Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Study Of Ultrasound Windows For Measuring Inferior Vena Cava Changes Before Cardiac Surgery

This study is looking at two ways to use ultrasound to measure a major vein called the inferior vena cava (IVC) in people having heart surgery. The IVC helps doctors understand how much fluid is in your body and how your heart is working. One ultrasound method is standard, but it can be tricky for some patients, for example, if they have dressings or are overweight. Another method, which uses the liver as a window, might be easier. Researchers want to see if this newer method gives similar results to the standard one and if different ultrasound operators get consistent readings. The scan is quick, painless, and won't change your surgery plan. It's a simple observation study to help improve future care.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Enrolment target

283

Start

01 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2028

Perioperative Fluid Management Hemodynamic Monitoring Inferior Vena Cava Collapsibility Index Cardiac Surgery Patients

What is this study about?

Imagine your body's main drainpipe for blood going back to your heart – that's a bit like your inferior vena cava, or IVC. Doctors can use ultrasound scans to look at this vein to get an idea of your body's fluid levels and how well your heart is pumping. This information can be really helpful, especially before and after big operations like heart surgery.

Usually, doctors scan the IVC from just below your breastbone. However, this can sometimes be difficult. For example, if someone is overweight, has surgical dressings, or feels uncomfortable after an operation, getting a clear view can be a challenge. That's why this study is exploring another way – scanning through the liver. The liver acts like a helpful window, potentially making it easier to see the IVC in these situations.

The main goal of this research is to compare these two scanning methods. Are the results from the liver-window method just as good and reliable as the standard method? They also want to see if different people performing the scans get similar readings with both techniques. The findings from this study could help doctors improve how they check fluid levels with ultrasound in the future, making it easier and more accurate for all patients undergoing surgery.

Key takeaways

Compares two ultrasound methods for measuring a major vein (IVC) before heart surgery.
Aims to find the best way to check body fluid levels, especially for certain patients.
Involves a quick, painless ultrasound scan that takes less than 10 minutes.
Does not involve any new medications or changes to your planned surgery.
Helps improve future patient care and ultrasound training.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 or older) who is scheduled for heart surgery at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. You must be breathing normally on your own when the ultrasound is done and be able to lie flat on your back for the quick scan. It's also important that you can understand and sign a consent form, agreeing to take part.

You won't be able to join if you can't lie flat, or if you have certain heart conditions like known right heart failure or moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation. Other reasons not to participate include a history of very high blood pressure in your liver (portal hypertension) or severe kidney disease. Also, if you have dressings on your tummy or other issues that would block the ultrasound view through your liver, or if the ultrasound can't get a clear picture even after trying different ways, you wouldn't be suitable for the study.

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 old or older?
Are you having heart surgery at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre?
Can you breathe normally on your own?
Can you lie flat on your back comfortably?
Do you not have problems like severe kidney disease or certain heart conditions (e.g., right heart failure)?
Are there no dressings or other issues on your tummy that would block an ultrasound scan?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll have a brief, extra ultrasound scan before your heart surgery. This scan will look at your IVC using both the standard method and the new method through your liver. The scan takes less than 10 minutes, is completely painless, and will not change your planned medical care or surgery in any way. This is an observational study, meaning researchers will just be watching and collecting information; no medicines or treatments will be given as part of the study itself. There's no follow-up for this study as it's a one-time observation.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no known physical risks involved in this study as it only involves a quick, painless ultrasound scan which is a common and safe procedure. The potential benefit is that the information gathered could help improve how doctors assess fluid levels in future patients, making care more effective and comfortable. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you can change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Sunnybrook Health Science Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What is the IVC?

The IVC (inferior vena cava) is a large vein that carries blood from your lower body back to your heart. Doctors can check it to understand your body's fluid levels.

Will this ultrasound scan hurt?

No, the ultrasound scan is quick and completely painless. It's just like any other ultrasound scan you might have had.

Will my surgery plans change if I join?

No, taking part in this study will not affect your heart surgery plans or medical care in any way. It's just an extra observation.

How long will the scan take?

The ultrasound scan will take less than 10 minutes to complete.

Is my information kept private?

Yes, all your personal health information will be kept confidential and private.

How to find out more

Lilia Kaustov, MSc, PhD

lilia.kaustov@sunnybrook.ca 416-967-8587 Official trial record

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