Dexmedetomidine use to improve lung function after thoracic surgery
Dexmedetomidine Infusion and Postoperative Lung Aeration After Thoracic Surgery: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial
This study is testing if giving dexmedetomidine during lung surgery can help patients breathe better and recover more quickly afterward.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Brigham and Women's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06502002 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot trial is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study that investigates the effects of dexmedetomidine on postoperative lung aeration in patients undergoing lobectomy or segmentectomy. Participants will be assigned to receive either dexmedetomidine or a placebo during their surgery, with the aim of assessing the drug's potential to enhance pulmonary outcomes and reduce complications. The study will evaluate lung function recovery and respiratory mechanics post-surgery, building on previous findings that suggest dexmedetomidine may minimize lung injury and inflammation. The trial seeks to establish a more standardized approach to dexmedetomidine administration in thoracic surgery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients aged 18 to 80 years who are scheduled for lobectomy or segmentectomy.
Not a fit: Patients undergoing urgent thoracic surgery or those with significant pre-existing health conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved lung function and reduced respiratory complications for patients undergoing thoracic surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with dexmedetomidine in thoracic surgery, but this specific approach is still being evaluated.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: • Adult patients (Age \>18 years until 80 years) undergoing lobectomy and/or segmentectomy. Exclusion Criteria: * Urgent or emergency thoracic surgery. * Other concomitant non-pulmonary procedures (pleurectomy, diaphragmatic procedures, pericardiocentesis, esophageal procedures, thymectomy). * Prior lung resection surgery. * Epidural block for intraoperative or postoperative analgesia. * Preoperative arrhythmia (second degree AV block or pacemaker) or significant bradycardia (heart rate \< 50). * Preoperative hypotension (mean arterial blood pressure \< 65 mmHg). * Severe functional liver or kidney disease. * Non-English speakers * Consent withdrawal.
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Matthew B Allen, MD — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Matthew B Allen, MD
- Email: mallen13@mgb.org
- Phone: 617-732-8280
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.