Tracking nerve-freezing during limb amputation to learn about post-operative and phantom limb pain

Cryo NerVe Block Extremity AmputatioN RegIStry for Post Operative and pHantom Limb Pain (VANISH)

Observational AtriCure, Inc. · NCT06908538

This registry will track how freezing nerves (cryoablation) is used during limb amputations to see if it affects post-operative and phantom limb pain in adults who have or will have an amputation.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment2000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAtriCure, Inc. Industry-sponsored
Locations4 sites (Pittsfield, Massachusetts and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06908538 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is an observational registry that collects real-world data on the use of cryoablation (freezing nerves) during upper and lower limb amputations at several hospitals. Investigators will record procedural details, pain measurements, complications, and follow-up outcomes related to post-operative and phantom limb pain. Eligible adults who have or will have an amputation and can provide consent will be enrolled and followed according to the registry protocol. Women who are pregnant or any patient unable to give informed consent or adhere to follow-up are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (age 18 or older) who have had or will have an upper or lower limb amputation and are able and willing to give informed consent are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients under 18, women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, or those unable to consent or adhere to follow-up may not benefit or be eligible for inclusion.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the registry could help clinicians understand whether nerve-freezing during amputation reduces post-operative and phantom limb pain and inform future care decisions.

How similar studies have performed: Smaller case series and observational reports have suggested cryoablation can reduce neuroma-related and phantom limb pain in some patients, but randomized high-quality evidence is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients who have or will have an amputation procedure;
* Patients who are willing and capable of providing informed consent;
* Patients whose age is 18 years or above, or of legal age to give informed consent specific to state and national law.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Women of childbearing potential who are, or plan to become, pregnant during the time of the study;
* Other medical, social, or psychological conditions that in the opinion of the Investigator precludes the subject from appropriate consent or adherence to the protocol.

Where this trial is running

Pittsfield, Massachusetts and 3 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 AmputationAmputation of Lower LimbAmputation of Upper LimbAmputation, Limb LossAmputation, Traumatic/SurgeryCryo Analgesia
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.