Improving blood management for patients undergoing heart surgery

Patient Blood Management in Cardiac Surgical Patients: the ICARUS-2 Study

Observational Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS · NCT06637137

This study is testing if giving patients iron before heart surgery can help them recover better and need fewer blood transfusions.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment464 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS Academic / other
Locations1 site (Roma)
Trial IDNCT06637137 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to collect data on patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery to optimize hemoglobin levels and reduce the need for blood transfusions. A team of hematologists, along with cardiac anesthetists and surgeons, will evaluate patients' blood tests and address iron deficiency prior to surgery. The study builds on previous findings that intravenous iron supplementation can decrease post-operative transfusions and hospital stays. By correcting iron deficiency at least two weeks before surgery, the study seeks to enhance patient recovery and clinical outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery who do not have contraindications such as pregnancy or dialysis.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, on dialysis, or refuse participation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the need for blood transfusions and improve recovery times for cardiac surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar approaches, indicating that early iron supplementation can lead to better outcomes in cardiac surgery patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\- all adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* pregnancy
* dyalisis
* patient's refusal

Where this trial is running

Roma

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 AnemiaAnemia, Iron-DeficiencyIron Deficiency Anemia TreatmentIron Deficiency AnemiaCardiac Surgical PatientsBlood Loss, Surgicalironanemia
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 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.