Predicting brain complications after heart surgery

Predicting Cerebrovascular Adverse Events Post Cardiac Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass by Means of Cerebral AutoreguLation Indices

NA · IRCCS Policlinico S. Donato · NCT05786274

This study is testing two ways to measure how well the brain controls blood flow during heart surgery to see if it can help predict the risk of complications like strokes afterward.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment104 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS Policlinico S. Donato (other)
Locations1 site (San Donato Milanese, Milan)
Trial IDNCT05786274 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate how well the brain regulates blood flow during different phases of cardiac surgery that involves cardiopulmonary bypass. It will compare two methods of measuring cerebral autoregulation: one using a transcranial Doppler device to assess blood flow velocity and another using near infrared spectroscopy. The ultimate goal is to develop a predictive model for postoperative cerebrovascular outcomes, such as strokes, based on the data collected during the surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who are undergoing cardiac surgery and have a normal sinus rhythm.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old, those with autonomic disorders, or those requiring carotid interventions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify patients at risk for cerebrovascular events after cardiac surgery, allowing for better preventive measures.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored cerebral autoregulation in cardiac surgery, this specific predictive modeling approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age older than 18 years
* spontaneous sinus rhythm
* no pregnancy
* signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* age lower than 18 years
* absence of sinus rhythm
* autonomic disorders
* concomitant carotid intervention
* reintervention
* contraindication to MRI
* pregnancy
* impossibility of informed consent

Where this trial is running

San Donato Milanese, Milan

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cardiac Disease, cerebral autoregulation, cardiopulmonary bypass, stroke

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.