Cardiac Anaesthesia Thesis Topics

Cardiac Anaesthesia Thesis Topics

Cardiac anaesthesia is a highly specialised branch focused on perioperative care of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery, valve replacement and repair, correction of congenital heart disease, and minimally invasive and hybrid cardiac procedures. It includes optimisation of high risk cardiac patients, management during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) support. This page provides a carefully structured and search engine optimised list of one hundred practical and clinically relevant cardiac anaesthesia thesis topics suitable for superspeciality trainees in India. Topics include comparative studies, cross sectional and observational designs, and mixed methods across areas such as haemodynamic monitoring, myocardial protection, ventilation strategies, paediatric cardiac anaesthesia, cardiopulmonary bypass techniques, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), intensive care management, pharmacology, and emerging technologies in cardiac anaesthesia practice.

1. Haemodynamic Monitoring in Cardiac Anaesthesia

Comparative evaluation of arterial waveform based cardiac output monitoring and pulmonary artery catheterisation in adult elective cardiac surgery. This study compares accuracy, trend tracking, complication rates, and impact on intraoperative decision making between advanced arterial waveform analysis and pulmonary artery catheter based monitoring in patients undergoing routine valve and coronary artery bypass procedures.
Prospective observational study of predictors of haemodynamic instability during weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. The study focuses on preoperative cardiac function, intraoperative variables, and TEE parameters to identify factors associated with severe hypotension or inotrope escalation during separation from CPB in adult cardiac surgical patients.
Cross sectional analysis of non invasive cardiac output monitoring devices in valve replacement surgery. This research assesses the agreement between non invasive cardiac output monitors and invasive reference techniques, and evaluates their ability to guide fluid and inotrope therapy during open heart surgery.
Comparative study of advanced pulse contour analysis versus transesophageal Doppler guided fluid responsiveness assessment in coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The thesis evaluates stroke volume variation and related indices against Doppler derived stroke volume optimisation, and their effect on postoperative renal function, haemodynamic stability, and length of ICU stay.
Observational study of haemodynamic trends during minimally invasive cardiac surgery using thoracoscopic and mini thoracotomy approaches. The study describes characteristic changes in preload, afterload, and cardiac output during positioning, one lung ventilation, and CPB, and their association with intraoperative complications.
Comparative analysis of invasive versus non invasive blood pressure monitoring in high risk cardiac surgical patients. This study compares agreement between invasive arterial blood pressure and non invasive oscillometric values, and examines whether sole reliance on non invasive monitoring would have altered critical clinical decisions.
Prospective observational study of right ventricular function indices as predictors of prolonged postoperative intensive care unit stay. The thesis assesses preoperative echocardiographic measures of right ventricular function and intraoperative TEE variables, and correlates them with duration of ventilatory support and ICU length of stay.
Cross sectional evaluation of central venous pressure and dynamic variables for prediction of fluid responsiveness in cardiac surgery. This project compares static central venous pressure values with dynamic indices such as stroke volume variation and pulse pressure variation in identifying patients who benefit from fluid loading during cardiac surgery.
Comparative study of dynamic preload indices and static volume based indices during off pump coronary artery bypass procedures. The study examines how dynamic parameters influence intraoperative fluid and vasopressor therapy compared to conventional central venous pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure targets, and their impact on postoperative outcomes.
Observational study of perioperative haemodynamic changes in patients requiring intra aortic balloon pump support. This thesis describes haemodynamic profiles before and after insertion of an intra aortic balloon pump, and identifies perioperative factors associated with favourable mechanical support outcomes.

