AzTrials
AzTrials

HemodynamicSMART FLUIDNCT06871150

Three Different GHDT ( Goal Hemodynamic Directed Therapy) Strategies for Intraoperative Fluid Management Optimization During Major Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

A study testing Flotrac sensor, HPI and HPI-AFM in people with Hemodynamic, run by ASST Sette Laghi at 3 sites in Italy.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

Major oncological surgery is among the most complex procedures, involving patients with a combination of high-risk factors that can significantly influence immediate postoperative outcomes and quality of life. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 65 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Hemodynamic
What is being tested?
Flotrac sensor, HPI and HPI-AFM
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
150 participants
Where
3 sitesItaly
Study dates
2 Mar 2026to 30 Oct 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 65 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age ≥ 65 years.
  • ASA physical status II-III-IV.
  • Patients undergoing elective major abdominal oncological surgery.
  • Revised Cardiac Index Score ≥ 2.
  • Plan to perform the procedure with invasive arterial monitoring.
  • Expected surgical time greater than 120 minutes.

Who cannot join

  • Emergency or urgent surgeries.
  • Severe chronic renal failure (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min).
  • Chronic heart failure (NYHA Class IV).
  • Pregnant women.
  • Contraindications to pulse contour hemodynamic monitoring.
  • Liver surgery.
  • Patient refusal.

Trial locations and contacts

3 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Luca Guzzetti Luca Guzzetti, MD contact

0039 0332393447

luca.guzzetti@asst-settelaghi.it

Giovanni Gallone Giovanni Gallone, MD contact

00390332393447

giovanni.gallone@asst-settelaghi.it

Italy3 sites, 3 recruiting
  • ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII

    Bergamo, Italy, 24127

    Alberto Benigni Alberto Benigni, MD, abenigni@asst-pg23.it

    Sara Cazzaniga Sara Cazzaniga, MD

    Recruiting
  • Humanitas Research Hospital

    Rozzano, Italy, 20089

    Fulvio Nisi Fulvio Nisi, MD, fulvio.nisi@humanitas.it

    Federico Piccioni Federico Piccioni, PhD

    Recruiting
  • University Hospital Varese ASST SetteLaghi

    Varese, Italy, 21100

    Luca Guzzetti Luca Guzzetti, MD, luca.guzzetti@asst-settelaghi.it

    Giovanni Gallone Giovanni Gallone, MD

    Recruiting

Other trials in Italy

About this study

Official title: Surgical Management and Advanced Real Time Technologies for Fluid Optimization in Major Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Major oncological surgery is among the most complex procedures, involving patients with a combination of high-risk factors that can significantly influence immediate postoperative outcomes and quality of life. The intraoperative hemodynamic management of these patients represents a crucial challenge: maintaining cardiovascular stability and fluid balance during the surgery is associated with reduced complications, including acute kidney injury, myocardial ischemia, and sepsis. Literature has shown that intraoperative fluid administration guided by specific algorithms can reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.

In recent years, innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) have profoundly changed how hemodynamic variables are managed during surgery. AI enables real-time clinical data processing and offers the possibility to predict imminent hypotension episodes, allowing the medical team to intervene proactively. An example of such technologies is the Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI), which uses a machine learning algorithm to analyze hemodynamic data and predict the risk of hypotension with up to 80% accuracy, up to 10 minutes before it occurs. Therefore, softwares that integrate fluid administration volumes with parameters derived from pulse contour systems are used currently, enabling an analysis of the efficacy of administration of fluid boluses. For example, the Assisted Fluid Management (AFM) software helps the clinician in choosing the timing of fluid administration, determining its effectiveness in terms of fluid responsiveness. This allows to reduce complications related to improper intraoperative fluid management, such as organ damage, and optimize the use of fluids and vasopressor drugs.

Read more

Despite the growing use of AI in surgery, the clinical and economic impact of such technologies is still under study. Advanced intraoperative hemodynamic management tools have been shown to reduce the duration of hypotensive episodes and improve hemodynamic stability. The clinical impact of such monitoring, in terms of complications and length of postoperative stay, could be crucial to recommend their use in high-risk patient cohorts. This aligns with medical literature showing that postoperative complications increase patient-related hospitalization costs. This study aims to explore the utility of combining a Goal-Directed Hemodynamic Therapy (GDHT) protocol with AI software in three different scenarios.

