A simple nasal spray might shield the brain after heart surgery

NCT ID NCT06619912

Recruiting now Prevention Sponsor: Xijing Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 05, 2026 · Last updated Aug 06, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether a sedative nasal spray, given the night before and just before cardiac surgery, can reduce the chance of postoperative delirium—a state of confusion that can complicate recovery. The idea is that improving sleep before surgery may protect the brain. About 686 adults undergoing heart surgery with a heart-lung machine will be randomly assigned to receive either the active spray or a placebo. Researchers will then monitor for delirium during the first week after surgery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Dexmedetomidine nasal spray
What this could lead to: If effective, this could offer a simple, non-invasive way to prevent delirium after cardiac surgery, potentially improving recovery and reducing complications.
What could go wrong: The trial is still in progress, and results are not yet known. The drug may not reduce delirium as hoped, and there are risks like low heart rate or other side effects.

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

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Emergence Delirium

As listed by the trial registrant

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

POSTOPERATIVE DELIRIUM PREOPERATIVE SLEEP DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Xijing Hospital
RECRUITING

Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China

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