Using carbon dioxide to reduce brain injuries after aortic dissection surgery

CARbon Dioxide Flooding to Reduce Postoperative Neurological Injury Following Surgery for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection - A Prospective, Randomized, Blinded, Controlled Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Region Skane · NCT04962646

This study is testing if using carbon dioxide during surgery for aortic dissection can help prevent brain injuries after the operation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRegion Skane Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lund)
Trial IDNCT04962646 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of carbon dioxide flooding during surgery for acute type A aortic dissection to reduce the risk of postoperative neurological injuries. Aortic dissection is a critical condition that can lead to severe complications, including stroke. The study aims to determine if carbon dioxide, which is more soluble in blood than air, can effectively displace air from the surgical site and minimize neurological damage. Patients undergoing surgery for this condition will be monitored for neurological outcomes postoperatively.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients diagnosed with acute type A aortic dissection who are scheduled for surgical repair.

Not a fit: Patients with new-onset neurological symptoms or a history of stroke with permanent neurological deficiency may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of neurological injuries and improve recovery outcomes for patients undergoing surgery for aortic dissection.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of carbon dioxide flooding in cardiac procedures has been explored, this specific application for aortic dissection surgery is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Verified acute type A aortic dissection.
* Patient accepted for surgical repair.

Exclusion Criteria:

* New-onset neurological symptoms defined as focal neurological symptoms or altered state of consciousness at time of inclusion.
* History of stroke with permanent neurological deficiency.
* Previous cardiac surgery.
* Surgery performed with cross clamping of the aorta without open distal anastomosis or open inspection of the distal aorta.
* Presence of implants or devices not compatible with Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Where this trial is running

Lund

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 D000784D020521Aorta, Dissection, Stroke
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.