ProMPT 2 passes significant recruitment milestone

ProMPT 2 is an NIHR-funded randomised controlled trial investigating post-operative complications for patients undergoing heart surgery, specifically, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Research suggests that propofol, widely used as a general anaesthetic, may have a protective effect on the heart. Cardioplegia solution is given to patients to keep the heart still and provide nutrients during heart surgery. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of adding different doses of propofol or saline to the cardioplegia solution during CABG surgery   to reduce post-operative complications.

Like many studies, ProMPT 2 has encountered several challenges due to COVID-19 which meant the study fell behind with  recruitment targets. Whilst recruitment was lower, it was consistent through 2021, meeting a new monthly recruitment target of 8 patients per month. Based on these consistent figures the study was successful in securing additional funding and being granted an 18-month extension in order to finish recruitment.

Thanks to the dedication of site staff, in May 2022 we surpassed 200 participants recruited into the study. This is a significant achievement, and means we are close to reaching the full sample size of 240 patients.

This project (EME Project: 15/180/55) is funded by the Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) Programme, an MRC and NIHR partnership. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the MRC, NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.