Measuring tongue and throat forces during direct laryngoscopy
Biomechanical Analysis of Force Loadings During Suspension Microlaryngoscopy
We will test whether measuring and then showing surgeons real-time forces on the tongue and throat during laryngeal surgery helps reduce postoperative pain, numbness, and taste changes in adults having direct laryngoscopy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Francisco, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT07434583 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study will record forces applied to the tongue and other oropharyngeal structures during direct laryngoscopy and correlate those measurements with patient-reported outcomes such as pain, numbness, and taste disturbance. For the first 50 patients, force data will be collected while surgeons are blinded to the readings; for the next 50 patients, surgeons will receive real-time force feedback and may adjust technique intraoperatively. The study will also analyze whether procedure type, surgeon experience (resident, fellow, attending), or choice of equipment affects applied forces and outcomes. The trial is conducted at the University of California, San Francisco and includes adults undergoing laryngeal surgery who can complete follow-up.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults over 18 undergoing laryngeal surgery with direct laryngoscopy who can attend postoperative follow-up and have no prior significant tongue dysfunction are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with prior tongue dysfunction such as hemi- or total glossectomy or hypoglossal nerve injury, those not having direct laryngoscopy, or those unable to follow up are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, providing surgeons with real-time force feedback could reduce postoperative pain, numbness, and taste problems by encouraging gentler instrument handling.
How similar studies have performed: Related intraoperative force-monitoring has been used in other surgical fields, but applying real-time force feedback to laryngeal surgery is relatively novel with limited prior data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * \>18 years old with * undergoing laryngeal surgery with direct laryngoscopy Exclusion Criteria: * Prior history of tongue dysfunction such as glossectomy (hemi or total) or hypoglossal nerve injury * Patient inability to follow up after initial procedure
Where this trial is running
San Francisco, California
- University of California San Francisco — San Francisco, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tyler Crosby, MD — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Riley Jackson
- Email: riley.jackson@ucsf.edu
- Phone: 6282526882
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.