Actively Recruiting
Cognitive Outcomes After Dexmedetomidine Sedation in Cardiac Surgery Patients
Led by Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre · Updated on 2025-12-01
2400
Participants Needed
8
Research Sites
482 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
S
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Lead Sponsor
L
London Health Sciences Centre
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Anesthesia is a drug induced, reversible, comatose state that facilitates surgery and it is widely assumed that cognition returns to baseline after anesthetics have been eliminated. However, many patients have persistent memory impairment for weeks to months after surgery. Cardiac surgery appears to carry the highest risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). These cognitive deficits are associated with increased mortality, prolonged hospital stay and loss of independence. The investigators propose to investigate the role of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) in preventing long-term POCD after cardiac surgery and enhancing early postoperative recovery. It is anticipated that DEX will be the first effective preventative therapy for POCD, improve patient outcomes, and reduce length of stay and healthcare costs.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Cognitive Outcomes After Dexmedetomidine Sedation in Cardiac Surgery Patients
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Planned CABG (+/- valve, including off-pump) or valve replacement via sternotomy/thoracotomy, with initial recovery in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)
- Age 60 years or older
You will not qualify if you...
- Lack of patient consent
- Pre-operative major cognitive dysfunction (CogState Brief Battery score < 80) at screening
- Aortic arch replacement/re-implantation surgery requiring hypothermic circulatory arrest (e.g., Bentall procedure)
- Allergy or contraindication to dexmedetomidine, including untreated 2nd degree type 2 or 3rd degree heart block (pacemaker), cirrhosis, heart rate less than 50, grade 4 left ventricular dysfunction, renal failure, or on renal replacement therapy
- Unlikely to comply with study assessments, such as no fixed address or inability to complete cognitive tests at 3, 6, and 12 months
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 8 locations
1
Royal Columbian Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V3L 0A2
Active, Not Recruiting
2
St. Paul's Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
Actively Recruiting
3
London Health Sciences
London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5A5
Active, Not Recruiting
4
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4N 3M5
Actively Recruiting
5
St. Michael's Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5B 1W8
Not Yet Recruiting
6
Toronto General Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5G 2C4
Active, Not Recruiting
7
Laval University
Québec, Quebec, Canada, G1V 0A6
Actively Recruiting
8
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, S7N 0W8
Active, Not Recruiting
Research Team
S
Stephen Choi, MD,MSc,FRCPC
CONTACT
L
Lilia Kaustov, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
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