Pupillometry to predict postoperative pain after heart surgery
Official title: Evaluation of Pupillometry as a Predictor of Pain Intensity Upon Withdrawal of Sedation in the Postoperative Period Following Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study
Run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon · NCT07648342 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We’re testing whether measuring pupil responses can help predict how much pain a patient will feel after heart surgery once tubes come out and the patient can communicate.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dijon) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 3, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 2028 |
| Study ends | August 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07648342 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults scheduled for heart surgery who can provide verbal consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who cannot communicate postoperatively or have conditions affecting pupil response may not benefit from this approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study follows adults undergoing heart surgery to see if pupil measurements during the immediate postoperative period can predict later pain intensity. Pupilometry and standard pain scales (VAS) are collected to explore a potential link between pupil response and reported pain. The goal is to find an objective biomarker that could guide safer, more precise pain management after surgery. The study relies on observational data rather than experimental treatment, and results would inform future strategies for postoperative analgesia. No intervention beyond data collection is planned.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, pupilometry could help tailor pain relief more accurately after surgery, reducing both under-treatment and overtreatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests pupil responses can reflect autonomic changes related to pain, but its predictive value for postoperative pain needs confirmation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * A person who has given verbal consent * An adult patient * A patient scheduled for heart surgery Exclusion Criteria: * A person who is not enrolled in or eligible for a social security program * A person subject to a legal protective measure (guardianship, conservatorship) * Person subject to a judicial safeguard measure * Pregnant, laboring, or breastfeeding woman * Adult who is legally incapacitated or unable to give consent * Minor * Patient with preoperative cognitive impairment (MMS)
Where it's running
-
Chu Dijon Bourogne
Dijon, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Vivien BERTHOUD
- Email: vivien.berthoud@gmail.com
- Phone: 06.72.76.00.74
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.