Using spinal cord stimulation to improve breathing during surgery

Recording of Intraoperative Spinal Cord Stimulation and Monitoring

NA · University of California, Los Angeles · NCT05356286

This study is testing if a special electrical stimulation can help improve breathing in patients having brain or spinal cord surgery and reduce breathing problems caused by pain medications.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Los Angeles (other)
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT05356286 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of epidural electrical stimulation (EES) on respiratory function in patients undergoing brain or spinal cord surgery. The hypothesis is that EES at the cervical spinal cord can counteract opioid-induced respiratory depression, a serious complication that can occur during surgery. By monitoring respiratory function during the stimulation, researchers aim to gather data on its efficacy and safety in a clinical setting. The study will include patients who require spinal neuromonitoring, allowing for a focused examination of this intervention's potential benefits.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients undergoing brain or spinal cord surgery where spinal neuromonitoring is utilized.

Not a fit: Patients not undergoing any form of brain or spinal cord surgery will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of respiratory depression in patients receiving opioids during surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of EES for opioid-induced respiratory depression is novel, similar approaches in spinal cord stimulation have shown promise in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Any patients undergoing brain or spinal cord surgery where spinal neuromonitoring is utilized.

Exclusion Criteria:

* none

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cervical Stenosis, Disk, Herniated, Spondylosis

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.