Can a common sedative shield your brain after bypass surgery?

NCT ID NCT04289142

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This large trial tests whether the sedative dexmedetomidine can prevent long-term memory and thinking problems that often follow heart surgery. Researchers will give the drug to 2,400 adults aged 60 and older during and after their operation, then track their cognitive function for a year. The goal is to find a simple way to protect brain health in cardiac patients.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Dexmedetomidine (a sedative drug)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to prevent lasting memory and thinking problems after heart surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a single-drug trial in a specific surgery setting, so results may not apply to other procedures or sedatives. Cognitive outcomes can be influenced by many factors beyond the drug.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANALGESICS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Cognition Disorders cognitive disorder Cognitive Dysfunction Confusion coronary artery disorder delirium heart valve disorder mental disorder nervous system disorder Neurobehavioral Manifestations Neurologic Manifestations psychiatric disorder Signs and Symptoms

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANALGESICS ANALGESICS, NON-NARCOTIC CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSANTS COGNITION DISORDER COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION CONFUSION DELIRIUM DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYPNOTICS AND SEDATIVES MENTAL DISORDERS MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES NEUROBEHAVIORAL MANIFESTATIONS NEUROCOGNITIVE DISORDERS NEUROLOGIC MANIFESTATIONS PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF DRUGS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Laval University
RECRUITING

Québec, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
London Health Sciences
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

London, Ontario, N6A 5A5, Canada
Royal Columbian Hospital
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Vancouver, British Columbia, V3L 0A2, Canada
St. Michael's Hospital
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8, Canada
St. Paul's Hospital
RECRUITING

Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
Toronto General Hospital
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada
University of Saskatchewan
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 0W8, Canada

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.