Ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin injection for cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction

The Impact of Ultrasound-guided Botulinum Toxin Injection on Cricopharyngeal Muscle Dysfunction Under Balloon Localization

Not applicable Interventional People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University · NCT06271395

This study is testing if using ultrasound to guide botulinum toxin injections can help people with swallowing problems caused by cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction feel better when other treatments haven't worked.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPeople's Hospital of Zhengzhou University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Xinzhu)
Trial IDNCT06271395 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin injections combined with balloon localization to treat cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction, specifically cricopharyngeal achalasia. The approach allows for real-time visualization during the injection process, enhancing precision and minimizing complications associated with traditional methods. Patients with confirmed swallowing dysfunction who have not improved with standard rehabilitation will be treated and monitored for clinical outcomes. The goal is to alleviate muscle spasms and improve swallowing function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with confirmed cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction who have not responded to previous rehabilitation efforts.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments, psychiatric disorders, or significant structural abnormalities in the pharynx and larynx may not benefit from this treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve swallowing function and quality of life for patients suffering from cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction.

How similar studies have performed: While botulinum toxin has been used in similar contexts, the specific combination of ultrasound guidance and balloon localization is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) confirming incomplete/opening dysfunction of the cricopharyngeal muscle;
* No significant improvement in swallowing function after standardized rehabilitation treatment for more than 2 weeks (unchanged or decreased FOIS);
* Presence of swallowing initiation, with VFSS showing that the upward movement of the hyoid bone during swallowing is greater than half the height of the C3 vertebral body;
* Stable vital signs, alert consciousness, and cooperation with treatment;

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with severe cognitive impairments, psychiatric disorders, and severe cardiopulmonary diseases;
* Abnormalities in the pharynx and larynx structures;
* Patients with malignant tumors;
* Patients with infections or wounds at the injection site;
* Patients allergic to botulinum toxin; Patients with bleeding tendencies or coagulation disorders.

Where this trial is running

Xinzhu

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 Cricopharyngeal Achalasia
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.