Monitoring brain activity during withdrawal of life support

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate the timing of brain function cessation in relation to heart function cessation by using electroencephalography (EEG) in patients who are undergoing withdrawal of life-sustaining measures in an intensive care unit. It seeks to provide evidence regarding the neurologic determination of death, particularly in the context of organ donation after circulatory determination of death. By monitoring electrical brain activity, the study will clarify the relationship between brain and heart activity during the dying process, addressing concerns about the current practices in organ donation. The findings could enhance the understanding of death determination and improve trust in the organ donation process.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18 years
2. Plan for the withdrawal of life sustaining measures (WLSM)
3. Attending physician anticipates patient will die within 24 hours of the withdrawal of life sustaining measures
4. Patient has an indwelling arterial cannula for monitoring blood pressure

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Brain death or plan for Neurologic Determination of Death (NDD)
2. Injuries that anatomically preclude the use of neurologic monitoring

Where it's running

• University of Calgary Foothills Campus
  Calgary, Alberta, Canada Recruiting
• Kingston Health Sciences Centre
  Kingston, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
• London Health Sciences Centre
  London, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
• Ottawa Hospital
  Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
• Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal,
  Montreal, Quebec, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Teneille Gofton, MD MSc FRCPC — London Health Sciences Centre
• Study coordinator: Teneille Gofton
• Email: teneille.gofton@lhsc.on.ca
• Phone: 519-663-2911

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.