Using ketamine to reduce pain in patients undergoing aortic repair

A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Study to Identify the Opioid-sparing Effects, and Pain-reduction Potential of Low Dose Ketamine on Patients Undergoing TEVAR Procedures Receiving NCI

Phase 2 Interventional University of Kentucky · NCT04600089

This study is testing if low doses of ketamine can help reduce pain and the need for opioids in patients recovering from aortic repair surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Kentucky Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lexington, Kentucky)
Trial IDNCT04600089 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effects of low dose, sub-dissociative ketamine on postoperative pain and opioid consumption in patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) procedures who are also receiving naloxone continuous infusion (NCI). The research focuses on patients who typically experience high levels of postoperative pain and opioid requirements due to the use of NCI, which is intended to prevent spinal cord ischemia. By administering sub-dissociative doses of ketamine, the study seeks to determine if it can effectively reduce pain and opioid use in the critical 48 hours following surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients scheduled for elective thoracic aorta repair or thoracoabdominal aortic repair who require naloxone continuous infusion for spinal prophylaxis.

Not a fit: Patients with allergies to ketamine, acetaminophen, or fentanyl, as well as those with certain psychiatric or neurological conditions, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce opioid consumption and improve pain management for patients undergoing aortic repair procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that ketamine can provide effective analgesia and opioid-sparing effects, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* willing to give informed consent
* scheduled for elective thoracic aorta repair or thoracoabdominal aortic repair
* requires naloxone continuous infusion for spinal prophylaxis

Exclusion Criteria:

* allergy to ketamine, acetaminophen, or fentanyl
* diagnosis of schizophrenia
* history of hydrocephalus or central nervous system mass
* incarcerated individuals
* pregnant or lactating individuals

Where this trial is running

Lexington, Kentucky

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 Descending Aortic DissectionPostoperative PainThoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysmnaloxoneketamineaortic repairspinal cord ischemia
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.