Cognitive Outcomes After Dexmedetomidine Sedation in Cardiac Surgery Patients

Launched by SUNNYBROOK HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE · Feb 27, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a medication called Dexmedetomidine (DEX) on the mental recovery of patients who undergo heart surgery. Researchers want to find out if DEX can help prevent long-lasting memory and thinking problems, known as postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), which can sometimes occur after such surgeries. The goal is to see if using DEX can help patients recover more quickly and improve their overall health outcomes after surgery.

To participate in this trial, you need to be at least 60 years old and scheduled to have certain types of heart surgery, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or valve replacement. However, if you have serious pre-existing cognitive issues, certain heart conditions, or cannot consent to participate, you would not be eligible. If you join the study, you will receive the medication during your surgery and will be monitored for your cognitive function at various points after the operation, helping researchers understand the benefits of DEX for improving mental recovery after heart surgery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Planned CABG (+/- valve, including off-pump) or valve replacement via sternotomy/thoracotomy, with initial recovery in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)
• • Age ≥60
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Lack of patient consent
• • Pre-operative major cognitive dysfunction (CogState Brief Battery score \< 80)
• • Aortic arch replacement/re-implantation (Bentalls)
• • Allergy/contraindication to dexmedetomidine (untreated 2nd degree type 2 or 3rd degree heart block (pacemaker), cirrhosis, HR \< 50 , grade 4 LV, renal failure or on renal replacement therapy)
• • Unlikely to comply with study assessments (e.g. no fixed address, cannot complete cognitive tests at the 3, 6, and 12 month time points)