2. Airway and Ventilation Strategies in Cardiac Anaesthesia

Comparative study of lung protective ventilation and conventional ventilation during cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. The research compares tidal volumes, positive end expiratory pressure strategies, and recruitment manoeuvres, and evaluates their effect on postoperative oxygenation, pulmonary complications, and ICU stay.
Observational study of clinical predictors of postoperative pulmonary complications in adult cardiac anaesthesia practice. This thesis analyses patient related, surgical, and anaesthetic risk factors, including pre existing lung disease and duration of mechanical ventilation, and correlates them with development of atelectasis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure.
Cross sectional evaluation of recruitment manoeuvres on oxygenation and lung compliance after separation from cardiopulmonary bypass. The study investigates different recruitment strategies at the end of CPB and their influence on immediate postoperative arterial oxygenation and lung mechanics in adult patients.
Comparative study of pressure controlled ventilation and volume controlled ventilation in paediatric congenital heart disease surgery. This project evaluates intraoperative gas exchange, peak airway pressures, and postoperative extubation outcomes when using pressure controlled versus volume controlled modes in children with complex cardiac lesions.
Observational study of airway related difficulties and complications in patients undergoing redo cardiac surgery. The thesis documents incidence of difficult mask ventilation, difficult laryngoscopy, and airway trauma, and examines their association with previous sternotomy, neck and chest anatomy, and preoperative imaging findings.
Comparative evaluation of high flow nasal oxygen and conventional oxygen therapy during awake cardiac procedures and sedation in the operating room. This study assesses oxygenation, carbon dioxide clearance, patient comfort, and need for airway interventions during procedures performed under monitored anaesthesia care.
Cross sectional study of lung ultrasound patterns predicting successful extubation after cardiac surgery. The project correlates lung ultrasound scores with readiness for extubation and incidence of extubation failure, and explores the role of bedside ultrasound in ventilator weaning decisions.
Observational analysis of ventilatory parameters influencing right ventricular performance in cardiac surgery. This research evaluates the effects of tidal volume, positive end expiratory pressure, and mean airway pressure on right ventricular function assessed by TEE and haemodynamic monitoring.
Comparative study of early versus delayed extubation strategies after elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The thesis compares criteria based early extubation protocols with conventional overnight ventilation, focusing on haemodynamic stability, postoperative complications, and ICU resource utilisation.
Study of clinical and intraoperative predictors of failed fast track extubation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This study identifies patient characteristics, intraoperative events, and postoperative factors associated with failure to achieve planned early extubation in a cardiac anaesthesia setting.

3. Myocardial Protection and Cardioplegia

Comparative study of blood cardioplegia and crystalloid cardioplegia for myocardial protection in adult coronary artery bypass surgery. This thesis evaluates postoperative ventricular function, requirement of inotropic support, biochemical markers of myocardial injury, and ICU outcomes in patients receiving different cardioplegia solutions.
Observational study of myocardial injury markers following warm cardioplegia and cold cardioplegia techniques. The research analyses serial cardiac enzyme levels, electrocardiographic changes, and echocardiographic findings to assess the burden of myocardial injury associated with different temperature strategies.
Cross sectional analysis of cardioplegia delivery methods and their influence on aortic cross clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass durations. This project compares antegrade, retrograde, and combined delivery routes, and assesses operative times, completeness of myocardial arrest, and ease of administration from the anaesthesiologist’s perspective.
Comparative evaluation of intermittent and continuous cardioplegia in valve replacement and repair surgeries. The thesis assesses intraoperative metabolic parameters, ease of surgical field exposure, postoperative ventricular function, and the incidence of low cardiac output states in both techniques.
Observational study of myocardial protection strategies in paediatric cardiac surgery practice. This study documents cardioplegia types, temperatures, and dosing intervals used for children, and correlates them with postoperative ventricular performance and ICU outcomes.
Comparative analysis of del Nido cardioplegia and conventional multi dose cardioplegia in adult cardiac procedures. The research compares ease of administration, number of cardioplegia doses, operative times, and postoperative cardiac function in patients undergoing valvular and coronary surgeries.
Study of predictive markers of myocardial dysfunction after prolonged aortic cross clamp time in cardiac surgery. This project investigates preoperative risk factors, intraoperative blood gas and electrolyte trends, and TEE derived indices that are associated with postoperative myocardial depression.
Cross sectional evaluation of metabolic recovery profiles after different cardioplegia compositions. The thesis assesses lactate trends, acid base balance, and oxygen delivery parameters in the immediate postoperative period to compare various myocardial protection strategies.
Comparative study of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography parameters of myocardial contractility under different cardioplegia regimens. This research uses TEE derived indices such as fractional area change and tissue Doppler velocities to assess the functional impact of selected cardioplegia types on ventricular performance.
Observational study of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography markers of myocardial ischaemia and their association with postoperative outcomes. The project documents regional wall motion abnormalities visualised on TEE and correlates them with enzyme elevation, arrhythmias, and need for inotropic or mechanical support.

