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CTSN Embolic Protection Trial

Embolic Protection in Patients Undergoing High-Risk Valve Surgery

Status
Recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06027788
Acronym
EMPRO
Enrollment
842
Registered
2023-09-07
Start date
2023-09-18
Completion date
2027-04-01
Last updated
2026-05-29

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Acute Kidney Injury, Coronary Artery Disease, Delirium, Heart Valve Disease, Ischemic Stroke

Keywords

Embolic Protection, Cardiac Surgery, CardioGard

Brief summary

This is a prospective, multi-center, randomized effectiveness trial of the CardioGard Embolic Protection Cannula in high-risk valve surgery patients.

Detailed description

This is a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial that will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the CardioGard embolic protection cannula compared to a standard cannula. The enrollment period is expected to last 30 months, and all patients will be followed for 12 months post procedure. RANDOMIZATION Patients will be randomized 1:1 to the embolic protection device or to a standard cannula in the operating room (OR) immediately after sternotomy and confirmation by the surgical team of the patient's suitability for the proposed intervention (CardioGard embolic protection device). Randomization will be with equal allocation and stratified by site and by procedure (i.e., isolated valve surgery or combined procedures, such as double valve or valve plus coronary artery bypass grafting, CABG). The randomization assignment will be controlled centrally and performed through a web-based data collection system that automates the delivery of the randomization codes. From the point of treatment assignment, primary efficacy will be analyzed by intention-to-treat; that is, the patients will be grouped by their assignments at randomization regardless of whether or not they actually received the treatment to which they were assigned. STUDY POPULATION The patient population for this trial consists of patients age ≥ 60 undergoing different types of valve surgery with or without CABG via full or minimal-access sternotomy using legally marketed valve(s). Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed below. All patients who meet the eligibility criteria may be included in the study regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. SUBSTUDY Sleep Disturbance Ancillary Sub-Study - Patients undergoing surgery for valvular heart disease (VHD) are at high risk for adverse events, including high rates of post-operative delirium (POD). Should circadian disruption be found to be an important predictor in this high-risk population, safe, low cost, and easy to administer therapies to regulate circadian rhythm such as light therapy could be evaluated in future studies The aims of this ancillary sub-study include: 1. To investigate the association between short sleep duration, less sleep regularity, and greater circadian rhythm disruption prior to surgery and POD within 7 days of VHD surgery. 2. To investigate the association between short sleep duration, less sleep regularity and greater circadian rhythm disruption (reduced melatonin and cortisol amplitudes) after surgery and POD within 7 days of VHD surgery. Approximately 300 EMPRO trial participants will be enrolled into the ancillary study. The study is being conducted in highly experienced clinical centers in the U.S. and Canada. The estimated enrollment period is 12-15 months. All eligible and consented patients in the parent EMPRO trial will be offered enrollment in this ancillary study through the parent trial consent process.

Interventions

DEVICECardioGard Embolic Protection Cannula

The CardioGard embolic protection cannula is a device that combines the function of a standard aortic cannula with an added suction mechanism to capture debris that may result from cardiac surgery. The device is comprised of 2 hollow tubes. The first tube is the standard main forward-flow tube to return oxygenated blood to the patient's aorta. The second tube attached to an existing bypass vent port, is a novel element located posteriorly to the main tube; its function is to facilitate blood and particle suction by directing the blood back to the reservoir of the coronary bypass machine, while the retrieved embolic debris is eliminated through the filter of the venous reservoir.

DEVICEStandard Aortic Cannula

An aortic cannula is a device that is used routinely during cardiac surgery to return oxygenated blood from the cardiac bypass machine into the patient's aorta.

Sponsors

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Lead SponsorOTHER
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
CollaboratorNIH

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)

Masking description

The nature of the study precludes masking surgeons from treatment assignment. Investigators will, however, be blinded to all data from other clinical sites, except serious unexpected adverse events possibly or probably related to the intervention for Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Research Ethics Board (REB) reporting purposes. Patients will be blinded as to treatment assignment. All neurocognitive scoring and delirium assessments will be analyzed by neurocognitive core laboratory personnel who will be blinded to treatment assignment and clinical outcomes.

Intervention model description

Patients will be randomized 1:1 to the embolic protection device or to a standard cannula in the OR immediately after sternotomy and confirmation by the surgical team of the patient's suitability for the proposed intervention (CardioGard embolic protection device).

