Home › Trials › NCT03687411
Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 21 to 75 Women only

Automated ultrasound system for spinal landmark identification

Official title: Development of an Ultrasound Guided Automated Spinal Landmark Identification System (uSINE Study)

Run by KK Women's and Children's Hospital · NCT03687411 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new ultrasound system to help doctors find the right spots on the spine for needle insertion, aiming to make the process safer and more accurate for patients.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages21 Years to 75 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment200 (estimated)
SponsorKK Women's and Children's Hospital
Government
Locations1 site (Singapore)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 24, 2018
Main results expectedOctober 14, 2026
Study endsDecember 31, 2027
Registry record updatedAugust 7, 2026
Trial IDNCT03687411 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include patients aged 21-75 requiring neuraxial anesthesia, with specific inclusion criteria based on body mass index.

Probably not a fit

Patients with a history of scoliosis, spinal instrumentation, or drug allergies to ultrasound gel may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop and evaluate an ultrasound guided automated spinal landmark identification system (uSINE) to enhance the accuracy and safety of neuraxial needle insertion. The approach involves using real-time ultrasound imaging to identify spinal landmarks, which is expected to reduce the number of failed attempts and complications associated with traditional palpation techniques. The study will recruit 20 subjects, including both non-obese and obese patients, to assess the efficacy of this innovative technology in a prospective cohort design. The system will provide guidance to anesthetists during the procedure, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this system could significantly improve the success rate of neuraxial procedures and reduce patient discomfort and complications.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown the effectiveness of ultrasound imaging in improving spinal anesthesia techniques, but this specific automated approach is novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

First phase:

* Age 21 - 75 years old patients who require neuraxial anesthesia for surgical procedure;
* Normal body mass index (Weight 40-90 kg, Height 140-180cm).

Second-fourth phases:

* Obese patients aged between 21-75 years old;
* body mass index more than 30.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of scoliosis;
* History of spinal instrumentation;
* Drug allergy to ultrasound transmission gel;
* Visible wound or injury in the lumbar spine.

Where it's running

  • KK Women's and Children's Hospital
    Singapore, Singapore     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ Find more trials like this →
Browse more
Spinal Anaesthesia 2Obesity 1426KK Women's and Children's Hospital 24
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.