The primary objective of the study is to evaluate if there is a significant difference in intraoperative fluid administration volumes across three different protocols of GDHT supported by AI, in patients undergoing major abdominal oncological surgery.

The study's secondary objectives include:

  • Assess the rate of hypotensive episodes in terms of Time-Weighted Average Hypotension (TWAH) across the three groups.
  • Analyze the rate of postoperative complications and hospital mortality across the three groups.
  • Evaluate the total hospital stay duration and/or the number of days spent in intensive care across the three groups.

The study aims to provide evidence on the clinical efficacy of haemodynamic monitoring technologies currently present in daily practice. The results will allow us to define an optimization of intraoperative haemodynamic management, improving clinical outcomes and optimizing the use of healthcare resources.

Read the detailed description

ASSISTED FLUID MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE The Assisted Fluid Management (AFM) technology, developed by Edwards Lifesciences, is an advanced software designed to assist clinicians in optimizing fluid administration during non-cardiac surgeries. Using arterial pressure waveform analysis, the software evaluates in real-time the patient's response to administered fluids and provides personalized recommendations to achieve specific stroke volume variation targets. Thanks to an algorithm that learns from prior data and the patient's current conditions, the system can predict the effectiveness of a fluid bolus and suggest whether and when to administer it, leaving the clinician with final decision-making control. This combination of automated analysis and clinical flexibility makes it a potentially valuable tool for improving intraoperative fluid management and reducing the complexity of therapeutic decisions.

Will be a randomized controlled trial including patients undergoing major oncological surgery in tertiary care hospitals, with fluid management aligned with the GDHT philosophy.

The analysis will compare three groups:

  • FLOTRAC Group: Patients managed using the FLOTRAC technology for intraoperative fluid monitoring and management.
  • HPI Group: Patients managed using the Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI) technology.
  • HPI-AFM Group: Patients managed using both HPI and AFM technologies for intraoperative fluid management.

The study will be multicentric, involving tertiary care hospitals. This will allow us to collect a sufficiently large and representative sample to ensure statistical validity and generalizability of the results.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age ≥ 18 years.
  • ASA physical status II-III-IV.
  • Patients undergoing elective major abdominal oncological surgery.
  • Revised Cardiac Index Score ≥ 2.
  • Plan to perform the procedure with invasive arterial monitoring.
  • Expected surgical time greater than 120 minutes.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Emergency or urgent surgeries.
  • Severe chronic renal failure (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min).
  • Chronic heart failure (NYHA Class IV).
  • Pregnant women.
  • Contraindications to pulse contour hemodynamic monitoring.
  • Liver surgery.
  • Patient refusal.

Data will be collected in three phases:

  • Preoperative: basic demographic and clinical data.
  • Intraoperative: hemodynamic parameters and fluid management.
  • Postoperative: complications, length of stay, and clinical outcomes.

Data will be analyzed using parametric and non-parametric tests based on the distribution. A multivariate regression model will be used to control for confounding factors.

The study will be conducted in compliance with GDPR regulations. An informed consent will be required from all participants.

Conditions
Hemodynamic
Being tested
Flotrac sensor, HPI, HPI-AFM
Keywords
GHDT, Hypotension prediction, Assisted Fluid Management

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Flotrac sensorDevice

    Traditional management of hemodynamic parameters and intraoperative fluids without the aid of predictive tools based on artificial intelligence.

    Possibility of having advanced hemodynamic analysis tools such as SV (stroke volume), SVV (stroke volume variation), PPV (pulse pressure variation), CO (cardiac output).

    The anesthetist will decide whether to administer fluids, vasopressors, or other pharmacological interventions to maintain hemodynamic stability basing on clinical hemodynamic parameters derived from pulse contour systems, in accordance with a specific flowchart.

