Evaluation of a new embolic protection device in high-risk heart valve surgery patients

Embolic Protection in Patients Undergoing High-Risk Valve Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NCT06027788

This study is testing a new device to see if it can help older patients having heart valve surgery avoid complications like strokes and kidney problems compared to a standard device.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment842 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Academic / other
Locations28 sites (North Little Rock, Arkansas and 27 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06027788 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial is a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness and safety of the CardioGard embolic protection cannula compared to a standard cannula in patients aged 60 and older undergoing valve surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the CardioGard device or a standard cannula immediately after surgical confirmation of their eligibility. The trial will enroll patients over a 30-month period, with follow-up lasting 12 months post-procedure to evaluate outcomes related to delirium, ischemic stroke, acute kidney injury, and other complications. The randomization process will be centrally controlled and stratified by surgical site and procedure type.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients aged 60 and older who are scheduled for valve surgery with or without coronary artery bypass grafting.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of clinical stroke within the last three months or significant neurological impairment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this trial could significantly reduce the incidence of complications such as stroke and kidney injury in high-risk heart valve surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise with embolic protection devices in cardiac procedures, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 60 years
* Planned de novo or redo:

  * Surgical aortic valve replacement SAVR ± ascending aortic repair (if circulatory arrest is not required) ± CABG
  * Mitral valve replacement (MVR) ± CABG
  * Mitral Valve Repair + CABG,
  * Double/Triple valve surgery ± CABG; Ross procedure These procedures can be done via a full or minimal-access sternotomy (using central aortic perfusion cannulae) with legally marketed valve(s), and can be done in combination with an left atrial appendage (LAA) closure/excision or partial/complete Maze procedure.
  * Valve sparing aortic root replacement (David procedure)
  * Valve sparing aortic root replacement (David procedure)
* No evidence of neurological impairment as defined by a NIHSS ≤1 and modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≤2 within 30 days prior to randomization
* Ability to provide informed consent and comply with the protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of clinical stroke within 3 months prior to randomization
* Cerebral and or aortic arch arteriography or interventions within 3 days of the planned procedure
* Coronary catheterization within 3 days of index procedure, and the required repeat NIHSS score post-catheterization is worse than the screening/baseline NIHSS score conducted prior to the catheterization
* Active endocarditis at time of randomization with vegetation criteria
* Clinical signs of cardiogenic shock or treatment with IV inotropic therapy prior to randomization
* Participation in an interventional (drug or device) trial
* Isolated mitral valve repair, isolated tricuspid valve repair or combined mitral valve repair and tricuspid valve repair
* Anticipated requirement for prolonged mechanical ventilation greater than 48 hours after surgery in the opinion of the investigator
* Planned concomitant carotid endarterectomy during index surgical procedure

Where this trial is running

North Little Rock, Arkansas and 27 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 DeliriumIschemic StrokeAcute Kidney InjuryHeart Valve DiseaseCoronary Artery DiseaseEmbolic ProtectionCardiac SurgeryCardioGard
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.