CEREBRAL OXYMETRY IN HIGH RISK CARDIAC SURGERY: APPLICABILITY AND PROTOCOL OF THE CLINICAL TRIAL

Abstract

Cerebral oxymetry is one of the monitoring techniques aimed at the early detection of changes in the brain state. Currently it is being actively introduced into practice, management algorithms for cerebral oxygenation disorders are being developed basing on it, including the ones for cardiac surgeries. Certain data show that this allows decreasing the frequency of post-surgery neurological complications, the duration of patients stay in the intensive care department and general duration of hospital stay. However it is recognized that not all aspects of its using have been provided with the relevant evidence, especially in the respect of cardiac surgical patients with high surgical risk. The main purpose of this research is to draw the attention to the problem and present the protocol of the trial which has been started in our unit. The special emphasis is made on the methodological components of the research, starting with the formulation of research hypothesis, defining finite primary and secondary points, preliminary calculation of sampling and defining statistical analysis methods. We would very much appreciate the feedback from our colleagues and hope that that the other researchers will follow our example when starting big research projects.

Keywords

• cerebral oxymetry
• high risk cardiac surgery
• post-surgery complications