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
60 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Age ≥ 60 years * Planned de novo or redo: * Surgical aortic valve replacement SAVR ± ascending aortic repair (if circulatory arrest is not required) ± CABG * Mitral valve replacement (MVR) ± CABG * Mitral Valve Repair + CABG, * Double/Triple valve surgery ± CABG; Ross procedure These procedures can be done via a full or minimal-access sternotomy (using central aortic perfusion cannulae) with legally marketed valve(s), and can be done in combination with an left atrial appendage (LAA) closure/excision or partial/complete Maze procedure. * Valve sparing aortic root replacement (David procedure) * Valve sparing aortic root replacement (David procedure) * No evidence of neurological impairment as defined by a NIHSS ≤1 and modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≤2 within 30 days prior to randomization * Ability to provide informed consent and comply with the protocol

Exclusion criteria

* History of clinical stroke within 3 months prior to randomization * Cerebral and or aortic arch arteriography or interventions within 3 days of the planned procedure * Coronary catheterization within 3 days of index procedure, and the required repeat NIHSS score post-catheterization is worse than the screening/baseline NIHSS score conducted prior to the catheterization * Active endocarditis at time of randomization with vegetation criteria * Clinical signs of cardiogenic shock or treatment with IV inotropic therapy prior to randomization * Participation in an interventional (drug or device) trial * Isolated mitral valve repair, isolated tricuspid valve repair or combined mitral valve repair and tricuspid valve repair * Anticipated requirement for prolonged mechanical ventilation greater than 48 hours after surgery in the opinion of the investigator * Planned concomitant carotid endarterectomy during index surgical procedure

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Number of patients who experience ischemic stroke and Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)within 3 days post-randomizationThe combined number of patients who experience clinical ischemic strokes and acute kidney injuries that have occurred within 3 days post-randomization.
Number of patients who experience of death and deliriumby 7 days post-randomizationThe combined number of patients who experience death and delirium by 7 days post-randomization (with a blanking period for delirium of days 1 and 2 post-operatively).

