Comparing two methods for inserting nerve blocks in shoulder surgery

Randomizes Control Trial (RCT): Superiority Study on Inter Scalene Block Execution Time for Shoulder Traumatology Surgery and Non-inferiority for Effectiveness Between Two Block Methods: Catheter Over Needle (CON) vs Catheter Through Needle (CTN).

Not applicable Interventional Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile · NCT05960799

This study is testing whether a new way to insert nerve blocks can be done faster than the traditional method for adults having shoulder surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile Academic / other
Locations1 site (Santiago de Chile, Santiago)
Trial IDNCT05960799 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the insertion times of two types of perineural catheters used for continuous nerve blocks in shoulder surgeries. The study will evaluate the Catheter Over Needle (CON) technique against the traditional Catheter Through Needle (CTN) method. The hypothesis is that the CON technique will allow for faster catheter insertion while maintaining similar effectiveness. Participants will be adult patients undergoing rotator cuff or proximal humerus surgery who consent to receive a peripheral nerve block.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old undergoing rotator cuff or proximal humerus surgery who are eligible for a peripheral nerve block.

Not a fit: Patients with coagulopathy, severe renal or hepatic disease, or those who refuse the postoperative continuous block technique may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to quicker and more efficient nerve block procedures for shoulder surgeries, improving patient comfort and surgical outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have not been widely reported, making this a potentially novel investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients older than 18 years
* Rotator cuff or proximal humerus surgery
* ASA I-III
* BMI 18-39 kg/m2
* Acceptance of receiving a peripheric nerve block

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to provide consent for the study
* Coagulopathy
* Sepsis
* Severe Renal or hepatic disease (Creatinin \> 2.0 or Child C)
* Allergy to local anesthetics
* Previous peripheral nerve damage
* Refusal of postoperative continuous block technique

Where this trial is running

Santiago de Chile, Santiago

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 Shoulder Diseasecontinous nerve blockperipheric nerve blockContiplex Catheter
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.