New pain management technique for shoulder surgery

Programmed Intermittent Bolus for Infusion of Local Anesthetic During Continuous Interscalene Nerve Blockade for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's · NCT03268837

This study tests a new way to manage pain after shoulder surgery to see if it works better than the usual method for helping patients feel more comfortable.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLondon Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's Academic / other
Locations1 site (London, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT03268837 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a new pain management technique called the 'programmed intermittent bolus' (PIB) compared to traditional continuous infusion for patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty. The PIB technique delivers medication in a more rapid manner, potentially improving pain control and patient satisfaction. The study aims to determine if this method provides better postoperative analgesia when used in conjunction with a continuous nerve block. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the PIB or the traditional infusion method.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult patients with an ASA Physical Status of I to III who are scheduled for total shoulder arthroplasty.

Not a fit: Patients with a BMI over 40, severe respiratory disease, or chronic pain conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved pain management and satisfaction for patients undergoing shoulder surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with the PIB technique in other settings, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status I to III

Exclusion Criteria:

* Body mass index (BMI) \> 40
* Not able to communicate in ENglish
* Unable to obtain consent
* Infection over site of placement
* Severe respiratory disease
* Cognitive or psychiatric history that would make it difficult to assess pain score
* Complex regional pain syndrome
* Chronic pain condition such as fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain
* Preoperative opioid use greater than the equivalent of morphine 50 mg PO daily
* Allergy to any of the study drug
* Coagulopathy

Where this trial is running

London, Ontario

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 Shoulder ArthroplastyShoulder OsteoarthritisPain Management
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.