Design: Randomised-controlled, double blind study, monocentric Setting: Level 2 medical center, major surgery (non cardiac) Ethics: Ethical approval for this study (Ethikkommission II der Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg 2013-627N-MA) was provided by the Ethical Committee II University Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany (Chairperson Prof W. Striebel) on Mai 12th 2008.~Patients: n=130, aged > 70y Intervention: Light anesthesia (BIS 55 +/-5) vs. Standard of Care (BIS- blinded) Main outcome measures: Incidence of awareness, delirium, postoperative cognitive deficit (POCD), dementia (POD), memory (MAT with a computerized score for verbal working&short term, figural working&short term memories and well as attention level) Second aims: mortality, complications
This study aimed to determine whether targeting bispectral index (BIS) readings of 55 (light anaesthesia) was associated with a lower incidence of delirium, dementia (POD), POCD and mortality but higher rates of awareness and complications than a standard of care anaesthesia blinded to depth monitoring.