Using a quick thinking-and-memory check plus a wireless brain monitor to reduce thinking problems after surgery in older adults
Developing a novel system combining cognitive assessment with PASCALL FDA-cleared intraoperative anesthesia EEG brain monitor to prevent postoperative neurocognitive disorders in aging patients
This project pairs a short thinking and memory check with a wireless brain monitor during surgery to help people 65 and older avoid memory and thinking problems afterward.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pascall Systems, Incorporated NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11375766 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get a brief cognitive check (before and after surgery) that is linked to PASCALL’s FDA-cleared wireless EEG worn during the operation. An algorithm combines your cognitive test results and real-time brain signals to warn the anesthesia team if you are becoming over‑sedated and at higher risk for postoperative thinking problems. The device and software are designed for use in the operating room for people age 65 and older who receive general anesthesia. The aim is to give personalized guidance to anesthesiologists so you are less likely to have long-term cognitive complications after surgery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 65 and older who will receive general anesthesia for a surgical procedure and can complete brief cognitive testing.
Not a fit: People under 65, patients not receiving general anesthesia, or those with severe preexisting dementia may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower the chance of over‑sedation during surgery and reduce postoperative neurocognitive problems in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of EEG‑guided anesthesia have shown mixed results, so combining pre/post cognitive checks with a wireless EEG and an integrated algorithm is a newer and less tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, UNITED STATES
- Pascall Systems, Incorporated — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Le Mau, Tuan — Pascall Systems, Incorporated
- Study coordinator: Le Mau, Tuan
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 below.