RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy in Adult Surgery

Heart surgery can sometimes lead to problems with the brain, like strokes or memory issues. Current ways of monitoring the brain during surgery don't always check the most vulnerable areas. This study introduces a new, gentle brain monitoring technique called multichannel fNIRS. It's like putting special sensors on your head to check how much oxygen different parts of your brain are getting during heart surgery. The main goal is to understand how brain oxygen levels change in different areas during the operation. This will help researchers see if fNIRS could be a useful tool in the future. The hope is that better monitoring could help doctors spot potential brain injury early, leading to better care and fewer complications for patients after heart surgery.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Enrolment target

Start

20 Dec 2019

Estimated completion

30 Dec 2025

Cerebral Injury

What is this study about?

When people have heart surgery, there's a small but serious risk of the brain being affected. This isn't common, but if it happens, it can lead to problems like a stroke, or issues with memory and thinking. Doctors already try to monitor the brain during these operations, but the current methods might not always show what's happening in the most sensitive parts of the brain that are prone to injury.

This study is testing a new way to check on the brain during heart surgery. It uses a special, non-invasive (meaning it doesn't go inside your body) device called functional near-infrared spectroscopy, or fNIRS for short. Think of it like a hat with gentle sensors that sit on your head. These sensors measure the amount of oxygen in different areas of your brain all at the same time. This is important because having enough oxygen is vital for your brain to stay healthy.

The main goal of this research is to see if fNIRS can give doctors a better, more detailed picture of how well different parts of the brain are getting oxygen during heart surgery. By understanding these levels, and seeing how they change, researchers hope to figure out if fNIRS can help identify when a patient's brain might be at risk. Ultimately, the aim is to find better ways to monitor and protect the brain during these important operations, which could lead to fewer problems like stroke or memory issues for patients in the future.

Key takeaways

This study uses a gentle 'brain scanner' called fNIRS during heart surgery.
It aims to see if fNIRS can better detect brain oxygen levels in different areas.
The goal is to find better ways to protect the brain and reduce complications after heart surgery.
Participation involves having the fNIRS sensors on your head during your planned heart surgery.
It's safe, non-invasive, and won't affect your medical care or recovery.
You won't directly benefit, but you'll help advance medical knowledge for future patients.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who are scheduled to have heart surgery that is planned ahead of time (not an emergency operation).

However, there are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. You can't take part if you are under 18 years old or if you need emergency heart surgery. Also, if you have skin conditions on your head that would make it difficult to attach the fNIRS sensors, or if you are unable to give your written permission to join, then leider, you won'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 scheduled for planned heart surgery (not an emergency)?
Do you have healthy skin on your head where the sensors would go?
Are you able to agree to join the study in writing?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the main involvement is during your planned heart surgery. You won't have to take any extra medication for the study. The fNIRS device, which looks like a soft band with sensors, will be gently placed on your head during the operation to monitor your brain's oxygen levels. This is a non-invasive procedure, meaning nothing goes inside your body. The monitoring will only happen while you are having your surgery. There are no additional hospital visits or long-term follow-up appointments required specifically for this study once your surgery is complete. The total duration of your participation would be limited to the time you are undergoing your heart surgery.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is contributing to new knowledge that could improve how doctors monitor and protect brains during heart surgery for future patients. There won't be any direct medical benefit to you personally during your own surgery from the fNIRS monitoring as it's still being tested. The risks are very low; the fNIRS device is non-invasive and generally considered safe, with no known serious side effects beyond possible minor temporary skin marks from the sensors. You are always free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

London Health Sciences Centre
Verified postcode
London, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is fNIRS?

fNIRS stands for functional near-infrared spectroscopy. It's a gentle way to measure how much oxygen your brain is getting by using light passed through your skin.

Will this device hurt or affect my surgery?

No, the fNIRS device is non-invasive and will not cause pain or interfere with your heart surgery. It sits gently on your head.

Will I get any special treatment if I join?

No, your medical care will be the same whether you join the study or not. This study is for research purposes only.

What happens if they find a problem with my brain oxygen during the study?

The information from fNIRS is for research only in this study. Your medical team will continue to monitor you with their standard methods and make decisions based on those.

How long will I be part of the study?

Your involvement in the study is only during the time you are having your heart surgery. There are no extra visits or follow-ups afterwards just for the study.

How to find out more

Jason Chui, MD

jason.chui@lhsc.on.ca 5196858500 Official trial record

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