Prospective Neuropsychological Evaluation of the Implementation of a Heart Valve Unit (HVU-NEURO) (NCT07626567) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Prospective Neuropsychological Evaluation of the Implementation of a Heart Valve Unit (HVU-NEURO)
500 participantsStarted 2026-05-25
Plain-language summary
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an established treatment for severe aortic stenosis. Despite improved procedural outcomes, neurocognitive complications such as postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) remain clinically relevant.
Heart Valve Units (HVU) are specialized interdisciplinary care structures designed to improve treatment pathways and healthcare quality. However, their impact on neuropsychological outcomes has not been sufficiently investigated.
HVU-NEURO is a prospective observational cohort study evaluating neuropsychological outcomes before and after implementation of an HVU. Approximately 500 patients undergoing transcatheter valve therapy will be included.
Neurocognitive function will be assessed before intervention, at hospital discharge, and three months after intervention. POD will be assessed using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC). The primary objective is to evaluate the effect of HVU implementation on postoperative cognitive decline at discharge from acute hospital care.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Severe aortic valve stenosis
* Indication for transcatheter valve therapy according to current guideline recommendations and/or Heart-Team consensus
* Sufficient German language proficiency, as study-related tests, questionnaires, and instructions are administered in German
* Age ≥18 years
* Willingness to participate voluntarily with written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Known pregnancy at the time of study inclusion
* Life expectancy \<1 year due to non-cardiac disease
* Pre-interventional psychiatric and neurological disorders (known and diagnosed dementia, depression, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack \[TIA\], migraine, epilepsy) with acute symptoms that may interfere with data collection
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) assessed by a detailed neuropsychological test battery at discharge from acute hospital care
Timeframe: At discharge from acute hospital care (typically within 7 days after intervention)