Investigating ketamine's effects on kidney health during heart surgery

Impact of Ketamine Versus Propofol for Anesthetic Induction on Acute Kidney Injury and Renal Biomarkers in Cardiac Surgery

Phase 4 Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT05268562

This study is testing whether using ketamine instead of propofol during heart surgery can help protect kidney health in patients.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages70 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT05268562 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effects of ketamine versus propofol on kidney function in patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery that requires cardiopulmonary bypass. By administering ketamine as an anesthetic at the start of the surgery, researchers will assess its impact on renal outcomes compared to the traditional use of propofol. The study is designed to provide insights into the safety and efficacy of ketamine in this specific surgical context.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients scheduled for complex cardiac surgery at the Mayo Clinic that involves cardiopulmonary bypass.

Not a fit: Patients with significant pre-operative renal dysfunction or those undergoing procedures not requiring cardiopulmonary bypass may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved kidney protection strategies during cardiac surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of ketamine in various surgical settings has been explored, this specific comparison in the context of cardiac surgery and kidney injury is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Presenting for cardiac surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
* Scheduled to undergo complex cardiac surgery with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Complex cardiac surgery will be defined as surgery involving more than one heart valve, redo-sternotomy procedures, or combined valvular and coronary artery bypass graft procedures (aortic repair not excluded if meets other criteria).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Left or right ventricular assist device implantation or explantation.
* Procedures not requiring cardiopulmonary bypass.
* Active infection or sepsis requiring antimicrobial therapy and/or vasopressor therapy (treated endocarditis is not excluded).
* Severe hepatic disease resulting in ascites.
* Pre-operative significant renal dysfunction including a baseline creatinine equal to or greater than 2 mg/dL or requiring dialysis.
* Immunosuppressive medication use (including current IV or oral steroids use, use of anti-rejection medications for transplant within 1 month, or chemotherapy within 6 months).
* Immunodeficiency syndrome including HIV/AIDS, leukemia, and multiple myeloma

Where this trial is running

Rochester, Minnesota

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 SurgeryCardiopulmonary bypass
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.