Association of Microcirculation, Vexus Score and Femoral Vein Doppler in Patients on the ICU After Non-emergency Cardiac Surgery

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, BASEL, SWITZERLAND · Jun 26, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how blood flow in tiny vessels (called microcirculation) and signs of swelling in veins might be connected in patients who have had planned (non-emergency) heart surgery. The study aims to understand if pressure or congestion in the veins after surgery affects how well blood moves through small vessels, which is important for healing and recovery in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Adults aged 18 and older who are having planned or urgent heart surgery may be eligible to take part, but people with emergency surgeries, severe kidney problems, or certain liver issues cannot join. If you participate, doctors will use special ultrasound tests to check blood flow and vein health after your surgery while you are in the ICU. This information could help improve care and fluid management for future heart surgery patients. The study is not yet recruiting participants.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age ≥ 18 years
• • Elective or urgent (need for definitive procedure during hospitalisation, but not emergency intervention) cardiac surgery
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Age \< 18 years
• • Pregnant women
• • Known severe chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate \<15 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or dialysis)
• • Renal or liver transplantation
• • Any known condition interfering with Doppler evaluation of the portal system (including known or suspected cirrhosis or portal vein thrombosis or huge abdominal emphysema).
• • Inability to consent to study
• • Emergency cardiac surgery