    Interventions will be applied when blood pressure decreases, or clinical signs of instability are observed

  • HPIDevice

    The Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI) is an advanced arterial waveform analysis algorithm that uses machine learning to predict hypotensive episodes (defined as mean arterial pressure [MAP] < 65 mmHg) five minutes in advance, achieving high sensitivity and specificity. This technology is based on patient demographic data (e.g., age, height, weight) and hemodynamic parameters derived from arterial waveform analysis.

    • HPI uses demographic information and hemodynamic signals obtained via a radial arterial catheter.
    • The signals are analyzed using Edwards Lifesciences' Acumen IQ software, which has been further developed to include prediction of hypotensive episodes.

    The algorithm provides a numerical value (0-100) reflecting the risk of imminent hypotension. An HPI value above 85 signals a high likelihood of hypotension.

    The system also provides advanced hemodynamic data, including cardiac output, dynamic arterial elastance, dP/dtmax (systolic slope), and stroke volume.

  • HPI-AFMDevice

    HPI: Provides a predictive index (from 0 to 100) based on real-time hemodynamic data, indicating the probability of the patient developing a hypotensive episode (MAP < 65 mmHg) within the next 10-15 minutes.

    AFM: In addition to hypotension prediction, continuously monitors parameters such as stroke volume and cardiac output, providing indications for optimal fluid administration. It is programmed to suggest the quantity and the speed of fluid administration based on real-time data and patient conditions.

    In conjunction with the HPI system, the AFM suggests administering a specific fluid volume to correct the patient's hemodynamic status.

    The AFM uses a predictive algorithm to calculate the patient's response to fluid administration, enabling anesthetists to dynamically adjust therapy.

    The AFM system is based on assisted clinical decisions, where anesthetist receive algorithm-based AI recommendations to proactively administer fluids, avoiding the traditional "reactive" approach.

Study groups in NCT06871150
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
FLOTRAC groupActive comparator: Patients managed using the FLOTRAC technology for intraoperative fluid monitoring and management.
Receives: Device: Flotrac sensor
HPI groupActive comparatorPatients managed using the Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI) technology.
Receives: Device: HPI
HPI-AFM groupActive comparator.Patients managed using both HPI and AFM technologies for intraoperative fluid management.
Receives: Device: HPI-AFM

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. significant difference in intraoperative fluid administration volumes across three different protocols of GDHT supported by AI, in patients undergoing major abdominal oncological surgery

    Measured: From start surgery to end surgery

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. • Assess the rate of hypotensive episodes in terms of Time-Weighted Average Hypotension (TWAH) across the three groups.

    The TWAH (Time-Weighted Average Hypotension) will be calculated for the three groups. This metric evaluates the intensity and duration of hypotensive episodes during the perioperative period or continuous monitoring. It represents the cumulative hypotension burden normalized by the total duration of monitoring or surgery, providing a unified measure of severity.

    Measured: From start surgery to end surgery

  2. Postoperative complications and hospital mortality

    Analyze the rate of postoperative complications and hospital mortality across the three groups.

    Complications will be classified according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification.

    Measured: From the end of the surgery to 30 days after discharge

  3. Total hospital stay duration and/or the number of days spent in intensive care

    Evaluate the total hospital stay duration and/or the number of days spent in intensive care across the three groups.

    Measured: From the end of the surgery to 30 days after discharge

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted11 Mar 2025
  2. Study start2 Mar 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Oct 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
150 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06871150
Sponsor's protocol ID
24/2025
Acronym
SMART FLUID
Status last verified
Mar 2026
First submitted
25 Feb 2025
Last updated
25 Mar 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
Yes
Individual data sharing
Yes

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Flotrac sensor, HPI and HPI-AFM in people with Hemodynamic, run by ASST Sette Laghi at 3 sites in Italy.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 3 sites in Italy. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Luca Guzzetti Luca Guzzetti, MD (0039 0332393447, luca.guzzetti@asst-settelaghi.it), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

significant difference in intraoperative fluid administration volumes across three different protocols of GDHT supported by AI, in patients undergoing major abdominal oncological surgery (time frame: From start surgery to end surgery). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Mar 2026.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in