Predicting depression in patients after heart surgery

Predictive Modelling of Clinically Significant Depressive Symptoms After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Observational University of Zurich · NCT06706323

This study is trying to see if a new tool can help predict which patients might develop depression after heart surgery, so they can get help sooner.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Zurich Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Zurich and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06706323 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to develop a predictive model for clinically significant depressive symptoms (CSDS) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. By analyzing pre- and perioperative data from a cohort of 350 participants, the study will utilize machine learning algorithms to identify patients at risk for postoperative depression. The model will incorporate various data types, including demographic, psychometric, medical, and inflammation data, to enhance its predictive accuracy. Ultimately, the goal is to enable early interventions and improve the psychological well-being of CABG patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 90 who are scheduled for elective CABG surgery and can understand German.

Not a fit: Patients with serious comorbid conditions, cognitive impairments, or active psychotic symptoms may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this model could help clinicians identify and manage depression in CABG patients, leading to improved postoperative outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on predictors of depression in cardiac patients, this specific predictive modeling approach using machine learning is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Elective Off-Pump CABG or CABG, either isolated or combined with valve intervention
* Men and women, aged between 18 and 90 years
* Sufficient knowledge of German language in reading and understanding
* Oral and Signed consent form
* Ability and Willingness to follow the study protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive impairment according to a score of ≤ 7 (maximum score = 9) on a modified version of a short version of the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Brief Interview for Mental Status
* Any serious comorbid non-cardiac medical condition likely to cause death within 1 year (e.g. metastatic cancer)
* Active psychotic symptoms (assessed with two items from the Youth Psychosis At Risk Questionnaire), substance abuse and/or dependence within the past 6 months (assessed with a single-item questionnaire), and/or active suicidal ideations (assessed with a single item from the M.I.N.I.).
* Acute or emergency CABG

Where this trial is running

Zurich and 1 other locations

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 Cardiovascular DiseasesCoronary Artery DiseaseHeart DiseasesDepressionDepressive SymptomsAnxietyPosttraumatic Stress DisorderQuality of Life
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.