4. Perioperative Outcomes in Cardiac Surgery

Comparative study of early ambulation protocols and conventional mobilisation after elective coronary artery bypass surgery. The thesis evaluates postoperative pain, haemodynamic stability, incidence of venous thromboembolism, and overall hospital length of stay in patients mobilised early versus late.
Observational study of predictors of prolonged intensive care unit stay in adult cardiac surgical patients. This research identifies preoperative comorbidities, intraoperative events, and immediate postoperative complications that are associated with an extended ICU stay beyond the planned duration.
Cross sectional analysis of performance of commonly used perioperative risk scores in Indian cardiac surgical patients. The thesis compares predicted and observed mortality and morbidity for risk scoring systems, and assesses their calibration and discrimination in the local population.
Comparative study of thoracic epidural analgesia and paravertebral block for postoperative pain management in cardiac surgery. This project assesses pain scores, respiratory function, haemodynamic stability, and complications such as hypotension and epidural haematoma in patients receiving two regional anaesthesia techniques.
Observational analysis of perioperative complication patterns in off pump and on pump coronary artery bypass procedures. The study examines myocardial infarction, neurological events, renal dysfunction, and need for blood transfusion in relation to the use or avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass.
Comparative outcomes of minimally invasive valve surgery and conventional median sternotomy approaches. This thesis compares operative duration, blood loss, postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, and patient satisfaction between the two techniques in a cardiac anaesthesia setting.
Observational study of risk factors for new onset atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. The research focuses on age, left atrial size, perioperative inflammation, and electrolyte disturbances, and their association with atrial fibrillation and related morbidity.
Study of extubation timing as a predictor of global postoperative recovery after cardiac surgery. This project correlates early versus delayed extubation with intensive care and hospital stay, complication rates, and resource utilisation in a tertiary care institution.
Comparative evaluation of different anticoagulation reversal strategies and postoperative bleeding after cardiac surgery. The thesis examines protamine dosing protocols, coagulation test directed reversal, and point of care guided algorithms, and their effect on chest tube drainage and transfusion requirements.
Observational study of factors associated with readmission within thirty days after cardiac surgery. This research identifies surgical, anaesthetic, and socio demographic variables that predispose to early readmission and explores possibilities for improving discharge planning.

