Using a new brain monitoring technique during heart surgery

Evaluation of Cerebral Oxygenation Using Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy in Adult Surgery

Observational London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's · NCT04574440

This study is testing a new way to check brain oxygen levels during heart surgery to see if it can help prevent serious complications like strokes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLondon Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's Academic / other
Locations1 site (London, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT04574440 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of multichannel functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to monitor brain oxygenation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. It aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of this non-invasive technique in detecting cerebral injury, which can lead to serious complications such as stroke and cognitive dysfunction. By monitoring multiple brain regions simultaneously, the study seeks to provide insights into regional brain oxygenation during surgery and improve patient outcomes. The research addresses a critical gap in current neuromonitoring practices, which often fail to adequately assess the brain areas most vulnerable to injury during cardiac procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years of age, those requiring emergency surgery, or individuals with skin conditions that prevent fNIRS application will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to better monitoring and prevention of brain injuries during cardiac surgery, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of fNIRS in surgical settings is emerging, this specific application in cardiac surgery is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult cardiac surgery patients who are scheduled to have elective cardiac operations.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Under 18 years of age
* have skin lesions or other conditions that preclude the application of fNIRS to the head
* lack of written consent
* emergency surgery

Where this trial is running

London, Ontario

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 Cerebral Injurymultichannel functional near infrared spectroscopycerebral oxygenationcardiac surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.