Clinical Research Directory

Low-Dose Rocuronium Maintenance During Spine Surgery With Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring

This randomized controlled trial will compare two strategies for rocuronium use during general anesthesia for spine surgery with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. Participants undergoing spine surgery under general anesthesia with motor evoked potential and/or somatosensory evoked potential monitoring will be randomized to either low-dose rocuronium maintenance targeting a train-of-four ratio of 0.60 to less than 0.90, or no rocuronium maintenance after induction. The main objective is to compare the effects of these two strategies on the quality of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, especially motor evoked potential signals. Secondary objectives include comparing surgical field conditions, unwanted patient movement, emergence and extubation times, early respiratory events, and new postoperative neurological deficits. The study will be conducted at the Center for Anesthesia and Surgical Intensive Care, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam. The planned sample size is 62 participants, with 31 participants in each group.

Pharmacological Reversal of Neuromuscular Blockade in Critically Ill Patients

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effect of use of reversal agents for neuromuscular blockade in critically ill patients on time for neurological assessment after endotracheal intubation The main questions it aims to answer are: * The use of reversal agents for neuromuscular blockade after endotracheal intubation may reduce the time for neurological assessment. * The types of reversal agents for neuromuscular blockade may affect the time for neurological assessment. Participants will receive different reversal agents or no medications based on the assigned groups. Thirty minutes after intubation using rocuronium, medication is administered, and the time of initial confirmation of eye opening and movement is recorded. Researchers will compare 3 groups (sugammadex, neostigmine and control(no medication) to see the difference of time for neurological assessment after endotracheal intubation.

Safety and Efficacy of HRS-9190 Compared to Rocuronium for Bolus Maintenance in Adults

The study will enroll adult patients scheduled for elective surgery requiring general anesthesia. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either HRS-9190 for Injection or Rocuronium. The primary objective is to measure the duration from the last dose of the study drug until the recovery of neuromuscular function to a specific level (TOFr ≥ 90%). Secondary objectives include evaluating the onset time and duration of action following each dose, the total time adequate muscle relaxation is maintained during surgery, and the detailed pattern of neuromuscular recovery. Safety assessments will include monitoring of adverse events, vital signs, laboratory parameters, and other safety indicators throughout the study period. The hypothesis of this study is that HRS-9190 for Injection could provide effective neuromuscular relaxation, with a satisfied safety profile in the target patient population.

Effect of Sarcopenia and Frailty on Rocuronium Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients

This prospective observational study aims to evaluate whether sarcopenia and frailty affect the pharmacodynamic profile of rocuronium in geriatric patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia.

Electromyographic Calibration Guided by Depth of Anesthesia

The goal of the CELESTE study is to evaluate whether calibration of EMG is needed for reliable interpretation of neuromuscular function and if so, to identify the minimal necessary depth of anesthesia.

Predicting Neuromuscular Recovery in Surgical Patients Using Machine Learning

Despite emerging efforts to decrease residual paralysis and postoperative complications with the use of quantitative neuromuscular monitoring and reversal agents their incidences remain high. In an optimal setting, neuromuscular blocking agents are dosed in a way that there is no residual block at the end of surgery. The effect of neuromuscular blocking agents, however, is highly variable and is not only influenced by their dose, but also by several patient-related factors such as muscle status, metabolic activity, and anesthesia management. Accordingly, the duration of action is difficult to predict. The PINES project will use artificial intelligence methods to develop a model that can accurately predict the course of action of neuromuscular blocking agents. It will be used to predict time to complete neuromuscular recovery (train-of-four \[TOF\] ratio \>0.9) and may provide as a decision support in the individual management of timing and dosing of neuromuscular blocking drugs and their reversal agents. In a secondary analysis, the association between the choice of neuromuscular blocking agent and postoperative pulmonary complications will be evaluated.

International Focus Group Discussion on Neuromuscular Monitoring.

Focus-Group based discussion designed to gain more in-depth information on factors that could lead to an increase in the adoption of neuromuscular monitoring taking into account different country-specific contexts.

Sarcopenia and Neuromuscular Block in Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery

This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the effects of sarcopenia on intraoperative neuromuscular block (NMB) in patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery. Adult patients scheduled for elective gastrointestinal cancer surgery will be grouped as sarcopenic or non-sarcopenic based on preoperative abdominal CT scans. Neuromuscular block parameters, including onset time, depth, duration, and recovery, will be objectively measured using TOF (Train-of-Four) monitoring. The study seeks to determine whether sarcopenia influences sensitivity to muscle relaxants and to contribute to individualized anesthesia management and patient safety.

Safety and Efficacy of HRS-9190 Compared to Cisatracurium for Continuous Intravenous Infusion in Adults

The study will enroll adult patients scheduled for elective surgery requiring general anesthesia. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either HRS-9190 for Injection or Cisatracurium. The primary objective is to measure the duration from cessation of the study drug infusion until the recovery of neuromuscular function to a specific level (TOFr ≥ 90%). Secondary objectives include onset time, duration of action, total time of adequate muscle relaxation during surgery, and neuromuscular recovery pattern.. Safety assessments will include monitoring of adverse events, vital signs, laboratory parameters, and other safety indicators throughout the study period. The hypothesis of this study is that HRS-9190 for Injection could provide effective neuromuscular relaxation, with a satisfied safety profile in the target patient population.

