Esketamine's effects on mood in patients having heart valve surgery

Effect of a Single Dose of Esketamine on Perioperative Negative Mood in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Valve Surgery: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Chinese PLA General Hospital · NCT06608030

This study is testing if esketamine can help reduce anxiety and depression in patients having heart valve surgery to see if it improves their mood during recovery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment142 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorChinese PLA General Hospital Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Beijing, Beijing and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06608030 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter, randomized controlled trial investigates how esketamine can alleviate anxiety and depression in patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery. The study aims to determine the efficacy of esketamine, a derivative of ketamine known for its analgesic and antidepressant properties, in improving perioperative mood. Participants will receive either esketamine or a placebo (normal saline) and will be monitored for mood changes throughout the surgical process. The trial seeks to address the significant prevalence of negative mood disorders in cardiac surgery patients, which can impact recovery and overall health outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for heart valve surgery and meet specific health criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with significant preoperative neuro-psychiatric diseases, cognitive impairments, or contraindications to ketamine may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel approach to managing perioperative anxiety and depression, potentially improving recovery outcomes for cardiac surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of esketamine for depression is established, this specific application in the perioperative setting is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥18 years old, male or female
2. Patients undergoing heart valve surgery
3. Patients with ASA grade 1 to 4
4. BMI between 18-30 kg/m²
5. Able to participate in neuropsychological testing and receive follow-up visits
6. Clearly understand and voluntarily agree to participate in the study and sign the informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with significant preoperative neuro-psychiatric disease and cognitive impairment
2. Intellectual disability or a MiniMental State Examination (MMSE) score \<24, or a speech disorder that may compromise their ability to undergo preoperative assessments
3. History of psychoactive drug abuse

5. Preoperative combined severe hepatic insufficiency or renal insufficiency 6. Any contraindications to ketamine or esketamine, such as refractory hypertension or hyperthyroidism

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing and 1 other locations

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 Depression, AnxietyCardiac SurgeryS-ketamine
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.