5. Transesophageal Echocardiography in Cardiac Anaesthesia

Comparative study of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography for assessment of valve repair adequacy. This thesis evaluates the sensitivity of TEE and transthoracic echocardiography in detecting residual regurgitation or stenosis after valve repair, and their impact on the need for immediate surgical revision.
Observational study of transesophageal echocardiography predictors of difficulty in weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. The research correlates TEE derived indices of ventricular function, valvular competence, and volume status with episodes of haemodynamic instability during separation from CPB.
Cross sectional evaluation of transesophageal echocardiography parameters associated with postoperative low cardiac output syndrome. This project identifies pre weaning and immediate post bypass TEE findings that predict requirement of high dose inotropes or mechanical circulatory support in the postoperative period.
Comparative assessment of two dimensional and three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in characterisation of mitral valve pathology. The thesis compares image quality, accuracy of valve anatomy delineation, and influence on surgical planning between conventional two dimensional and advanced three dimensional imaging.
Observational study on the role of transesophageal echocardiography in minimally invasive cardiac surgery. This study describes how TEE guides cannulation, de air procedures, and verification of repair quality in minimally invasive techniques, and documents related complications.
Comparative evaluation of transesophageal echocardiography derived cardiac output and thermodilution based cardiac output in adult cardiac surgery. The project assesses agreement and trending ability of TEE methods compared with the pulmonary artery catheter, and explores clinical situations in which each method is more useful.
Cross sectional study of transesophageal echocardiography detection of regional wall motion abnormalities during coronary artery bypass surgery. This thesis documents the incidence, timing, and distribution of regional wall motion changes on TEE and correlates them with graft placement, electrocardiographic changes, and postoperative outcomes.
Observational analysis of transesophageal echocardiography parameters associated with perioperative arrhythmias. The research explores relationships between chamber sizes, valvular lesions, ventricular function, and the occurrence of clinically significant arrhythmias during and after cardiac surgery.
Comparative study of early versus delayed extubation protocols guided by transesophageal echocardiography findings. This project assesses whether TEE based confirmation of ventricular function and absence of significant residual lesions can safely support early extubation in selected cardiac surgical patients.
Observational study of transesophageal echocardiography findings that predict postoperative low cardiac output syndrome. The thesis investigates structural and functional TEE features that should alert the cardiac anaesthesiologist to an increased risk of circulatory failure after surgery.

6. Paediatric Cardiac Anaesthesia

Comparative study of inhalational induction and intravenous induction in children undergoing congenital heart disease surgery. This research evaluates haemodynamic stability, ease of airway management, and recovery characteristics in paediatric patients with different types of congenital heart disease.
Observational study of predictors of duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation in paediatric cardiac surgery. The project analyses preoperative nutritional status, cardiac lesion complexity, intraoperative variables, and postoperative complications to identify factors that prolong ventilatory support.
Cross sectional analysis of anaesthetic drug requirements according to complexity of congenital heart disease. This thesis compares induction and maintenance dose patterns across simple, moderate, and complex cardiac lesions, and explores relationships with haemodynamic responses.
Comparative study of different cardiopulmonary bypass prime compositions in paediatric cardiac surgery. The research evaluates haemodilution, electrolyte imbalance, inflammatory markers, and postoperative recovery in children receiving various CPB prime solutions.
Observational analysis of haemodynamic variability in cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease during corrective surgery. This project describes characteristic blood pressure and oxygenation patterns in both groups and highlights implications for intraoperative anaesthetic management.
Comparative study of fast track anaesthesia protocols in paediatric and adult cardiac surgery. The thesis examines feasibility, extubation times, ICU stay, and complication rates when using structured fast track protocols among children and adults.
Cross sectional evaluation of postoperative pain management strategies in paediatric cardiac surgery patients. This research compares systemic analgesia, regional techniques, and multimodal approaches with respect to pain scores, respiratory function, and adverse effects.
Observational study of perioperative complications in neonatal cardiac surgery. The project documents haemodynamic instability, arrhythmias, bleeding, and organ dysfunction in neonates and explores modifiable anaesthetic factors associated with these complications.
Comparative evaluation of blood transfusion triggers in paediatric and adult cardiac surgery practice. This thesis compares haemoglobin thresholds, point of care testing, and clinical criteria used to guide transfusion decisions in two age groups, and their effect on outcomes.
Observational study of predictors of extubation failure in paediatric cardiac intensive care units. The research identifies clinical, radiological, and echocardiographic factors that contribute to failed extubation and reintubation in children after cardiac surgery.

