Using bright light therapy to improve outcomes in cardiac surgery patients
Bright Light Exposure in Patients Undergoing Non-cardiac Elective Surgery
This study tests if bright light therapy can help heart surgery patients by reducing heart damage and improving their recovery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Denver, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT03822949 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of intense light therapy on patients undergoing cardiac surgery, specifically looking at its influence on myocardial ischemia and endothelial dysfunction. Patients will be exposed to bright light or a placebo light box for one week prior to surgery, with various biological samples collected to assess the impact on circadian rhythms and heart tissue metabolism. The study aims to determine if light therapy can stabilize specific proteins and reduce heart damage during high-risk surgical procedures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 90 who are scheduled for primary sternotomy cardiac surgery and are in sinus rhythm.
Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbidities, such as severe neurological conditions or those in emergency situations, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved recovery and reduced heart damage for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of light therapy in critical care settings is promising, this specific approach in cardiac surgery is novel and has not been extensively tested in previous studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing primary sternotomy cardiac surgery * Subjects in the range of 18 - 90 years old . * Patient need to be in sinus rhythm at the time of surgery. Exclusion Criteria: * patients \<18 or \>90 years old * participation in other clinical trials within the previous 30 days * pregnancy * neurological conditions that could impair weaning from ventilator support * significant CNS disorders or comorbid irreversible conditions with a six-month mortality rate more than 50 percent * prisoners, or subjects with altered capabilities to make decision will be enrolled * medical history of type 2 diabetes * patients with atrial fibrillation or use of class III anti-arhythmic drug * patients with a left ventricle ejection fraction \< 40% * patient in emergency condition
Where this trial is running
Denver, Colorado
- University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus — Denver, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tobias Eckle, MD, PhD — UC Denver
- Study coordinator: Tobias Eckle, MD, PhD
- Email: tobias.eckle@cuanschutz.edu
- Phone: 7209495646
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.