CARDIAC SURGERY

This study tests whether injecting botulinum toxin (Botox) into fat pads around the heart's veins during cardiac surgery can prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common and serious complication. About 220 adults undergoing heart surgery will receive either Botox or a placebo inj…

This study looks at two different ways of ventilating (helping patients breathe) during cardiopulmonary bypass, the machine that takes over for the heart and lungs during surgery. Over 5,500 adults having elective heart surgery will be randomly assigned to receive either low-tida…

This study tests whether using ketamine or propofol for anesthesia at the start of heart surgery affects the risk of acute kidney injury. Researchers will enroll 200 adults undergoing complex heart surgery with a heart-lung machine. The goal is to see which drug leads to fewer ki…

This study tests a non-invasive ear stimulation technique (taVNS) to prevent acute kidney injury in 152 adults having heart surgery with a heart-lung machine. Half receive real stimulation before and after surgery; the other half get a sham. The main goal is to see if fewer peopl…

This study compares two types of nerve blocks—erector spinae plane (ESP) block and pecto-intercostal fascial (PIF) block—against standard care for controlling pain after heart surgery through the breastbone. About 225 adults aged 18–85 having planned cardiac surgery with a sterno…

This study tests whether a 30-minute music session can reduce stress, anxiety, and pain in adults recovering from heart surgery. Researchers will measure stress hormones, vital signs, and patient-reported feelings in 120 participants. The goal is to see if music offers a simple, …

This study tests whether a 12-week home exercise program, including aerobic and strength exercises with remote supervision, can improve quality of life and physical function in people who have had heart valve or bypass surgery. 76 participants are split into an exercise group and…

This study tests whether a newer, less invasive heart-lung machine (MiECC) reduces brain swelling and stroke risk compared to the standard machine used during open heart surgery. Researchers will measure optic nerve sheath diameter (a marker of brain pressure) and track strokes o…

This study looks at whether left-handed heart surgeons learn to place stitches on a simulator better when taught by a left-handed instructor instead of a right-handed one. About 30 left-handed surgeons and residents will be randomly assigned to either a left-handed or right-hande…

This research program studies why people with multiple long-term conditions like kidney or lung disease are more likely to suffer organ damage after heart surgery. Researchers will analyze existing data from over 3,000 patients to understand how aging-related changes in heart cel…

This study was designed to see if doctors could predict kidney damage in children after heart surgery by using an ultrasound probe in the esophagus and a light-based oxygen sensor on the skin. The goal was to catch kidney problems early. However, the study was withdrawn before an…

This study looks at how common a specific lung pressure (airway opening pressure) is in 196 adults recovering from heart surgery. Researchers will measure this pressure within an hour of entering the ICU using a simple breathing test. The goal is to understand if this pressure is…

This study looks at 40 adults having heart surgery to see if a less invasive approach (through a small chest cut) helps preserve lung function and muscle strength better than the traditional method (cutting through the breastbone). Participants will do breathing tests, strength t…