Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 4 Interventional Ages 18 and up

Cryoablation for pain relief in rib fractures

Official title: Comparison of Cryoablation of Intercostal Nerves to Erector Spinae Plane Catheters in Patients With Rib Fractures

Run by University of Minnesota · NCT06347874 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if a freezing treatment for nerve pain can help people with multiple rib fractures feel better than the usual pain management method.

More Rib Fractures trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment48 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 10, 2025
Main results expectedFebruary 13, 2027
Study endsMarch 13, 2027
Registry record updatedFebruary 17, 2026
Trial IDNCT06347874 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with multiple rib fractures.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are pregnant, have bilateral fractures, or have contraindications to regional anesthesia 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 evaluates the effectiveness of cryoablation of the intercostal nerves in providing pain relief for patients with multiple rib fractures. Participants will be compared to those receiving an ESP catheter for pain management. The primary outcome is pain control measured seven days post-procedure. The study aims to determine if cryoablation offers superior pain relief compared to the standard ESP catheter approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management for patients with rib fractures.

How similar studies have gone: Similar studies have shown promise in using cryoablation for pain management, but this specific approach for rib fractures is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are over 18 who have more than one ribs fractured.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who have an exclusion to regional anesthesia.
* Patients who are pregnant via self-report or pregnancy test if they take one.
* Non-English speakers
* Patients who have cold urticaria
* Patients with bilateral fractures
* Patients currently intubated

Where it's running

  • University of Minnesota
    Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Neil Hanson — University of Minnesota
  • Study coordinator: Candace Nelson
  • Email: nelso377@umn.edu

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.