Evaluating Monitoring Techniques for Postoperative Spinal Cord Ischemia

Launched by MAASTRICHT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · Mar 3, 2017

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying new ways to monitor the health of the spinal cord during and after surgery for a thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm, a serious condition affecting the blood vessels. During surgery, some patients may experience reduced blood flow to the spinal cord, which can lead to problems like weakness in the legs, known as paraparesis. While there are existing methods to check spinal cord function during surgery, there is a need for effective monitoring after surgery when patients are recovering. This trial aims to explore different tests that can help detect issues with spinal cord blood flow in patients who are waking up from anesthesia or are partially awake, making it easier to identify problems early.

To participate in this study, patients should have a specific type of thoraco-abdominal aneurysm and be undergoing surgery that includes monitoring of spinal cord function through a method called motor evoked potentials (MEP). Participants will undergo additional tests, including new techniques that do not require full anesthesia, to see how well these methods work in detecting potential spinal problems after surgery. It's important to know that this study is currently recruiting participants aged 65 and older and aims to improve patient safety and outcomes following this type of surgery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Thoraco-abdominal aneurysm (TAA) of the descending aorta: Crawford type I,II, III, IV or V
• • Repair using open surgical or endovascular procedure.
• • Undergoing monitoring by motor evoked potentials (MEP) as part of the standard surgical procedure.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Aneurysm only in ascending part of the aorta
• • Standard contraindications for motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring.
• • Standard contraindications for electrode placement (skin wounds, etc.)
• • No informed consent can be obtained prior to the procedure