Prospective Randomized Trial of Moderate vs Deep Neuromuscular Blockade During Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair

The proposed study aims to assess the effect of different levels of muscle relaxation on the success of low-pressure insufflation, surgical conditions and patient recovery following laparoscopic repair of a ventral hernia (VHR) between 2 and 10cm in diameter. Patients will be randomized to moderate (TOF 1-2) or deep (post tetanic count 1-2) relaxation. Specific Aim 1. Compare two different modes of neuromuscular blockade (moderate and deep) on the ability to maintain low insufflation pressure during laparoscopic VHR. All procedures will start with low-pressure insufflation (8 mm Hg). Surgeon assessment of the conditions will be serially performed during surgery on an established visual scale. If conditions are deemed less than adequate (score 1-2), insufflation pressure will incrementally increase up to 15 mm Hg. Outcome for this specific aim will be the mean insufflation pressure during each procedure, and the ability to perform low-pressure laparoscopic VHR. Specific Aim 2. Evaluate the success of moderate neuromuscular blockade on the ability to maintain good conditions (visual scale grade 4 or 5) for each. Surgical conditions will be considered successful when scores are maintained at 4 or 5 throughout the duration of the procedure. Outcome for this aim will be the mean score for surgical condition assessment for each procedure, using a previously published surgeon-driven scoring system (score 4-5 will be used as a surrogate of good visualization). Specific Aim 3. Assess patient recovery with low and high insufflation pressures during laparoscopic VHR. Patient overall satisfaction with recovery, pain level, pain medication requirement, PONV incidence and severity will be assessed in multiple time points following surgery. Outcomes for this aim will be mean pain (visual scale), PONV severity (analogue score) and incidence (binary outcome), and patient satisfaction using the QoR-15 survey. Assessments will be performed at 30 minutes, 1, 12 and 24 hours following surgery.

Comparison of an Acceleromyography- and Electromyography-based Neuromuscular Monitor With TOF-Watch ® Monitor

A quantitative neuromuscular monitoring device is desirable to titrate the depth of neuromuscular block (NMB) during a procedure, and to prevent residual effects after removal of the endotracheal tube. Unfortunately, the most widely used monitoring technique acceleromyography (AMG) typically implies a series of cumbersome installation and calibration procedures that frequently precludes correct use of these devices in clinical practice. Electromyography (EMG) has recently attracted a lot of attention as an alternative strategy to compensate for the deficiency of AMG-based neuromuscular monitors. Nowadays, a new technology that allows for the simultaneous acquisition of EMG and AMG signals is commercially available. Although its reliability has been rapidly accepted in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the use of the technique in neuromuscular monitoring has never been reported. The aim of the present study is to assess the validity of the new device for estimating the neuromuscular block by comparing with TOF Watch®-SX, which is the most widely accepted AMG-based neuromuscular monitor that has been practiced in the clinical arena for decades.

TetraGraph to Evaluate Onset and Recovery Times of Rocuronium

In most clinical instances, direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation is performed after a set time (generally 60 seconds) following the administration of a neuromuscular (NM) blocking agent, rocuronium. Although the average onset time is 60 seconds, clinical studies show a standard deviation around the mean onset time of 10-20 seconds, meaning that a significant number of patients do not achieve complete NM blockade by 60 seconds. Given the above noted variability, complete NM blockade may not be achieved in 60 seconds in a significant percentage of patients, resulting in more problematic direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Various studies have shown a higher incidence of perioperative respiratory events and postoperative concerns (sore throat, vocal cord injury) when NM blockade is not complete prior to endotracheal intubation. This study aims to use the TetraGraph monitor to clearly identify onset times of rocuronium. Additionally, whenever feasible based on the clinical needs of the case, recovery times after the single dose of rocuronium will be recorded.

Risk of Acute Complications With Rocuronium vs Cisatracurium in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

The purpose of the study is to determine which combination of neuromuscular blocking agent and reversal agent is safer to use during anesthesia for patients with chronic kidney disease. The main question it aims to answer is "The use of Cisatracurium with neostigmine leads to less post-operative pulmonary complications than Rocuronium with sugammadex."