7. Cardiopulmonary Bypass Techniques

Comparative study of normothermic and hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass on postoperative neurological outcomes. This thesis assesses neurocognitive function, incidence of stroke, and delirium in patients undergoing CPB at different temperature targets.
Observational study of cardiopulmonary bypass duration as a predictor of acute kidney injury. The research analyses CPB time, intraoperative haemodynamics, and perioperative risk factors in relation to the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery.
Cross sectional analysis of circuit modifications in cardiopulmonary bypass and their effect on inflammatory response. This project evaluates leukocyte filters, biocompatible coatings, and circuit miniaturisation, and measures inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes.
Comparative evaluation of heparin coated and non coated cardiopulmonary bypass circuits in adult cardiac surgery. The thesis compares coagulation profile changes, transfusion requirements, and postoperative bleeding between patients receiving two types of CPB circuits.
Observational study of cardiopulmonary bypass flow rates and adequacy of organ perfusion. This study correlates indexed pump flow settings with markers of tissue perfusion such as lactate levels and urine output, and examines associated outcomes.
Comparative analysis of pulsatile and non pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass flow on organ function. The project evaluates renal, neurological, and myocardial function after use of pulsatile versus non pulsatile flow patterns during CPB.
Study of risk factors for coagulopathy following prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass. This thesis investigates the relationship between CPB duration, hypothermia, transfusion practices, and laboratory indicators of coagulopathy with clinical bleeding.
Cross sectional Doppler evaluation of microembolic signals during cardiopulmonary bypass. The research records microembolic signals in cerebral circulation during different phases of CPB and relates them to neurological and cognitive outcomes.
Comparative study of ultrafiltration techniques and postoperative fluid balance in cardiac surgery. This project compares conventional ultrafiltration and modified ultrafiltration protocols with respect to haemodynamics, lung mechanics, and recovery.
Observational study of postoperative cognitive dysfunction and its association with cardiopulmonary bypass parameters. The thesis correlates neurocognitive testing results with CPB duration, nadir haematocrit, temperature management, and microembolic load.

8. Postoperative Intensive Care Management in Cardiac Anaesthesia

Observational study of predictors of prolonged mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery. This research identifies demographic factors, comorbidities, intraoperative events, and early postoperative parameters that lead to an extended duration of ventilatory support.
Comparative study of different sedation protocols and their impact on weaning and extubation in cardiac intensive care units. The thesis compares benzodiazepine based regimens with propofol or dexmedetomidine based strategies, focusing on time to awakening, duration of ventilation, and incidence of delirium.
Cross sectional analysis of infection patterns in cardiac intensive care units. This project examines types of infections, causative organisms, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and risk factors among post cardiac surgery patients in the ICU.
Comparative evaluation of restrictive and liberal fluid management strategies in the early postoperative period. The study assesses organ function, oxygenation, and ICU stay when targeting lower versus higher fluid balances in cardiac surgery patients.
Observational study of renal biomarkers in prediction of acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery. The thesis evaluates early biomarkers such as serum cystatin C and urine neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin in comparison with traditional serum creatinine for prediction of AKI.
Comparative analysis of vasopressor strategies in management of low cardiac output states after cardiac surgery. This research compares combinations of noradrenaline, adrenaline, vasopressin, and inodilators with respect to haemodynamic goals and organ perfusion in the ICU.
Study of nutritional strategies and their effect on recovery outcomes in post cardiac surgery intensive care units. The project evaluates early enteral nutrition versus delayed or parenteral nutrition, and correlates them with infection rates, wound healing, and hospital stay.
Observational study of arrhythmia patterns in the first twenty four hours after admission to the cardiac intensive care unit. The thesis documents types and frequency of arrhythmias, associated risk factors, and therapeutic interventions required in the immediate postoperative period.
Comparative study of early mobilisation and conventional mobilisation protocols in the cardiac intensive care unit. This research assesses feasibility, safety, muscle strength, functional status at discharge, and length of stay in patients undergoing early mobilisation.
Cross sectional analysis of delirium incidence and associated risk factors in post cardiac surgery intensive care units. The project uses validated delirium assessment tools to identify its frequency, and relates it to sedation practices, sleep disruption, pain, and inflammatory markers.

