NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding chronic pain after thoracic surgery

Official title: Transition from Acute to Chronic Pain After Thoracic Surgery

Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10458646 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at why some people develop long-lasting pain after having chest surgery, and it aims to find out what factors might contribute to this so we can help improve recovery for those patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2020
Project endJuly 31, 2025
Funding year2022
Award (this year)$700,000
NIH project number5UM1NS118922-03
Project IDNIH-10458646 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals scheduled to undergo thoracic surgery who are at risk for developing chronic pain.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not undergone thoracic surgery or those with pre-existing chronic pain conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the transition from acute to chronic pain in patients who have undergone thoracic surgery. It aims to identify various patient and care factors that contribute to the development of chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP), which affects a significant percentage of these patients. The study will utilize advanced techniques such as neuroimaging, sensory testing, and genetic analysis to better understand the risk factors associated with CPSP. By collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of pain mechanisms and improve patient outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing chronic pain in patients after thoracic surgery.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying risk factors for chronic pain in other surgical populations, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
    Ann Arbor, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Brummett, Chad M — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
  • Study coordinator: Brummett, Chad M

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • Whole Person Pain Algorithm to personalize chronic pain care

    A new, evidence-based model helps explain why chronic low back pain affects people differently and could guide personalized diagnosis and treatment.

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  • Understanding how to use pharmacogenomic testing to guide chronic pain care

    This grant looks at how doctors who treat long‑term pain decide when and how to use genetic testing to tailor pain medicines for safer and more effective care.

    NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11602241

  • Mindfulness and Self-Hypnosis for Pain in Older Adults

    This grant tests non-drug ways like mindfulness and self-hypnosis to help people over 60 manage chronic pain.

    NIH research University of Washington · Seattle, United States · NIH-11599794

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.