Comparing carbon dioxide and saline for preventing brain injury during aortic repair

Carbon-Dioxide Flushing Versus Saline Flushing in Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair to Reduce Neurological Injury: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Imperial College London · NCT03886675

This study is testing whether using carbon dioxide instead of saline to flush stent-grafts during aortic repair can help prevent brain injuries and strokes in patients.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorImperial College London Academic / other
Locations1 site (London)
Trial IDNCT03886675 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of carbon dioxide versus saline in flushing stent-grafts used in thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to prevent vascular brain injury (VBI). Patients undergoing TEVAR will be randomly assigned to receive either carbon dioxide or saline flushing before the stent-graft insertion. The study will involve pre-operative neurocognitive testing and continuous monitoring of cerebral air embolisation during the procedure. The goal is to determine which flushing method better reduces the risk of stroke and neurocognitive dysfunction associated with TEVAR.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who are suitable for TEVAR and have the capacity to consent.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 18 years old, pregnant, or have contraindications to MRI may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the incidence of stroke and cognitive impairment in patients undergoing TEVAR.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary clinical data suggests that carbon dioxide may be more effective than saline for this purpose, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All participants suitable for TEVAR with capacity to consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants who lack capacity to consent
* Contraindications to MRI such as pacemaker
* Pregnant participants
* Participants who do not wish to participate
* Participants \<18yrs

Where this trial is running

London

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 StrokeSilent Cerebral InfarctionNeurocognitive DysfunctionVascular Brain InjurySilent cerebral infarctionCarbon dioxideThoracic endovascular aortic repairTEVAR
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.