Evaluating cardiac biomarkers after heart surgery

Cardiac Biomarkers for the Quantification of Myocardial Damage After Cardiac Surgery

Observational Jena University Hospital · NCT06066970

This study is trying to see if certain heart proteins released during heart surgery can help doctors understand how much heart damage patients have after they undergo aortic or mitral valve surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorJena University Hospital Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Wurttemberg and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06066970 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the relationship between the perioperative release of cardiac biomarkers, specifically troponin I, troponin T, and CK-MB, and the actual myocardial damage observed in patients undergoing isolated aortic or mitral valve surgery. The study will assess whether elevations in these biomarkers correlate with visualizable myocardial damage and will analyze their kinetics and dynamics. By clarifying the validity of these biomarkers in diagnosing myocardial infarction, the findings could significantly influence international guidelines and treatment protocols for cardiac surgery patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who require isolated aortic or mitral valve surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with coronary artery disease, significant renal impairment, or those who cannot undergo MRI will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on cardiac biomarkers, this specific correlation between perioperative ischemic damage and biomarker release has not been previously investigated, making this approach novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Indication for isolated aortic or mitral valve surgery
* Written informed consent
* Age ≥ 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of coronary artery disease (excluded within the last 6 months)
* Allergy to gadolinium
* Cochlear implant
* Deep brain stimulation
* Individual factors excluding the performance of an MRI (e.g. claustrophobia of the patient)
* Significantly reduced renal function (GFR \< 30ml/min)
* Perioperative complications that may lead to myocardial damage (discontinuation of the study for the patient and exclusion from the analysis after primary study inclusion)
* Need for extension of surgery (additional procedures on other heart valves, aorta, myocardium, or similar; exclusion after primary study inclusion possible)
* Pregnancy or lactation

Where this trial is running

Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Wurttemberg and 4 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 Cardiac Valve DiseaseBiomarkerTroponinCK-MBPerioperative Myocardial InfarctionLGE-cMRI
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.