Using blood flow measurements during bypass surgery to predict graft openness and recovery

Surgical Measurement for Accurate Revascularization Using Transit-time FLOW (SMARTFLOW):Patency

Not applicable Interventional Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT07485738

This trial will test whether using a device that measures blood flow during coronary bypass surgery helps surgeons ensure grafts stay open and improves recovery for adults having their first non-emergency multivessel CABG.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1242 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWeill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT07485738 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

SMARTFLOW:Patency randomizes adults having first-time, non-emergency multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting to intraoperative Transit-Time Flow Measurement (TTFM) versus usual care. TTFM uses ultrasound-based sound waves during surgery to measure blood flow through each graft and can prompt immediate graft revision if flow readings are poor. Graft patency will be checked after surgery using coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and patients will have clinical follow-up to track recovery. The trial is designed to determine whether routine use of TTFM leads to higher rates of open grafts and improved postoperative outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults over 18 having a first-time, non-emergency isolated multivessel CABG through median sternotomy who can undergo CCTA and provide informed consent are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing reoperation, emergency or combined procedures, isolated single-vessel or minimally invasive CABG, those unable to undergo CCTA, or those who cannot consent are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, using TTFM during CABG could reduce early graft failures and improve recovery by allowing surgeons to identify and fix poor grafts during the operation.

How similar studies have performed: Smaller observational and single-center studies suggest TTFM can detect technical graft problems, but large randomized evidence showing improved graft patency or clinical outcomes is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age \>18 years
2. First-time, non-emergent isolated multivessel CABG through median sternotomy
3. Willing and able to provide written informed consent and comply with all study procedures, including QOL questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Reoperation
2. Emergency procedures
3. Combined CABG + other cardiac or non-cardiac surgery
4. Isolated single vessel CABG
5. Minimally invasive CABG
6. Inability to undergo coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA)
7. Unable to provide written informed consent or comply with all the study procedures.

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

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 CABG Graft IntegrityCABGBlood FlowTransit-time Flow MeasurementHeart DiseaseSMARTFLOW
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.