Using ultrasound to prevent and treat kidney injury after heart surgery

Prevention and Treatment of Acute Kidney Injury After Cardiac Surgery Guided by Combined Cardiac and Splanchnic Sonographic Assessment

Not applicable Interventional Onassis Cardiac Surgery Centre · NCT06972082

This study is testing if using ultrasound to check for fluid buildup in the liver and kidneys can help prevent and treat kidney problems after heart surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment304 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOnassis Cardiac Surgery Centre Academic / other
Locations1 site (Athens, Kallithea)
Trial IDNCT06972082 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to determine if ultrasound evaluation of venous congestion in the liver and kidneys can guide treatment to prevent and manage acute kidney injury (AKI) following cardiac surgery. Participants will either receive the ultrasound-guided treatment or a placebo, with fluid management based on the Venous Excess Ultrasound Score (VEXUS). Kidney function will be monitored daily for seven days post-surgery, and data will be collected for statistical analysis to assess the effectiveness of this approach compared to standard care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients in the Cardiac Surgery ICU who develop acute kidney injury within 48 hours of cardiac surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with severe chronic renal failure, liver cirrhosis, or critical preoperative conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of ultrasound in this context is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in managing fluid balance and kidney function in surgical patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients in the Cardiac Surgery ICU who develop acute kidney injury according to KDIGO criteria, within 48 hours of ICU admission after cardiac surgery
* Elective and non-elective cardiac surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient refusal
* Severe chronic renal failure (GFR\<15 mL/min/m2 or on hemodialysis).
* Critical preoperative condition (severe cardiogenic shock, resuscitated cardiac arrest, support with mechanical circulatory assist devices).
* Liver cirrhosis or inferior vena cava obstruction.
* Pregnancy.
* Morbid obesity (BMI\>40 kg/m2).
* Delirium or other condition that prevents the performance of an ultrasound study.

Where this trial is running

Athens, Kallithea

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 Acute Kidney InjuryCardiac Surgery Associated - Acute Kidney Injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.