Using remote ischemic conditioning to improve outcomes for patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Safety and Efficacy of Remote Ischemic Conditioning for Patients Taking Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (IMPROVE): A National, Multi-center, Randomized, Controlled, Open-label, Blinded-endpoint Trial

Not applicable Interventional First Affiliated Hospital Xi'an Jiaotong University · NCT06141525

This study is testing if a special treatment called remote ischemic conditioning can help patients with coronary artery disease recover better after heart surgery without using a heart-lung machine.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment648 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorFirst Affiliated Hospital Xi'an Jiaotong University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Xi'an, Shaanxi)
Trial IDNCT06141525 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effects of remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) on patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease who are scheduled for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). A total of 648 participants will be enrolled across five centers in China, with patients randomly assigned to either the RIC group or a control group. The primary outcome measured will be the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) within three months post-surgery. The study aims to determine if RIC can enhance short-term prognosis by reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 75 with diagnosed coronary artery disease requiring off-pump CABG and normal left ventricular function.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cardiac insufficiency, acute coronary syndromes, or other significant comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve recovery and reduce complications for patients undergoing off-pump CABG.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with remote ischemic conditioning in various settings, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with coronary artery disease and require off-pump CABG surgery.
* Between 18 and 75 years old;
* Normal left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction \>40%) and left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter (\<60 mm) in the cardiac ultrasound tests;
* No or mild heart valve and great vessel abnormalities which do not require surgical intervention;
* Participants or their authorized relatives agree to participate in the clinical trial and sign the informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe tissue injuries.
* Myalgia, fractures and other peripheral vascular lesions.
* Bypass graft being the radial artery.
* Stenosis or severe malformations of the subclavian, jugular and femoral arteries and veins.
* Previous vagus nerve trunk dissection or vagus nerve block surgery.
* Other surgical operations at the same time.
* Patients with pre-existing severe cardiac insufficiency, acute coronary syndromes, malignant hypertension and cardiogenic shock.
* Severe coagulation abnormality or severe anemia.
* Severe mental disorder.
* Malignant tumors.
* Pregnant or lactating.
* Increased risk of treatment for patients, according to investigators.
* Refuse to sign the informed consent form.

Where this trial is running

Xi'an, Shaanxi

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 Coronary Artery Bypass GraftingRemote Ischemic ConditioningIschemia-Reperfusion Injury
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.