Argon Gas Inhalation During and After Carotid Artery Surgery to Reduce Brain Injury and Improve Recovery

What this Trial Is About

This trial investigates the potential benefits of perioperative argon inhalation in patients undergoing carotid artery surgery, specifically carotid endarterectomy CEA or stenting, to prevent ischemic brain injuries and cognitive impairments. Despite effective surgical interventions to prevent ischemic stroke, many patients still experience silent strokes and cognitive decline due to microcirculatory issues and inflammatory processes. Argon gas has shown promise in preclinical studies as a neuroprotective agent that may reduce these complications. Participants receive either an argon-oxygen mixture 70% argon, 30% oxygen or a nitrogen-oxygen mixture 70% nitrogen, 30% oxygen around the time of surgery. The inhalation protocol includes three 60-minute sessions one day before surgery, one hour before transfer to the operating room, and on the first postoperative day. This approach is being studied in a randomized, triple-blinded, phase 3 trial to assess its impact on neurocognitive recovery. Throughout the study, participants will be monitored for postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction up to 30 days after surgery. Researchers will also measure the incidence of overt and covert strokes, agitation, duration of delirium, and biochemical markers related to brain injury and inflammation. Hospital and intensive care unit stays will be tracked to evaluate recovery. Overall, the trial aims to improve outcomes by reducing brain injury risks after carotid surgery.

Perioperative Argon Inhalation to Improve Neurocognitive Recovery After Carotid Surgery