Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Comparing two methods for kidney stone surgery

Official title: Randomized Controlled Trial of Miniaturized Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy With Vacuum-Assisted Access Sheaths Versus Conventional Sheaths for Treatment of Nephrolithiasis

Run by The Cleveland Clinic · NCT05993546 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing two different ways to perform kidney stone surgery to see which method works better for patients.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment90 (estimated)
SponsorThe Cleveland Clinic
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cleveland, Ohio)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 29, 2023
Main results expectedDecember 2026
Study endsMarch 2027
Registry record updatedOctober 26, 2026
Trial IDNCT05993546 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with kidney stones sized between 10-25 mm who are scheduled for prone mini-PCNL.

Probably not a fit

Patients with anticoagulation issues, congenital renal anomalies, or those who have had prior reconstructive procedures on the same kidney 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 compare two variations of the miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (Mini-PCNL) procedure for treating kidney stones. Participants will undergo surgery using either a vacuum-assisted sheath or a standard sheath to access the kidney and remove stones. The study will involve approximately 90 patients at the Cleveland Clinic, with follow-up appointments scheduled 4-6 weeks post-surgery to assess outcomes. Both techniques are commonly used and have demonstrated safety and effectiveness for stones of similar size and location.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and recovery for patients undergoing kidney stone removal.

How similar studies have gone: While both techniques are established, this specific comparison of vacuum-assisted versus standard sheath in mini-PCNL is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with planned prone mini-PCNL and a preoperative NCCT
* Primary stone size: 10-25 mm
* Pre-existing indwelling nephrostomy tube or ureteral stent permitted
* Age: ≥ 18 years old
* Gender: all
* Ethnicity: all
* Capable of giving informed consent
* Capable and willing to fulfill requirements of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Anticoagulated or history of coagulopathy
* Congenital renal anomalies
* Prior ipsilateral upper urinary tract reconstructive procedures
* Conversion to open procedure
* Multiple access tracts
* Inability to give informed consent or unable to meet requirements of the study for any reason

Where it's running

  • Cleveland Clinic
    Cleveland, Ohio, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Sriharan Sivalingam — Principal Investigator
  • Study coordinator: Lauren Grimm
  • Email: grimml@ccf.org
  • Phone: 216-444-4650

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.
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.