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Proportion of patients who experience a clinical ischemic strokewithin 3 days post-randomizationThe proportion of patients who experience a clinical ischemic stroke within 3 days will be compared between the two groups (i.e., standard cannula versus the CardioGard device).
Number of patients with disabling clinical strokewithin 3 days post-randomizationNumber of patients with disabling clinical stroke within 3 days post-randomization
Neurological outcomes assessed by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)within 3 days post-randomizationNeurological outcomes are assessed by National Institutes of Health stroke Scale (NIHSS) to compare the treatment outcomes of three types of service delivery models. The NIHSS is an 11-item impairment scale to evaluate neurologic outcome and degree of recovery. Each item is scored between 0 and up to 4, total score ranges 0 (normal function) and a maximum possible score 42, with higher score indicating higher level of impairment. These assessments will be administered by blinded neurology trainees or study coordinators who are certified to administer the assessments.
Number of patients with disabling clinical stroke determined by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≥2at baselineNumber of patients with disabling clinical stroke as indicated by mRS score ≥2. mRS will be assessed at baseline days. The scale runs from 0-6, running from perfect health without symptoms to death. A higher score indicates greater impairment. 0 - No symptoms. 1. \- No significant disability. Able to carry out all usual activities, despite some symptoms. 2. \- Slight disability. Able to look after own affairs without assistance, but unable to carry out all previous activities. 3\. - Moderate disability. Requires some help, but able to walk unassisted. 4 - Moderately severe disability. Unable to walk and attend own bodily needs without assistance. 5 - Severe disability. Requires constant nursing care and attention, bedridden, incontinent. 6 - Dead.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Scoreat baselineGlobal cognitive screening performance will be compared between groups and collected via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) - blind version at presurgical baseline. The MoCA scale is used for detecting cognitive impairment. The scores range between 0 to 30 points; a score of 26 or above was considered normal. Higher values represent a better outcome.
Oral Trail Making Test - Parts A and B (executive function)at baselineThe Trail Making Test consists of 25 circles distributed over a sheet of paper. In Part A, the circles are numbered 1 - 25, and the patient should draw lines to connect the numbers in ascending order. In Part B, the circles include both numbers (1 - 13) and letters (A - L); as in Part A, the patient draws lines to connect the circles in an ascending pattern, but with the added task of alternating between the numbers and letters (i.e., 1-A-2-B-3-C, etc.). The patient should be instructed to connect the circles as quickly as possible, without lifting the pen or pencil from the paper. Time the patient connects the "trail." If the patient makes an error, point it out immediately and allow the patient to correct it. Results for part B are reported as the number of seconds required to complete the task; therefore, higher scores reveal greater impairment.
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) Digit Span (auditory-verbal attention)baselineThe WAIS-R Digit Span test assesses short term or working memory. The examinee listens to sequences of numbers orally and then repeats them as heard, in increasing order, and in reverse order. The raw scores for "digit span" range from a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 8. For this test, the longer the span the better the cognition; therefore, the higher score is the better outcome.
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) Digit Symbol Substitution Test (processing speed)at baselineThe WAIS-R Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) is a paper-and-pencil cognitive test that consist of number-symbol pairs. It requires the examinee to copy, into spaces below rows of numbers, the symbols that are paired to each number. The DSST score is the number of digits coded correctly in a 90-second test period
Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) Verbal Fluency Test (verbal fluency/executive function)at baselineThe D-KEFS Verbal Fluency Test is comprised of three testing conditions: Letter Fluency, Category Fluency, and Category Switching. This test measures multiple aspects of verbal productivity and cognitive flexibility. It evaluates effectiveness of novel and semantic search strategies, and assesses flexibility in the implementation of word search strategies. There are three conditions in the test in which the examinee must say as many words as they can by letter, category, and category switching prompts.
Incidence of Deliriumfirst 7 days post-randomizationThe incidence of delirium will be assessed daily by the Confusion Assessment Method (3D-CAM or CAM-ICU) scale, or by the presence of a delirium adverse event, during the first 7 days post-randomization. The CAM consists of 4 features: 1-Onset, 2-Inattention, 3-Disorganized thinking, and 4-altered level of consciousness. The diagnosis of delirium by CAM is based on the presence of features 1 and 2, and either 3 or 4 and involves the presence/absence of delirium, but not its severity. Any error or behavioral observation consistent with a delirium feature means that feature is present.
Duration of Deliriumfirst 7 days post-randomizationThe duration of delirium will be measured as the number of days with positive CAM assessments or delirium adverse events by 7 days post-randomization. The CAM consists of 4 features: 1-Onset, 2-Inattention, 3-Disorganized thinking, and 4-altered level of consciousness. The diagnosis of delirium by CAM is based on the presence of features 1 and 2, and either 3 or 4.
Severity of Deliriumfirst 7 days post-randomizationThe severity of delirium will be measured during daily screening using standardized algorithms for extracting symptom severity from the 3D-CAM and CAM-ICU.
Number of Patients who experience Acute kidney injury (AKI)within -7 days post-randomizationNumber of Patients who experience Acute kidney injury will be assessed within 7 days post-randomization.
All-cause mortalitywithin 90 days post-randomizationAll-cause mortality within 90 days post-randomization will be assessed.
Length of Index Hospitalizationat hospital discharge, up to 30 daysOverall length of stay for the index hospitalization post-randomization will be measured and broken down by days spent in the ICU versus days not in the ICU.
Discharge dispositionat hospital discharge, up to 30 daysDischarge disposition
Readmissions ratesfirst 90 daysReadmission rates will be calculated for the first 90 days following randomization. Hospitalizations will be classified for all causes including for cardiovascular readmissions.
Days Alive out of Hospitalwithin 90 days post-randomizationDays alive out of hospital and nursing/rehab facilities within 90 days after randomization
Actigraphy7-day period prior to index surgical procedure and Day 1 post index surgical procedure through hospital dischargeActigraphy data will be collected for a period of 7 days prior to the index surgical procedure. Actigraphic monitoring employs an accelerometer the size of a watch, which each study patient will wear on the wrist. Collected for participants in substudy.
Amount of Circadian Light7-day period prior to index surgical procedureA Speck light meter will be worn as a pendant while awake for a period of 7 days prior to surgery. Light measurements from light meters used as pendants are the closest to light measurements at eye level. The light meter will also be used to monitor the total amount of circadian light received by the patient. Collected for participants in substudy.
Photopic Light Levels7-day period prior to index surgical procedureA Speck light meter will be worn as a pendant while awake for a period of 7 days prior to surgery. Light measurements from light meters used as pendants are the closest to light measurements at eye level. The light meter will also be used to calculate photopic light levels Collected for participants in substudy.
Circadian Stimulus Values7-day period prior to index surgical procedureA Speck light meter will be worn as a pendant while awake for a period of 7 days prior to surgery. Light measurements from light meters used as pendants are the closest to light measurements at eye level. The light meter will also be used to calculate circadian stimulus values, Collected for participants in substudy.
Richards-Campbell Sleep QuestionnaireDay 1 post index surgical procedure through patient discharge from the ICU (average ICU stay is 3 days)Patients who are able to do so will be asked to fill out the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ), which is a brief 2-minute questionnaire designed for patient use in the ICU. Full score range from 0-100, with higher score indicating better sleep. Collected for participants in substudy.

Countries

Canada, United States

Contacts

CONTACTClaudia Merlin
Claudia.merlin@mountsinai.org917-494-2387
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORAnnetine C. Gelijns, PhD

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORSteve Messe, MD

University of Pennsylvania

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORAlexander Iribarne, MD

Northwell Health

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: May 30, 2026