Recruiting

Testing a medication to prevent confusion after major surgery in older adults

Plain-English translation of NCT06817239 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This study is testing whether , a medication related to ketamine, can help prevent delirium—a type of confusion and cognitive problems that can develop after surgery—in older adults undergoing major non-cardiac surgery. The medication would be given during surgery and potentially as part of pain management afterward. Researchers believe this medication may have protective effects on the brain that could reduce the risk of post-operative confusion.

Confusion after surgery (called post-operative delirium) is common in older patients and can lead to serious complications, longer hospital stays, and long-term cognitive decline. While early studies suggest the medication may help prevent this, results have been mixed, so this large, well-designed trial aims to clarify whether this treatment actually works.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 65 and 89 years old
you are scheduled for major non-cardiac surgery
you have at least one risk factor for post-operative confusion, such as a history of stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, or poor sleep quality
you are willing to use patient-controlled intravenous pain medication after surgery

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a history of epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, or other serious psychiatric conditions
you have severe, uncontrolled high blood pressure or have had a heart attack within the past 30 days
you have severe liver or kidney disease, or are expected to survive less than 24 hours after surgery
you are scheduled for organ transplant, vascular surgery, or brain surgery
you are already taking ketamine or esketamine, or have a known contraindication to these medications

What participation looks like

If you qualify, you would be randomly assigned to receive either the medication or a placebo (salt water) during your surgery. During the operation, you'll receive an initial dose, then the medication or placebo will continue at a lower dose until near the end of surgery. After surgery, you'll use a patient-controlled pain pump that may contain the medication or just standard pain relief. Researchers will monitor you for signs of confusion and cognitive changes during your hospital stay and at follow-up visits.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 5, 2026 · Not medical advice

Testing a medication to prevent confusion after major surgery in older adults

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(6 sites)