Comparing muscle response monitoring using median and ulnar nerves during surgery
Median Versus Ulnar Nerve Quantitative Electromyography Neuromuscular Blockade Monitoring Comparison
This study is testing if monitoring muscle responses from the median nerve during surgery is just as good as using the ulnar nerve for people under general anesthesia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Loma Linda University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Loma Linda, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06553131 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to compare the muscle response to neuromuscular blockade at two different nerve sites in the arm: the ulnar nerve and the median nerve. Electromyography will be used to measure the depth of muscle relaxation during elective surgeries requiring general anesthesia. Participants will have electrodes placed on both arms to stimulate the ulnar nerve on one side and the median nerve on the other, allowing for a direct comparison of their responses. The study will help determine if the median nerve can provide comparable information to the ulnar nerve regarding neuromuscular transmission.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 75 scheduled for elective surgeries requiring muscle relaxation under general anesthesia.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to rocuronium, neuromuscular diseases, or significant upper extremity issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve monitoring techniques for neuromuscular blockade, leading to better patient outcomes during surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While the ulnar nerve is the standard for monitoring, this approach using the median nerve is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 18 - 75 years of age who are able to provide consent * Scheduled for elective surgery requiring muscle relaxation, in a supine position under general anesthesia, with an anticipated duration of at least 1.5 hours Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindication to rocuronium use * Comorbidities that may prolong the duration of neuromuscular blockade or alter pharmacodynamics and/or pharmacokinetics, such as: * Neuromuscular disease * Expected or known difficult airway * Rocuronium allergy * BMI \< 18.5 or \> 40 * History of adhesive allergy * Upper extremity weakness, limb deformity, or absence of all or part of an upper limb * Patients undergoing surgical procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass
Where this trial is running
Loma Linda, California
- Loma Linda University Troesch Medical Center — Loma Linda, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael Benggon, MD — Loma Linda University
- Study coordinator: Melissa D McCabe, MD, MSCR
- Email: mmccabe@llu.edu
- Phone: 909 558 4475
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.