Could cooling the body during heart surgery shield the brain?

NCT ID NCT07316868

Not yet recruiting Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Turku University Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether mild hypothermia (cooling the body to about 33°C) during coronary artery bypass grafting protects the brain better than normal temperature (about 36.5°C). Researchers will use advanced brain scans and blood tests to measure brain injury in 160 adults undergoing elective heart surgery. The goal is to find the best temperature management strategy to reduce cognitive decline after surgery.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to: If successful, this study could show that mild cooling during heart bypass surgery helps prevent brain injury, leading to better recovery for patients.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study with only 160 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. Previous research has not shown clear benefits of cooling over normal temperature.

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.

brain injury coronary artery disorder Hypothermia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BRAIN INJURY CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Turku University Hospital

Turku, FIN-20521, Finland

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