Predicting cognitive dysfunction after surgery using brain activity markers

Assessing Brain Frailty; The Association Between Pre, Intra and Post-operative Electrophysiological Markers and Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction

Observational Rambam Health Care Campus · NCT04512989

This study is trying to find brain activity signs that can predict if older patients will have memory or thinking problems after heart surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRambam Health Care Campus Academic / other
Locations1 site (Haifa)
Trial IDNCT04512989 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify electrophysiological markers that can predict post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. By assessing cognitive function through the MOCA test and analyzing brain activity, the study seeks to understand the risk factors associated with cognitive decline following anesthesia and surgery. The findings could help in developing strategies to mitigate the risk of POCD in vulnerable populations. The study will involve patients aged 18 and older who are scheduled for procedures like CABG or valve replacement.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients aged 18 and older undergoing elective cardiac surgeries such as CABG or valve replacement.

Not a fit: Patients with significant visual impairment, profound dementia, or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for preventing cognitive dysfunction in elderly surgical patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated a correlation between cognitive dysfunction and surgical outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients 18 years and older undergoing elective cardiac surgery (CABG or valve replacement).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. inability or refusal to provide informed consent,
2. significant visual impairment so that the pictures of the cognitive tests could not be interpreted accurately.
3. profound dementia or aphasia that interfered with the cognitive assessment.
4. inability to speak Hebrew/ Russian or Arabic so that a language barrier was not confused with postoperative cognitive dysfunction.
5. . Any previously documented major neurologic or psychiatric dysfunction

Where this trial is running

Haifa

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 Cognitive Dysfunctioncognitive dysfunctionEEG
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.