Using lithium to improve brain outcomes after carotid artery surgery

A Lithium-Based Medication to Improve Neurological Outcomes After Surgical Carotid Reconstruction: A Double-Blind, Placebo Control Randomized Trial (BINOS)

Phase 3 Interventional Negovsky Reanimatology Research Institute · NCT05126238

This study is testing if giving lithium to patients before carotid artery surgery can help protect their brains and reduce problems like confusion after the operation.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNegovsky Reanimatology Research Institute Government
Locations2 sites (Moscow and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05126238 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of lithium carbonate on neurological outcomes in patients undergoing elective carotid artery surgery. The study aims to determine if lithium can reduce the incidence of postoperative neurocognitive disorders, such as emergence delirium and cognitive dysfunction, which can occur due to temporary blood flow interruption during surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either lithium or a placebo prior to their surgery. The trial will assess the effectiveness of lithium in protecting the brain from ischemic damage during the surgical procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old scheduled for elective carotid artery surgery under general anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients with recent strokes, severe mental disorders, or significant heart or kidney issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve recovery and cognitive outcomes for patients undergoing carotid artery surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that lithium may reduce stroke volume, suggesting potential benefits in similar contexts, though this specific application is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age \> 18 years
* elective carotid artery surgery
* general anesthesia
* written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* urgent surgery
* recent ( \< 1 month) overt stroke
* Mini-mental State Examination \< 20 points
* The presence of any mental disorder according to the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision which is confirmed by a psychiatrist.
* The presence of any neuromuscular disease according to the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision
* Hypersensitivity or known allergy to lithium carbonate
* History of seizure disorder
* History of leukemia
* Estimated glomerular filtration rate \< 30 ml/min/1.73 m2
* Left ventricular ejection fraction \< 30%
* Heart failure equal 3 or 4 class according to the New York Heart Association Functional Classification
* Pregnant or breast-feeding women
* Inability to undergo a preoperative assessment for any reason
* Previously enrolled in this trial

Where this trial is running

Moscow and 1 other locations

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 Carotid Artery DiseasesCarotid Artery StenosisCarotid artery diseasesCarotid artery stenosisCarotid artery surgeryLithiumNeurocognitive disordersPostoperative cognitive disorders
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.