Detection and Neurological Impact of Cerebrovascular Events in Cardiac Surgery Patients

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The investigators conducted a prospective observational pilot study to explore the incidence of peri-operative covert strokes (detected by brain MRI) and the potential impact on delirium and cognitive decline in post-operative cardiac surgery patients at the Hamilton General Hospital. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of a larger prospective international cohort study exploring this objective.

Detailed Description
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Delirium and cognitive decline are common following cardiac surgery and increase the burden on patients and health care resources. Covert (sub-clinical) strokes are associated with these complications. The investigators conducted a prospective cohort pilot study enrolling consecutive cardiac surgery patients to receive a post-operative brain MRI and a series of questionnaires to assess for changes in cognition, physical function and delirium. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) was recorded during surgery with the use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) sensors placed on the patients' forehead. The primary aim was to determine the feasibility of conducting a larger study to establish an association between covert stroke and long-term cognitive decline in cardiac surgery patients.

Official Title
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Detection and Neurological Impact of Cerebrovascular Events in Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Cohort Evaluation Pilot (NeuroVISION Cardiac Pilot)

Conditions
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Silent Stroke, Cognitive Decline

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Male or female ≥ 21 years old Provide written informed consent Scheduled to undergo isolated CABG through a median sternotomy approach Have at least one of the following risk factors: Peripheral vascular disease (previous peripheral arterial bypass, amputation due to ischemia, ABPI <0.9, or previous AAA repair) Cerebrovascular disease (history of stroke, TIA, or carotid stenosis >70%) Renal insufficiency (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m2) Diabetes mellitus (on oral hypoglycemic agent(s) and/or insulin replacement) Urgent CABG (in-patient awaiting revascularization for ACS or MI) Recent smoker (within the last year) Left ventricular ejection fraction <35% Exclusion Criteria: Concomitant cardiac procedure with CABG Prior enrolment in this study Emergency CABG surgery (immediate revascularization for hemodynamic instability) Redo CABG Circulatory arrest planned during the cardiac operation Diagnosed dementia of any types Contra-indication for DW MRI e.g. claustrophobia, unable to lie flat for the duration of the study, pacemaker or ICD in-situ, or other metal implants

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 21 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Recruitment rate | Average recruitment rate per week | 30 days | 
| MRI completion | Total number of patients completing the brain MRI study | 30 days | 
| Lost to follow-up | Proportion of patients lost to follow-up at the end of the study | 3 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Covert stroke | The proportion of patients experiencing covert stroke within 30 days of surgery | 30 days | 
| Clinical stroke | The proportion of patients experiencing clinical stroke 30 days after surgery | 30 days | 
| Cognitive decline (MoCA) | The proportion of patients experiencing cognitive decline 30 days after surgery using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). | 30 days | 
| Cognitive decline (DSST) | The proportion of patients experiencing cognitive decline 30 days after surgery using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). | 30 days | 
| Physical function | The proportion of patients experiencing cognitive decline 30 days after surgery using the Standard Assessment of Global-activities in the Elderly (SAGE). | 3 months | 
| Delirium | The proportion of patients experiencing delirium between postoperative day 2 and discharge or 30 days, whichever comes first using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM). | day 2 to 30 day, whichever comes first | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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covert stroke, cognitive decline, delirium, clinical stroke, CABG surgery, near infrared spectroscopy, cerebral oxygenation