Using permissive hypotension after cardiac surgery

Pilot Study- Permissive Hypotension After Cardiac Surgery

NA · Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT06476613

This study is testing if allowing lower blood pressure after heart surgery helps patients in the ICU recover better compared to standard care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06476613 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the feasibility of implementing permissive hypotension in patients after cardiac surgery. Patients admitted to the ICU who are hypotensive or require vasopressor support will be randomized to receive either permissive hypotension or usual care. The study will assess various outcomes, including vasopressor exposure, ICU length of stay, and markers of organ perfusion. Data collected will inform the design of a larger multicenter trial in the future.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for elective or non-emergent cardiac surgery and experience hypotension post-surgery.

Not a fit: Patients arriving with severe shock or significant prior renal dysfunction, among other exclusion criteria, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced reliance on vasopressors after cardiac surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is being explored in this pilot study, similar studies on permissive hypotension have shown promise, but this specific application in cardiac surgery is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years or older
* Schedules for elective or non-emergent cardiac surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* Arrival to the CICU with severe shock determined any of the following: Norepinephrine dose \>20mcg/min, Epinephrine \>3mcg/min, Dobutamine \>2.5mcg/kg/min, Milrinone \>0.2mcg/kg/min
* Rapidly increasing pressors within 60 mins of arrival.
* Significant prior renal dysfunction (CKD \>4), hemodialysis dependence
* Cirrhosis
* A neuropathology diagnosis warranting blood pressure goal
* Pre-specified MAP goal as determined by clinical team
* Carotid stenosis (\> 50%) or prior stroke
* Bleeding requiring return to the OR
* Need for mechanical circulatory support
* Heart and Lung transplantation
* Aortic dissection

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Surgery

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.