Clinical Research Directory

Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane (SPSIP) Block Versus Intercostal Nerve (ICN) Block in Patients Undergoing Uniportal-VATS.

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane (SPSIP) block compared to the Intercostal Nerve (ICN) block for postoperative pain control, reduction of opioid analgesic consumption, minimization of postoperative respiratory complications, and enhancement of patient satisfaction (measured using the QoR-15 index) in patients undergoing Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (Uniportal VATS).

EIT Evaluation of Pulmonary Ventilation With Different Ropivacaine Concentrations in Intercostal Nerve Blockade

This study aims to find out how different strengths of the anesthetic drug ropivacaine affect lung breathing function when used in intercostal nerve block (a type of local anesthesia) for breast quadrantectomy surgery. Researchers will use a non-invasive imaging technique called electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to monitor lung ventilation in real time. Why is this study being done? Intercostal nerve block is a common anesthesia method for breast surgeries, but the ideal strength of ropivacaine that balances effective pain relief with safety for lung function is not fully clear. EIT can help measure how each drug strength affects breathing by showing changes in lung airflow. What will happen in the study? Participants: 72 adults scheduled for breast quadrantectomy, aged 18-80, will be randomly assigned to receive one of three ropivacaine strengths (0.25%, 0.375%, or 0.5%) during intercostal nerve block. Procedures: After anesthesia, EIT will monitor lung ventilation before and after the block. Researchers will measure: How much each lung side contributes to breathing during quiet and deep breaths. How quickly the anesthesia works, pain levels during surgery, and any side effects (like difficulty breathing or allergic reactions). Who can join? Adults having elective breast quadrantectomy. ASA physical status I-II (generally healthy to mildly ill). BMI \<35 kg/m². No history of nerve block allergies, breathing problems, or certain lung diseases. What are the possible benefits? The study may help doctors choose the best ropivacaine strength to ensure good pain control while minimizing risks to lung function, especially for same-day surgery patients. What are the risks? Potential risks include rare side effects from the anesthetic (like allergic reactions or low blood pressure) or temporary breathing changes, which will be closely monitored. How is the study designed? This is a double-blind, randomized trial (neither patients nor doctors know which drug strength is used) at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center.

Cryo Nerve Block Trial

Background Minimally invasive lung surgery, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS), has become more common for lung resections because it leads to faster recovery, less pain, and shorter hospital stays. However, pain after surgery remains a major issue. Current guidelines suggest using a combination of pain management strategies to reduce the use of opioids and their side effects. Intercostal cryo-analgesia (ICCA), a technique that uses cold to reduce nerve activity, may help lower pain and opioid use after surgery. However, there is limited research on ICCA, with most studies having small sample sizes and lacking randomized controlled trials. More research is needed to compare ICCA with standard pain management in patients having minimally invasive lung surgery. Objective: The goal of this study is to determine if ICCA improves recovery compared to the standard pain management after minimally invasive lung surgery. We aim to measure recovery time and quality using the Quality of Recovery 15 (QoR-15) questionnaire. We expect that ICCA will result in better recovery, less pain, less use of opioids, and shorter hospital stays, without increasing the risk of nerve damage or other complications. Study Design: This will be a single-center, blinded, randomized controlled trial, along with an observational registry. Study Population: The study will include adults who are having elective minimally invasive lung resections. Intervention: Patients in the intervention group will receive ICCA in addition to the standard pain management after surgery. ICCA will be administered by the surgeon before closing the wound, targeting the intercostal nerves between ribs 3 and 7. Main Study Parameters/Endpoints: The main outcome will be recovery time, measured using the QoR-15 questionnaire. The QoR-15 assesses overall recovery after surgery across several areas, with a score of 118 or higher indicating good recovery. The questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool to measure recovery from surgery. Risks and Benefits: This trial will examine the effects of adding ICCA to the standard pain management protocol. Potential risks include numbness or nerve damage, neuropathic pain (pain caused by nerve injury), or complications like bleeding (hematoma) or lung collapse (pneumothorax) at the treatment site. The potential benefits of ICCA include better recovery, reduced opioid use, less pain, shorter hospital stays, and fewer breathing problems after surgery.