Comparing Esketamine and Opioids for Heart Protection During Surgery

Perioperative Cardiovascular Protection Conservative Effects of Esketamine Versus µ-opioid Receptor Agonists in Total Intravenous General Anesthesia: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Not applicable Interventional Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University · NCT04553536

This study is testing whether using Esketamine instead of traditional opioids during surgery can better protect the heart and improve outcomes for patients.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorSecond Hospital of Shanxi Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taiyuan, Shanxi)
Trial IDNCT04553536 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the cardiovascular effects of using Esketamine versus traditional µ-opioid receptor agonists in patients undergoing general anesthesia. It aims to understand how different analgesics impact the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events and the levels of cardiac troponin I during and after surgery. The study will involve 1,000 patients across eleven centers in Shanxi province, China, and will monitor various physiological parameters and blood samples to assess the outcomes. The hypothesis is that over-analgesia with opioids may lead to cardiovascular de-protection, potentially worsening patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged over 16 years undergoing general anesthesia with ASA Physical Status 1-II.

Not a fit: Patients with diabetes and neuropathy are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cardiovascular safety during surgeries by optimizing pain management strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of comparing analgesics in anesthesia is common, the specific focus on cardiovascular protection through this mechanism is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing general anesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with diabetes and neuropathy

Where this trial is running

Taiyuan, Shanxi

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 Opioid Analgesic Adverse Reaction
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.