Gas therapy may shield kidneys during heart surgery

NCT ID NCT02836899

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether breathing in nitric oxide during and after heart surgery can prevent acute kidney injury. It included 250 adults with signs of blood vessel problems who were having long heart surgeries. Patients received either nitric oxide gas or a placebo (nitrogen) during their procedure. The goal was to see if the treatment reduced kidney damage and the need for dialysis.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

inhaled nitric oxide

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide a way to prevent kidney damage after heart surgery, reducing the need for dialysis.

What could go wrong

This trial is completed, but results may not apply to all patients. The benefit may be small or limited to those with specific risk factors.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute kidney injury

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States