The purpose of this study is to compare remimazolam- and propofol-based anesthesia for their effects on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in patients undergoing aortic arch surgery. These procedures involve a substantial risk of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury, which may contribute to postoperative cognitive decline. Although experimental studies have suggested potential neuroprotective effects of remimazolam, clinical evidence in patients undergoing high-risk aortic arch surgery remains limited. This prospective, randomized controlled trial will compare the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction between patients receiving remimazolam- or propofol-based anesthesia. In addition, changes in circulating neuroinflammatory and neuronal injury biomarkers will be evaluated to explore the potential mechanisms underlying any neuroprotective effect of remimazolam. The findings may provide clinical evidence to guide anesthetic selection and improve neurological outcomes in patients undergoing aortic arch surgery.
Adults aged 19 years or older
Patients scheduled to undergo total or partial aortic arch replacement for aortic arch disease, with planned circulatory arrest and/or selective cerebral perfusion as a cerebral protection strategy during surgery
Pre-existing cognitive impairment, defined as Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score <24
Acute cerebral hemorrhage or cerebral infarction within the previous 3 months
History of hypersensitivity to remimazolam or other benzodiazepines
History of alcohol or substance abuse
Parallel
Remimazolam Besylate
Drug\- Continuous drug: remimazolam diluted to 2 mg/mL in normal saline - Maintenance: 1-2 mg/kg/h (titrated to BIS 40-60, max 2 mg/kg/h)
propofol
DrugContinuous drug: propofol (undiluted, 20 mg/mL) - Administration: target-controlled infusion (TCI, Marsh model) - Maintenance: 1-1.5 μg/mL (titrated to BIS 40-60)
Incidence of postoperative cognitive decline
Postoperative cognitive function will be assessed using the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE) and the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-K). Both assessments will be performed preoperatively and again on postoperative day 7 or before hospital discharge. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction will be defined as a decrease of ≥2 points from the preoperative baseline score in either the K-MMSE or MoCA-K.
Change in plasma IL-1β concentration
Plasma interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) concentration will be measured at preoperative baseline and 2-4 hours after completion of cardiopulmonary bypass. The change from baseline will be compared between the remimazolam and propofol groups. Plasma IL-1β concentration will be measured in pg/mL using the Meso Scale Discovery assay.
Change in plasma TNF-α concentration
Plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) concentration will be measured at preoperative baseline and 2-4 hours after completion of cardiopulmonary bypass. The change from baseline will be compared between the remimazolam and propofol groups. Plasma TNF-α concentration will be measured in pg/mL using the Meso Scale Discovery assay.
Change in plasma IL-6 concentration
Plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration will be measured at preoperative baseline and 24 hours after completion of cardiopulmonary bypass. The change from baseline will be compared between the remimazolam and propofol groups. Plasma IL-6 concentration will be measured in pg/mL using the Meso Scale Discovery assay.
Change in plasma IL-10 concentration
Plasma interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentration will be measured at preoperative baseline and 24 hours after completion of cardiopulmonary bypass. The change from baseline will be compared between the remimazolam and propofol groups. Plasma IL-10 concentration will be measured in pg/mL using the Meso Scale Discovery assay.
Incidence of postoperative delirium
Postoperative delirium will be assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU). The incidence of postoperative delirium will be compared between the remimazolam and propofol groups.
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Seoul National University Hospital
Lead sponsor
Hana Pharm Co., Ltd.
Collaborator
This trial is not recruiting at the moment. You can still explore other options:
