Intravenous Esketamine on Prevention of Postoperative Depression in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

This randomised, quadruple-blind, parallel-group study evaluates whether a single subanaesthetic intravenous esketamine infusion (0.3 mg/kg, infused over 40 minutes before anaesthesia) prevents or mitigates postoperative depressive symptoms in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Primary purpose is prevention; outcomes include incidence and severity of postoperative depression assessed by qualified psychiatric clinicians with follow-up assessments. Estimated enrollment is 80 participants.