Blocking blue light at night to improve recovery after heart surgery

Effects of Blocking Blue Light at Night on Patient Outcomes After Elective CABG, AVR, MVR, CABG AVR, CABG MVR, or SAH

Not applicable Interventional West Virginia University · NCT04578249

This study tests if wearing blue light-blocking goggles at night can help people recovering from heart surgery feel better and heal faster.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorWest Virginia University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Morgantown, West Virginia)
Trial IDNCT04578249 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether filtering out blue light at night can reduce inflammation and improve cognitive function, mood, and sleep in patients recovering from elective heart surgeries such as CABG, AVR, and MVR. The approach involves using blue light-blocking goggles during the night to create a more conducive recovery environment. The hypothesis is based on previous animal studies suggesting that exposure to blue light can exacerbate inflammation and cognitive decline post-surgery. If successful, this intervention could lead to shorter hospital stays and improved patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults undergoing elective CABG, AVR, MVR, CABG AVR, CABG MVR, or SAH surgeries without a history of psychiatric disorders or organ failure.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive deficits, psychiatric disorders, or significant organ failure may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to reduced post-surgical complications and improved recovery for heart surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach is novel in the context of cardiac surgery, similar studies in other fields have shown promise in reducing inflammation and improving recovery through light manipulation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Both men and women that are undergoing elective (non-emergency)

  * on-pump CABG surgery,
  * AVR,
  * MVR,
  * CABG AVR,
  * CABG MVR or
  * SAH
* No history of diagnosed psychiatric disorders or organ failure

Exclusion Criteria:

* Evidence or diagnosis of dementia or other cognitive deficit
* Diagnosed psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety)
* Organ failure \[kidney (creatine \> 1.5 mg/dL), liver, etc.\]
* Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
* Any immune disorder
* Acute infection
* Prior cardiac surgery
* Elective aneurysms
* Combined cardiac operations
* Left main stenosis greater than 70%
* Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) lower than 0.5
* Any condition that increases likelihood of the need for a blood transfusion during or after the surgery
* Clotting disorder
* Suspected less than 8th grade English reading comprehension level

Where this trial is running

Morgantown, West Virginia

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 Circadian Rhythm DisordersCABGcoronary artery bypass graftlight at nightdim light at nightinflammationcognitionblue light
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.