Kidney-surface versus limb NIRS monitoring to predict acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery with bypass

A Comparison of Renal vs Limb NIRS for Predicting Cardiac Surgery Associated Acute Kidney Injury

Observational University of Utah · NCT06705855

This study will try NIRS sensors placed over the kidneys versus on the limbs to see which better predicts acute kidney injury in adults having cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Utah Academic / other
Locations1 site (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Trial IDNCT06705855 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) uses light through the skin to estimate tissue oxygenation and is commonly applied to the brain during cardiac surgery. This observational study will place NIRS sensors on the skin above the kidneys and on the limbs of adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and record perioperative readings. Investigators will compare how well renal-site versus limb-site NIRS signals predict postoperative acute kidney injury using standard clinical AKI criteria. The aim is to determine whether renal-surface NIRS provides earlier or more accurate indication of patients at risk of AKI.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (18 and older) undergoing cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass who are at risk for AKI and are not on chronic dialysis are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Patients with preoperative end-stage kidney disease on dialysis, those undergoing emergency surgery, or individuals who refuse participation are unlikely to gain benefit from this monitoring comparison.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could allow earlier or more accurate identification of patients at risk for AKI so clinicians can try targeted measures to prevent or lessen kidney injury.

How similar studies have performed: Applying NIRS to the renal area is relatively novel; small prior studies have suggested potential but there is no clear, definitive evidence yet.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* We will enroll a convenience sample of adult cardiac surgery patients undergoing procedures that require cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and who are at risk for AKI.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Exclusion criteria will include less than age 18 years old, preoperative end-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis, emergency surgery, or patient refusal.

Where this trial is running

Salt Lake City, Utah

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 NIRSCardiac Surgery Associated - Acute Kidney InjuryCardiac Surgery Requiring Cardiopulmonary BypassAKI - Acute Kidney InjuryCardiovascular
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.