Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Perioperative Management & Outcome Following Preoperative Transthoracic Echocardiography in Noncardiac Surgery Patients

This study is investigating whether having a special heart scan, called a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), before non-heart surgery leads to better results for patients. Recent European guidelines recommend more people get this scan, but doctors aren't sure how much it really helps in day-to-day practice. The study aims to understand if the information from these scans changes how doctors manage patient care during and after surgery, and if these changes lead to better health outcomes. It's especially focused on patients who have a higher chance of heart-related problems during operations. By comparing patients who have the scan with those who don't, researchers hope to fill gaps in our understanding.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

European Society of Anaesthesiology

Enrolment target

8,250

Start

30 Jun 2024

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Elective Surgical Procedure

What is this study about?

Imagine you're preparing for an operation that isn't on your heart, but your doctors want to make sure your heart is as healthy as possible beforehand. This study is all about understanding if a special type of heart scan, called a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), helps doctors make better decisions before, during, and after your surgery. A TTE is a simple and safe test that uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart, showing how well it's pumping and if there are any issues with your heart valves.

Recently, expert groups in Europe updated their recommendations, suggesting that more people should have this heart scan before non-heart surgery, especially if they have certain risk factors. However, we don't fully know if following these new recommendations actually leads to better health outcomes for patients in real-world hospitals. This study aims to find out. Doctors want to see if the information from these scans helps them adjust your care, for example, by changing your medication or how they manage you during surgery, and if these changes lead to a smoother recovery and fewer problems.

By carefully looking at a large number of patients, some who have the scan and some who don't, the study hopes to clarify whether having a TTE before surgery truly makes a positive difference. It will help doctors understand who benefits most from these scans and ensure that patients receive the most appropriate and effective care before their operations.

Key takeaways

The study looks at heart scans before non-heart surgery.
It aims to see if scans improve recovery and care.
It's for adults having planned surgery with certain heart risk factors.
Participation involves no extra tests or appointments.
Your standard medical care will not change due to the study.

Who may be eligible?

This study is designed for adults who are having planned, non-heart surgery. It's for people who might have a higher risk of heart problems during an operation. This includes anyone aged 65 or older, or adults over 18 who have at least two risk factors for heart problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease. It also includes adults over 18 who already know they have some form of heart condition.

However, this study is not for everyone. You wouldn't be able to participate if you are under 18 years old, or if your surgery is a 'day surgery' (meaning you don't stay overnight) or an emergency procedure. You also can't join if you're currently in an intensive care unit (ICU), or if you've had heart surgery in the last month. Finally, you need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part, and be able to complete a simple questionnaire about your health.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years or older?
Are you having planned (not emergency) surgery that isn't on your heart?
Are you aged 65 or over, or an adult with at least two heart risk factors (like high blood pressure or diabetes), or do you have a known heart condition?
Are you *not* currently in intensive care or had heart surgery recently?
Are you able to agree to take part and fill out a simple questionnaire?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are invited to take part in this study, you wouldn't need to do anything extra beyond your planned surgery and medical care. The study is mainly about collecting information from your medical records. Researchers will look at whether you had a transthoracic echocardiogram (a heart scan) before your operation and then follow your health progress as part of your standard care. This means there are no additional visits, extra tests, or new medications specifically for the study. Researchers will simply observe how your care is managed and how you recover, comparing this information between those who had the scan and those who didn't. The total duration of your involvement would be as long as necessary for the researchers to collect your outcome data, which is part of your normal hospital follow-up after surgery.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study involves very minimal additional risk to you, as it mainly involves researchers looking at information from your medical records and care you would be receiving anyway. There are no additional procedures or medications involved. A potential benefit is that the information gathered could help doctors better understand how to care for patients like you in the future, potentially leading to improved health outcomes for others undergoing surgery. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Düsseldorf
Verified postcode
Düsseldorf, Germany

Common questions

What is a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE)?

It's a non-invasive heart scan that uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart, much like an ultrasound.

Do I need to do anything extra if I join the study?

No, you don't. The study simply collects information from your routine medical care and records. There are no extra tests or visits.

Why is this study important?

It helps doctors understand if having a heart scan before non-heart surgery actually improves patient care and recovery, especially with updated guidelines.

Who is funding this research?

The information provided does not specify who is funding this research.

Will my personal information be kept private?

Yes, all your medical information and personal details will be handled with strict confidentiality and stored securely.

How to find out more

Saman Sepehr

saman.sepehr@esaic.org 3222273999 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.