Investigating EEG-guided anesthesia effects on cognitive disorders in elderly patients after major surgery

Effect of Electroencephalography-guided Anesthesia on Neurocognitive Disorders in Elderly Patients Undergoing Major Non-cardiac Surgery: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal · NCT04825847

This study is testing if using EEG-guided anesthesia during major surgery can help older patients avoid cognitive problems afterwards compared to standard anesthesia.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment314 (estimated)
Ages70 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCiusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal Academic / other
Locations1 site (Montreal, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT04825847 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the impact of EEG-guided anesthesia on the incidence of neurocognitive disorders in patients aged 70 and older undergoing major non-cardiac surgery. The study will compare outcomes between an EEG-guided group, where anesthesia is tailored based on processed EEG data, and a control group receiving standard care. Key metrics include postoperative cognitive function assessed at various intervals, intraoperative medication consumption, and overall recovery outcomes. The trial will be conducted at a single university hospital in Canada, focusing on personalized anesthesia management to enhance patient safety and recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 70 years and older scheduled for elective major non-cardiac surgery lasting over one hour.

Not a fit: Patients with known dementia or severe cognitive impairment, emergency surgery needs, or significant communication barriers may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of neurocognitive disorders in elderly patients after major surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While EEG-guided anesthesia is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies suggest potential benefits in reducing postoperative cognitive issues, indicating a promising area of exploration.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients 70 years of age or older,
* Major gynecologic, abdominal, urologic, thoracic or orthopedic surgery via laparoscopy or laparotomy under general anesthesia - with or without concomitant use of regional or neuraxial anesthesia -,
* Expected anesthesia time of more than 60 minutes,
* Seen for assessment by internal medicine and/or anesthesiology at the preoperative clinic (CIEPC)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known diagnosis of dementia or other neurological, psychiatric, developmental or medical condition that resulted in documented severe cognitive impairment,
* Emergency surgery,
* Significant auditory or visual impairment that precludes participation in cognitive testing,
* Known allergy or intolerance or other medical condition that precludes the use of prescribed general anesthesia protocol for this study,
* Inability to communicate in French or English.

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec

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 AnesthesiaNeurocognitive DisordersProcessed EEG MonitorNeurocognitive disordersMajor surgeryBurst SuppressionMoCA
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.