Understanding chronic pain after thoracic surgery

Transition from Acute to Chronic Pain After Thoracic Surgery

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10458646

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 IDNIH-10458646 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

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

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

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 performed: 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

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.