Injection of mashed parathyroid tissue into the forearm during thyroid surgery to prevent long-term parathyroid failure

Intramuscular Injection of Mashed Parathyroid Tissue Into a Forearm During Thyroid Surgery to Prevent Permanent Postoperative Parathyroid Insufficiency (IMIPAT Study) - a Prospective Multicentre Trial

Not applicable Interventional Medical University of Vienna · NCT07516990

This trial will try injecting mashed parathyroid tissue into a forearm muscle during thyroid surgery to help adults avoid permanent low parathyroid function after their operation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMedical University of Vienna Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Vienna, State of Vienna and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07516990 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

During thyroidectomy, devascularized parathyroid glands are commonly re-implanted to restore hormone production; this trial uses intramuscular injection of finely mashed parathyroid tissue into the brachioradialis muscle as the implantation method. The technique is intended to allow diffusion-based nutrition until the grafts revascularize and begin producing parathyroid hormone. Eligible adult patients who undergo parathyroid autotransplantation during their thyroid operation at the enrolling centers will receive the injection and be followed for graft function. The protocol builds on prior reports of successful forearm autografts and aims to compare the practicality and graft viability of the injection approach in routine thyroid surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (18+) undergoing thyroid surgery in which parathyroid autotransplantation into the forearm is performed and who provide informed consent are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Patients under 18, those with hyperparathyroidism, or those who do not receive a parathyroid autotransplantation during their operation are not expected to benefit from this procedure.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the technique could lower the risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism and reduce the need for lifelong calcium and vitamin D replacement.

How similar studies have performed: Related implantation and injection techniques have shown favorable graft function and measurable PTH gradients in patients (including those with renal hyperparathyroidism), but optimal methods remain debated.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* signed informed consent
* parathyroid autotransplantation in forearm performed during thyroid surgery
* 18 years of age and above

Exclusion Criteria:

* under 18 years of age
* informed consent not signed
* hyperparathyroidism
* no parathyroid autotransplantation performed

Where this trial is running

Vienna, State of Vienna and 1 other locations

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.
Conditions Graft Functiongraft functionparathyroid autotransplantationpostoperative hypothyroidism
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.