9. Pharmacological Advances in Cardiac Anaesthesia

Comparative study of dexmedetomidine and propofol for postoperative sedation in adult cardiac intensive care units. This thesis compares time to extubation, haemodynamic stability, incidence of delirium, and patient comfort between two commonly used sedative agents.
Observational study of intraoperative vasopressor requirements in surgery for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The research explores patterns of vasopressor use, factors influencing hypotension, and their relationship with dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.
Cross sectional analysis of antifibrinolytic therapy and postoperative bleeding outcomes in cardiac surgery. The project assesses use of tranexamic acid and other antifibrinolytic agents, and correlates them with chest tube drainage, transfusion needs, and thrombotic complications.
Comparative study of opioid free anaesthesia and opioid based anaesthesia in cardiac surgery. This thesis evaluates intraoperative haemodynamics, postoperative pain control, respiratory function, and recovery profiles when opioids are minimised or avoided.
Observational study of perioperative beta blocker therapy and incidence of arrhythmias after cardiac surgery. The research examines adherence to beta blocker protocols, timing of administration, and occurrence of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.
Comparative evaluation of milrinone and dobutamine in low ejection fraction cardiac surgical patients. This project compares haemodynamic improvement, requirement of additional vasopressors, and renal function in patients receiving two different inodilators.
Cross sectional study of anticoagulation reversal patterns and surgical site bleeding after cardiac surgery. The thesis looks at protamine dosing strategies, point of care coagulation testing, and their association with re exploration for bleeding.
Observational study of intraoperative insulin protocols in diabetic cardiac surgery patients. The research compares continuous insulin infusions and intermittent bolus regimens with respect to glycaemic control, hypoglycaemia, and postoperative infection rates.
Comparative study of perioperative magnesium infusion for prevention of ventricular arrhythmias after coronary artery bypass surgery. This project evaluates frequency of ventricular arrhythmias, need for antiarrhythmic drugs, and safety of magnesium supplementation in the perioperative period.
Observational analysis of pulmonary vasodilator strategies in patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing cardiac surgery. The thesis examines use of inhaled nitric oxide, prostacyclin analogues, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and their influence on right ventricular function and outcomes.

10. Innovations and Emerging Technologies in Cardiac Anaesthesia

Comparative study of robotic and conventional cardiac surgery from an anaesthetic and perioperative perspective. This research compares positioning, ventilation strategies, haemodynamic challenges, analgesia, and recovery in patients undergoing robotic assisted and open cardiac procedures.
Observational study of perioperative outcomes in hybrid operating rooms used for cardiac procedures. The thesis evaluates workflow, radiation exposure, contrast use, and complication rates for combined surgical and interventional cardiology procedures performed in hybrid suites.
Cross sectional analysis of artificial intelligence based tools for prediction of complications after coronary artery bypass surgery. This project assesses the performance of predictive models that incorporate clinical and intraoperative data, and compares them with traditional risk scores.
Comparative evaluation of minimally invasive valve repair and conventional open valve repair from the anaesthesiologist’s perspective. The research focuses on access related challenges, monitoring strategies, blood loss, and postoperative outcomes associated with minimally invasive techniques.
Observational study of wearable cardiac monitoring devices in the early post discharge period after cardiac surgery. This thesis examines detection of arrhythmias, patient compliance, and the impact of remote monitoring on readmission and emergency visits.
Study of ultrasound guided regional anaesthesia techniques as part of enhanced recovery pathways in cardiac surgery. The project evaluates the use of paravertebral, erector spinae plane, and pectoral nerve blocks for pain control, opioid sparing, and early mobilisation.
Comparative analysis of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and intra aortic balloon pump support in perioperative cardiac failure. This research compares indications, timing of initiation, complications, and survival outcomes for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and intra aortic balloon pump (IABP) support.
Cross sectional evaluation of remote monitoring systems in cardiac anaesthesia intensive care units. The thesis studies utilisation of tele monitoring platforms for vital signs, alarms, and video communication, and their influence on safety and staffing.
Observational study of simulation and virtual reality based training modules for cardiac anaesthesia residents. This project assesses improvement in technical skills, crisis resource management, and confidence levels after structured simulation and virtual reality sessions.
Comparative study of tele intensive care unit rounds and conventional bedside rounds in post cardiac surgery care. The research compares clinical outcomes, decision making efficiency, and satisfaction among staff and patients when tele intensive care unit technology is used to supplement bedside care.
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