Nerve block comparison for CT-guided lung nodule localization: retro‑SCTLB versus TPVB

Comparison of Local Anaesthetic Spread Between the Retro-superior Costotransverse Ligament Space Block and Thoracic Paravertebral Block: A Three-dimensional CT Reconstruction Imaging Study

Not applicable Interventional Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University · NCT07153263

This trial will try two ultrasound-guided nerve blocks—retro‑SCTLB and thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB)—to see which gives wider local anesthetic spread and sensory numbness for adults having CT‑guided lung nodule localization.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorNanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Nanjing, Jiangsu and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07153263 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Forty adults undergoing CT-guided lung nodule localization under local anesthesia will be randomized 1:1 to receive either ultrasound-guided retro‑SCTLB or ultrasound-guided TPVB before the localization procedure. Group allocation is concealed using sealed opaque envelopes prepared by an uninvolved nurse to maintain objectivity. The study will compare the radiographic diffusion range of the local anesthetic and the sensory block range measured after the block. Standard inclusion criteria include age 18–80, BMI 18–30 kg/m², and ASA I–III, while patients with local infection, coagulation dysfunction, opioid abuse history, or allergy to local anesthetics are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–80 with BMI 18–30 kg/m², ASA physical status I–III, who are scheduled for CT-guided lung nodule localization under local anesthesia are the intended candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with allergy to the study local anesthetic, coagulation dysfunction, skin infection at the puncture site, peripheral infectious neuropathy, a history of opioid abuse, or those outside the age/BMI limits may not benefit and are excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could identify the nerve block technique that provides more reliable numbness and potentially safer or more effective anesthesia during CT-guided lung nodule localization.

How similar studies have performed: Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) is a well-established technique with supportive evidence, while retro‑SCTLB is a newer approach with limited direct comparative data.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients scheduled for CT-guided lung nodule localization under local anesthesia will be selected

1. aged 18-80 years
2. BMI 18-30 kg/m²
3. ASA classification I-III

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Allergy to the study drug or local anesthetic;
2. History of opioid abuse;
3. Pre-existing skin infection at the puncture site of ITPN or TPVB;
4. Peripheral infectious neuropathy;
5. Dysfunction of blood coagulation

Where this trial is running

Nanjing, Jiangsu 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 Pulmonary NodulesNerve Blocknerve blockTPVBITPBrSCTL
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.