Comparison of the Performances of the cTOFR and the mTOFR During Reversal of Deep Neuromuscular Blockade With Sugammadex

It is known that deep neuromuscular block improves surgical conditions, especially during laparoscopic abdominal surgery. Based on this, in the Perioperative Neuromuscular Blockade Management guide published by the ESAIC association in 2022, it is recommended to deepen the level of neuromuscular blockade in cases where surgical conditions need to be improved. Sugammadex should be used to quickly and reliably reverse deep neuromuscular blockade. TOFScan, a 3-dimensional acceleromyograph for neuromuscular monitoring, has become widely used in recent years. With this monitor, it has been shown that in addition to the classical train-of-four ratio (cTOFR), the modified train-of-four ratio (mTOFR) can be used during the spontaneous recovery of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockade. In a study conducted by Schmartz et al. in 2021, it was shown that mTOFR, which is the ratio of T4 to the reference stimulus, was compiled later than cTOFR. Therefore, it is suggested that the mTOFR value is a better determinant for safe extubation.

Median Versus Ulnar Nerve Quantitative Electromyography Neuromuscular Blockade Monitoring Comparison

Medications used to relax the muscles are used during surgery. The amount of muscle relaxation can monitored with devices that stimulate a specific nerve and evaluate the muscle response. The response to, and recovery from, medications that relax the muscles are best described for a nerve in the arm called the ulnar nerve. The investigators believe that other nerves in the arm, such as the median nerve, could be used to monitor the amount of muscle relaxation. The purpose of this study is to compare the muscle response at two different nerve sites after giving medications to relax the muscles. This study is going to measure the depth of muscle relaxation during surgery at two different sites. The muscle response to stimulation of the ulnar nerve (located in the arm) will be compared to the muscle response to stimulation of the median nerve (also located in the arm).

NMBA Reversal and Postoperative Urinary Retention

In this single-center retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent surgery under general anesthesia at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center between September 2016 and January 2024, the association between the choice of neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) reversal strategy, comparing sugammadex with neostigmine (combined with a muscarinic antagonist), and postoperative urinary retention (POUR) will be evaluated. In secondary analyses, the effects of NMBA reversal strategy and POUR on costs of care and unplanned hospital visits will be analyzed.

Partial Neuromuscular Blockade in Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure

PNEUMA is a preliminary safety and feasibility trial of a novel approach to the titration of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) to safe spontaneous breathing in patients with moderate to severe acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) supported with invasive mechanical ventilation.

Reversal of Neuromuscular Blockade During the General Anaesthesia

There are individual reports indicating that after the reversal of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockade with neostigmine, some patients starts to relax spontaneously again after the tof ratio has already recovered to the safe level (\>90%). The mechanism behind this in not well understood, and the incidence of the phenomenon is unclear. In this study the investigators try to determine the incidence of the aforementioned postrecovery relaxation.

Neuromuscular Monitoring in Children (6 Months - 2 Years) With Electromyography and Acceleromyography

The aim of this study is to compare AMG and EMG (Philips IntelliVue NMT module and Senzime TetraGraph) in the objective monitoring of neuromuscular blocking in children between the age of 6 months and 2 years.The monitoring will be done bilaterally either on n.ulnaris or n. tibialis. The hypothesis of the study is that AMG will indicate faster recovery time (time to return to TOF 90%) from neuromuscular block than EMG.

Erector Spinae Block vs. Placebo Block Study

Regional anaesthesia combined with general anaesthesia has become common in the perioperative management of breast cancer surgery patients. Regional techniques have been recognised to provide excellent post-operative analgesia. It enhances multi-modal analgesia regimes while being opioid sparing, reducing incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting and allowing earlier mobilisation/discharge and improving treatment success. Therefore identifying the correct regional anaesthetic technique for this group of patients is important in providing optimum peri-operative care.

LIA vs. LIA + ACB-iPACK Block for Total Knee Arthroplasty

LIA is the mainstay of postoperative analgesia in patients having knee arthroplasty. The combination of ACB-iPACK blocks has also been proposed as an effective analgesic modality for total knee arthroplasty. However, whether combining these two modalities yields any important incremental analgesic benefit remains unclear. The investigators hypothesized that the addition of ACB and iPACK blocks to LIA will yield clinically important analgesic benefits compared to LIA alone in patients having total knee arthroplasty.

Deep Neuromuscular Blockade on Postoperative Pain

This study aims to investigate the impact of varying degrees of neuromuscular blockade on postoperative pain in pediatric patients aged over 2 months to under 7 years undergoing laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia.

Incidence of Residual Neuromuscular Blockade in Fraility in OncoGynae Surgery

Frailty among patients undergoing surgery is strongly associated with an elevated risk of adverse perioperative outcomes, heightened incidence of postoperative complications, increased mortality rates, and prolonged hospital length of stay. Our focus centers on investigating the frailty index in the context of complications experienced by patients undergoing oncologic gynecology surgery. The principal objective of this research is to elucidate the extent to which residual neuromuscular blocking agents are linked to frailty.

Evaluation of Neuromuscular Blockade Responses in Statin-Using and Non-Using Patients

This study aims to compare the neuromuscular blockade responses in patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia, with a focus on the use of statins. The study will assess the depth of neuromuscular blockade, recovery time, and postoperative residual curarization using Train-of-Four (TOF) monitoring, with the primary goal of determining whether statin use alters the neuromuscular blockade management.