Using liposomal bupivacaine for pain management in patients with cleft lip and palate undergoing surgery

Liposomal Bupivacaine Use in Alveolar Bone Graft Patients

Phase 3 Interventional Shriners Hospitals for Children · NCT06284434

This study is testing if a new pain management option using liposomal bupivacaine can help kids and teens with cleft lip and palate feel less pain after their surgery compared to the usual treatment.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages6 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorShriners Hospitals for Children Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT06284434 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of liposomal bupivacaine (EXPAREL®) with epinephrine in managing post-operative pain for patients aged 6 and older who have undergone alveolar bone graft surgery due to cleft lip and palate. The study is a randomized, double-blinded trial comparing this treatment to the standard bupivacaine with epinephrine. Researchers will assess pain scores, opioid usage, and activity levels over the first five days post-surgery. A total of 60 patients will be enrolled at Shriners Children's Chicago over a two-year period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 6 and older diagnosed with cleft lip and/or palate scheduled for alveolar bone graft surgery.

Not a fit: Patients under the age of 6 or those with a history of allergic reactions to the study drugs will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved pain control and reduced opioid use in pediatric patients after surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that liposomal bupivacaine can provide better pain control compared to standard treatments, suggesting a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients that are 6 and older who have a diagnosis of cleft lip and/or palate with a scheduled surgery that involves an alveolar bone graft.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients under age 6 are excluded from this study as EXPAREL® is not FDA approved for this group.
* Patients with a history of allergic or adverse reaction to any drug involved in the study (EXPAREL, Epinephrine, or Bupivacaine).
* Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease.

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

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 Cleft Lip and Palatecleft lipcleft palatealveolar bone graftpain managementliposomal bupivacaine
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.