Oxygen-Guided transfusions may cut unnecessary blood use in heart surgery

NCT ID NCT05740059

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

Summary

This study tested whether using a measure of oxygen in the blood (SvO2) to guide red blood cell transfusions during heart surgery could reduce how many patients receive transfusions. Over 600 adults undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery were randomly assigned to either standard restrictive transfusion or a strategy that only gave transfusions when both hemoglobin was low and SvO2 was below a threshold. The goal was to see if the SvO2-adjusted approach lowered transfusion rates without harming patients.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Red blood cell transfusion adjusted by central venous oxygen saturation (SvO2)

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could reduce unnecessary blood transfusions during heart surgery, lowering risks and conserving blood supplies.

What could go wrong

This is a completed trial, but the strategy may not work for all patients or settings. Transfusion decisions based on SvO2 require additional monitoring and equipment.

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.

aneurysm or dilatation of ascending aorta aortic valve disorder coronary artery disorder endocarditis heart failure mitral valve disorder tricuspid valve disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Departement d'anesthésie et réanimation D - Arnaud de Villeneuve

    Montpellier, 34295, France