RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Short-Term Atrial Pacing and Hemodynamics After Cardiac Surgery

This study aims to understand if temporarily pacing the heart after major heart surgery, performed with a heart-lung machine, can help the heart recover and pump blood better. When someone has heart surgery, their heart might not pump as well right afterwards, and they could develop an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation. We're also trying to find the ideal pacing speed (70, 80, or 90 beats per minute) during the first 24 hours after surgery. The hope is that by setting the right pace, we can improve how much blood the heart pumps, prevent irregular heartbeats, and help patients recover more smoothly. We'll be looking at how well the heart works with different pacing speeds and if this type of pacing can lower the risk of developing an irregular heartbeat.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Saint-Joseph University

Enrolment target

200

Start

04 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2026

Cardiac Output

What is this study about?

When you have major heart surgery, especially with a heart-lung machine (CPB), your heart might not beat as strongly or regularly right away. This can happen because the heart muscle needs time to recover, and sometimes it can lead to problems like an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation, or the heart not pumping enough blood around your body. To help with this, surgeons sometimes place temporary wires on the outside of your heart during the operation. These wires can be connected to a small device that gently paces your heart, helping it to beat at a regular speed.

The main aim of this study is to see if using these temporary pacing wires can help your heart recover better after surgery and pump blood more effectively. Your heart's job is to pump blood around your body, and how much blood it pumps is called 'cardiac output.' By pacing the heart, we can control its speed, which is one way to improve this cardiac output. We also want to figure out the best speed for this pacing – whether it's 70, 80, or 90 beats per minute – to help your heart work as well as possible in the first 24 hours after surgery. We'll be checking how well your heart pumps blood at these different speeds.

Another important question this study hopes to answer is whether temporary pacing can help reduce the chance of developing an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) after surgery. Atrial fibrillation can be common after heart surgery, so finding ways to prevent it is very important for your recovery. While doctors have used temporary pacing for many years, we still need to learn more about the best way to use it and if it's always necessary for everyone after heart surgery. This research will help create clearer guidelines for doctors in the future.

Key takeaways

This study explores temporary heart pacing after heart surgery.
It aims to improve heart function and recovery.
Researchers want to find the best pacing speed (70, 80, or 90 beats per minute).
The study also investigates if pacing can prevent irregular heartbeats.
Participation involves monitoring during the first day after surgery.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to be 18 years old or older and be having heart surgery where a heart-lung machine is used. This includes operations like coronary bypasses, valve repairs or replacements, or a combination of these procedures. As part of the surgery, the doctors would need to be able to place temporary pacing wires on your heart and also a special tube called a Swan-Ganz catheter, which helps measure your heart's function. Before you can join, you'll need to read and sign a consent form, showing you understand the study and agree to take part.

There are certain situations where you wouldn't be able to join the study. For example, if your surgery is an emergency, or if you already have a permanent pacemaker implanted. You also can't be in the study if you have a history of a permanent irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation, or certain heart rhythm problems right when you come off the heart-lung machine. If you're experiencing severe bleeding, or need very high doses of certain medications to keep your blood pressure stable, you also wouldn't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having open-heart surgery with a heart-lung machine?
Do you not already have a permanent pacemaker?
Do you not have a history of a permanent irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation?
Is your surgery a planned operation, not an emergency?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the temporary pacing wires would be placed on your heart during your scheduled surgery. After your operation, your heart would be temporarily paced at different speeds (70, 80, or 90 beats per minute) for the first 24 hours. Doctors will monitor your heart very closely during this time using standard equipment, including a special catheter that helps measure how well your heart is pumping. There are no additional visits or medications involved outside of your standard hospital stay and recovery. The study focuses on this specific period immediately after your surgery, without changing your long-term follow-up care.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help us understand the best way to support your heart after surgery, potentially leading to better recovery for you and future patients. The risks involved are generally those associated with having heart surgery and the temporary pacing wires already placed as part of standard care. We don't expect any new risks from simply adjusting the pacing speed. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Hôtel-Dieu de France Hospital
Verified postcode
Beirut, Lebanon· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'heart pacing'?

Heart pacing uses temporary wires placed on your heart during surgery to help it beat at a steady, controlled rate, which can help your heart pump blood effectively.

Why is heart function important after surgery?

After heart surgery, it's vital for your heart to pump enough blood around your body (this is called 'cardiac output') to help you recover well and reduce the risk of complications.

What is 'atrial fibrillation'?

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often fast heartbeat that can sometimes happen after heart surgery. This study is looking at whether pacing can help prevent it.

Will I feel the pacing?

The temporary pacing is usually very gentle, and because you'll be recovering from surgery, you are unlikely to notice it. Your medical team will be monitoring you closely.

How long will the pacing last?

The pacing part of this study will happen during the first 24 hours after your surgery. The temporary wires are usually removed a few days later, before you go home, as part of your standard care.

How to find out more

Rhea Mattar

rhea.mattar@net.usj.edu.lb +96171464840 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.