Assessing brain oxygen levels and cognitive function after heart surgery

Cerebral Oxygenation and Neurological Functioning After Cardiac Surgery

Observational Queen's University · NCT04081649

This study is trying to see how brain oxygen levels during heart surgery affect how well patients think and remember after the surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment95 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorQueen's University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kingston, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT04081649 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify predictors of long-term neurological functioning in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, specifically coronary artery bypass and valvular surgery. Researchers will track patients' neurological performance before and after surgery, focusing on the relationship between intraoperative cerebral oxygenation levels and post-operative cognitive outcomes. The study utilizes near-infrared spectroscopy to measure brain oxygen levels and a robotic device called KINARM to assess neurological function. The goal is to establish a timeline of cognitive changes associated with surgical procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery or valvular surgery without pre-existing cognitive impairments.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing cognitive impairment or neurodegenerative conditions will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved monitoring and management strategies for cognitive outcomes in cardiac surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies examining cerebral oxygenation and cognitive outcomes, this specific approach focusing on long-term neurological functioning post-cardiac surgery is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* adult patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery +/- valvular surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* pre-existing cognitive impairment or neurodegenerative condition
* any reason that participant cannot participate in follow up (lives too far away, limb amputation, speaks language other than english)

Where this trial is running

Kingston, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Coronary Artery DiseaseCognitive ImpairmentDelirium
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.