Comparing two methods for placing nerve catheters in hand surgery

A Comparison Between a Paracoracoid Approach and a Costoclavicular Approach for the Placement of Infraclavicular Perineural Catheters in Hand Surgery: a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

NA · Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) · NCT04960046

This study is testing two different ways to place nerve catheters in patients having hand surgery to see which method works better for pain relief after the procedure.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment134 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) (other)
Locations1 site (Montréal, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT04960046 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two approaches for placing infraclavicular perineural catheters in patients undergoing outpatient hand surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the paracoracoid (PC) or costoclavicular (CC) approach for their nerve block. The primary goal is to determine which method provides better sensory block 48 hours after catheter placement. The study will involve continuous delivery of local anesthetic through the catheter to manage postoperative pain effectively.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old undergoing elective ambulatory hand surgery that requires a continuous infraclavicular nerve block.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to peripheral nerve blocks, those unable to consent, or those with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management for patients undergoing hand surgery, enhancing their recovery experience.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific comparison of these two approaches may be novel, similar studies on infraclavicular nerve blocks have shown promising results in improving postoperative pain management.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients over 18 years old
* American Society of Anesthesiologists' classification 1 to 3
* Patients undergoing elective ambulatory hand surgery requiring the use of continuous infraclavicular nerve block

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to a peripheral nerve block
* Refusal of the patient or inability to consent
* Inability to communicate with the healthcare team or the research team
* Lack of access to the Teams telehealth platform
* Inability to understand the items of the different questionnaires
* Inability to understand ambulatory catheter follow-up instructions
* Pregnancy
* Obesity Body Mass Index \> 40
* Pre-existing neurological deficit in the operated upper limb
* Anatomical malformation not allowing one of the study blocks to be performed
* Condition preventing measurement of the primary outcome

Where this trial is running

Montréal, Quebec

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: Postoperative Pain, Anesthesia, Local, Infraclavicular perineural catheters, Hand surgery

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.