Comparing pain management methods after pectus surgery

Prospective Randomized Trial of Efficacy and Safety of Erector Spinae Catheter and Intercostal Nerve Cryoablation Protocols After Pectus Surgery

NA · Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati · NCT06682208

This study is testing whether using an ES catheter or cryoablation helps people recovering from pectus surgery manage their pain better and reach their physical therapy goals.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment176 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 21 Years
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati (other)
Locations1 site (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06682208 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial involves participants who are scheduled to undergo the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum. They will be randomly assigned to receive either an ES catheter or cryoablation for postoperative pain management. The study aims to evaluate various outcomes, including the time to achieve physical therapy goals, opioid usage, sensation recovery, and the incidence of neuropathic pain over a 12-month period. Participants will complete surveys to assess their recovery and pain levels.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 21 who have a history of pectus excavatum and are scheduled for the Nuss procedure.

Not a fit: Patients with prior pectus repair, chronic pain conditions, or severe developmental delays may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients recovering from pectus surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored pain management techniques in surgical settings, but this specific comparison of ES catheter and cryoablation is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 12 - 21 years
* History of pectus excavatum
* Scheduled for Nuss procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior pectus repair
* Other concomitant surgeries
* Chronic pain conditions including Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
* Non-English speaking - rationale: the questionnaires used in the study are in English language and the social and cultural factors of pain perception of non-English speaking patients could affect the study power
* Severe developmental delays including cognitive (difficulties understanding), motor (cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy), and speech delays (difficulties communicating)
* History of or active renal or liver disease
* Major surgery requiring opioids in the last 2 years
* Severe respiratory problems (such as obstructive sleep apnea, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, or pneumonia within the last month)
* Cardiac conditions including, but not limited to, cyanotic heart disease, hypoplastic left ventricle, arrhythmia, uncontrolled hypertension with ongoing treatment, Kawasaki disease, or cardiomyopathies. Participants with asymptomatic valvular lesions or defects may be included
* BMI \>35
* Pregnant or breastfeeding females

Where this trial is running

Cincinnati, Ohio

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pectus Excavatum

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.