Combined processed EEG (PSi) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring to prevent postoperative cognitive problems after heart surgery

Prospective Randomized Controlled Study on the Impact of Combined PSi + NIRS Monitoring in the Prevention of Postoperative Cognitive Disorders in Cardiac Surgery.

Not applicable Interventional Brugmann University Hospital · NCT07267416

This trial will test whether using both processed EEG (PSi) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass can reduce postoperative cognitive disorders in adults.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBrugmann University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Brussels)
Trial IDNCT07267416 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional protocol enrolls adults (≥18 years) undergoing cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation (valve procedures or CABG) and uses intraoperative SedLine® processed EEG (PSi) together with cerebral NIRS monitoring. Eligible patients must have a preoperative MoCA ≥20 and ASA class II–IV, while those with prior stroke, suspected dementia, preoperative encephalopathy, dialysis-dependent renal failure, or oxygen-dependent chronic respiratory failure are excluded. The approach compares management guided by combined PSi+NIRS monitoring versus standard intraoperative care to see if targeting deep anesthesia and cerebral desaturation reduces rates of postoperative cognitive disorders, with a planned secondary analysis for patients aged 65 and older. Cognitive testing is performed before and after surgery to measure postoperative cognitive outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older undergoing elective or semi-emergency valve surgery or coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass, ASA II–IV, and a preoperative MoCA score of 20 or higher are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of stroke, diagnosed or suspected dementia, preoperative encephalopathy, dialysis-dependent renal failure, or oxygen-dependent chronic respiratory failure are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, combined PSi and NIRS monitoring could lower the frequency or severity of postoperative cognitive disorders and improve recovery after cardiac surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of NIRS or processed EEG alone have shown mixed results for preventing postoperative cognitive decline, and evidence specifically on the combined PSi+NIRS approach is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Elective or relatively emergency surgery for valve surgery (pulmonary or tricuspid valves) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
* Preoperative cognitive assessment MoCA ≥ 20 (during the preoperative consultation if applicable or on day 1)
* ASA score II to IV

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of sequelae of stroke
* Diagnosis or strong suspicion of dementia (according to DSM-V criteria).
* Preoperative encephalopathy
* Severe chronic renal failure requiring dialysis
* Patients with chronic respiratory failure who are oxygen-dependent

Where this trial is running

Brussels

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 Postoperative Cognitive Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.