How two shoulder nerve block techniques affect brain and carotid oxygen levels

Comparison Of The Effect Of Interscalene Block Alone And The Combination Of Interscalene Block And Superficial Cervical Block On Brain Oxygenation And Carotid Artery Diameter In Shoulder Surgery

NA · Sanliurfa Mehmet Akif Inan Education and Research Hospital · NCT07398352

We are testing whether adding a superficial cervical plexus block to a standard interscalene nerve block changes brain oxygen levels, carotid artery size, intraoperative stability, and pain for adults having shoulder surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorSanliurfa Mehmet Akif Inan Education and Research Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Sanliurfa)
Trial IDNCT07398352 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults scheduled for shoulder surgery will receive either an interscalene brachial plexus block alone or an interscalene block combined with a superficial cervical plexus block. Cerebral oxygenation will be monitored noninvasively with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and carotid artery diameter measured with ultrasound before and during surgery. Intraoperative hemodynamics, laboratory parameters, clinical course, and postoperative pain will also be recorded. The protocol compares these physiologic and clinical outcomes between the two block techniques to determine differences in safety and analgesia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18–65 years old with ASA physical status I–II who are scheduled for shoulder surgery and have no contraindications to regional anesthesia are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with prior stroke, carotid endarterectomy, severe organ failure, BMI over 35, ASA III–V status, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or other contraindications to regional anesthesia are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, adding the superficial cervical plexus block could improve pain control without reducing cerebral oxygenation or impairing carotid blood flow.

How similar studies have performed: Interscalene block is well established for shoulder analgesia and combinations with superficial cervical blocks have shown improved pain control in other reports, but effects specifically on cerebral oxygenation and carotid diameter are less well studied.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-65 years patient
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II patient

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 18 years or \> 65 years
* History of carotid endarterectomy
* History of cerebrovascular accident(CVA)
* Body Mass index (BMI)\>35 kg/m²
* Inability to cooperate or comply with study procedures
* Liver and kidney failure
* Pregnancy and breastfeeding
* ASA pyhsical status III-V
* Contraindication to regional anesthesia

Where this trial is running

Sanliurfa

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: Interscalene Block, Superficial Cervical Block, Cerebral Perfusion, Shoulder Surgeries, brain perfusion, carotid artery diameter, interscalene brachial plexus block, superficial cervical plexus block

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.