Understanding brain function during the dying process
Official title: Characterizing the Cerebrovascular Physiology of Circulatory Death During Withdrawal of Life Sustaining Therapies in Humans
Run by University of British Columbia · NCT06130033 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the brain works during the dying process in ICU patients to see if it can help improve organ donation.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 19 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | November 13, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06130033 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who are expected to have life-sustaining measures withdrawn within the next 24 hours.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have already been declared neurologically brain dead or do not have an in-situ arterial line will not benefit from this study.
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 aims to investigate the physiological changes in the brain during circulatory arrest in patients at the end of life in the ICU. Researchers will monitor brain blood flow and oxygenation while collecting blood samples to assess biomarkers of brain dysfunction at the time of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies. The findings may help determine the timing of brain function cessation, which is crucial for optimizing organ donation processes. This study represents an initial step towards enhancing the quality of organs available for transplantation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the timing and quality of organ donations, ultimately saving more lives.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is novel in its specific focus on the physiology of circulatory death, similar studies have explored aspects of organ donation and brain function, indicating potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * a) Age \> 18 years * b) anticipated withdrawal of life-sustaining measures (WLSM) within the next 24 hours Exclusion Criteria: * No in-situ arterial line * No legal authorized representative * Neurological brain death declared
Where it's running
-
Vancouver General Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mypinder S Sekhon, MD PhD — University of British Columbia
- Study coordinator: Mypinder Sekhon, MD PhD
- Email: myp@mail.ubc.ca
- Phone: 6048754111
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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.