Can common heart-surgery practices trigger delirium? a 5,600-patient hunt for clues.
NCT ID NCT02548975
First seen Jul 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026
Summary
This study tracks thousands of heart-surgery patients to identify factors that may increase the risk of postoperative delirium — a state of sudden confusion. Researchers are examining whether medications like statins and beta blockers, the use of a heart-lung machine, or the length of surgery play a role. The goal is to pinpoint modifiable risks that could help prevent delirium in future patients.
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 clear risk factors are identified, doctors may adjust care before and during heart surgery to lower the chance of postoperative delirium.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, so it can find links but cannot prove cause and effect. Many factors beyond those measured could influence delirium risk.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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5,600 people
The number who actually took part.
- Start date
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Nov 2009
- Finished
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Nov 2016
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Cardiac surgery patients over 18 years old at Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), CABG+valve(s), valve only) \*depending on the study - OR aortic valve replacement (will include patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and patients undergoing only aortic valve replacement with CPB) Exclusion Criteria: Emergency cases will be excluded. \*depending on the study - Patients undergoing any valve replacement surgery other than aortic valve
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
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