Botulinum toxin injection with ultrasound guidance for cricopharyngeal achalasia

Effect of Botulinum Toxin Injection Guided by Ultrasound Combined With Balloon Localization on Cricopharyngeal Achalasia

Not applicable Interventional The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University · NCT06213662

This study is testing if ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin injections can help people with cricopharyngeal achalasia swallow better when standard treatments haven't worked.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Zhengzhou)
Trial IDNCT06213662 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of botulinum toxin type A injections, guided by ultrasound and combined with balloon localization, to treat cricopharyngeal achalasia, a condition that impairs swallowing. Patients who have not improved with standard rehabilitation therapy will receive targeted injections to relieve muscle spasms in the cricopharyngeal muscle. Additionally, participants will undergo daily swallowing training to enhance their swallowing function. The goal is to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from dysphagia due to this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients diagnosed with cricopharyngeal achalasia who have not seen improvement after at least two weeks of rehabilitation therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment, mental illness, or significant cardiopulmonary disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve swallowing function and quality of life for patients with cricopharyngeal achalasia.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using botulinum toxin for similar conditions, indicating that this approach is supported by existing evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* The videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) confirmed that the cricopharyngeal muscle was not open/closed
* Patients with no significant improvement in swallowing function after more than 2 weeks of standardized rehabilitation therapy (FOIS unchanged or decreased)
* In the presence of swallowing initiation, VFSS is seen in swallowing with an upward motion of the hyoid greater than half the height of the C3 cone
* Vital signs stable, conscious, treatment cooperative
* The patient himself or his family members sign the written informed consent voluntarily

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with severe cognitive impairment, mental illness, and severe cardiopulmonary disease
* The structure of the throat is abnormal
* Malignant tumor patient
* Infection or wound at the injection site
* People allergic to botulinum toxin
* Bleeding tendency and coagulation disorder

Where this trial is running

Zhengzhou

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cricopharyngeal AchalasiaDysphagiaBotulinum Toxins
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.