

How similar studies have performed: Smaller observational and imaging studies have linked aortic manipulation and graft technique to emboli and cognitive changes, but a large randomized comparison focused on cognition is relatively new.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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 2026-06-15 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.