Assessing how anesthesia and imaging affect aortic regurgitation evaluation

Prospective Single-center Observational Trial Aimed at Investigating the Effect of General Anesthesia, Positive Pressure Ventilation and Change of Imaging Modality From Transthoracic Echo to Transesophageal Echo on the Grading of the Severity of Aortic Regurgitation.

University of Liege · NCT06835946

This study is testing how different types of heart imaging before and after anesthesia affect the way doctors measure aortic regurgitation in patients getting heart surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Liege (other)
Locations1 site (Liège)
Trial IDNCT06835946 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effects of different imaging modalities, specifically trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) and trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE), on the assessment of aortic regurgitation severity. Patients scheduled for cardiac surgery who will undergo TEE will be enrolled, and their aortic insufficiency grading will be compared between TTE performed before anesthesia and TEE performed after anesthesia induction. The study seeks to understand how anesthesia and positive pressure ventilation influence echocardiographic results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with known aortic regurgitation scheduled for cardiac surgery requiring a trans-esophageal echo.

Not a fit: Patients with non-sinus rhythm, significant mitral regurgitation, or contraindications to trans-esophageal echo may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the accuracy of aortic regurgitation assessments, leading to better patient management and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored echocardiographic assessments, this specific approach focusing on the impact of anesthesia and imaging modality is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Known aortic regurgitation of any grade
* Scheduled for a cardiac surgery procedure during which a trans-esophageal echo is planned.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non sinus rhythm
* Mitral regurgitation more than mild.
* Pre-operative critical state (according to the definition of the EuroSCORE II)
* Presence of a prosthetic aortic valve
* Contra-indication to trans-esophageal echo

Where this trial is running

Liège

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Aortic Regurgitation Disease, Aortic Insufficiency

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.