Percutaneous Cryoablation of Intercostal Nerves for the Treatment of Rib Fractures

{ "Cryoablation for Rib Fracture Pain and Breathing", "This study is looking at whether a procedure called percutaneous cryoablation of intercostal nerves can help people with rib fractures. This procedure uses cold to block pain signals from the nerves between your ribs. Researchers want to see if it improves pain and breathing compared to standard pain treatments like pain medications and muscle relaxers. They will also look at how it affects your quality of life and if it can reduce delirium (a state of confusion). You might be able to join if you are 18 to 80 years old, have at least two rib fractures, significant pain, and difficulty breathing.", "design": "This is a double-blinded randomized control trial, meaning neither you nor your doctors will know if you receive the cryoablation or standard care. About 30 people are expected to participate.", "commitments": "Participants will undergo a procedure and have tests at regular times to check their breathing and pain. These tests will continue for up to one year.", "compensation": "Not stated in the trial record.", "follow_up": "You will be followed for up to one year after the procedure to measure your pain and breathing.", }

Study design
Not specified.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Not specified.

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NCT06533904

Percutaneous Cryoablation of Intercostal Nerves for the Treatment of Rib Fractures

Not Yet Recruiting
NAAges 18–80InterventionalTreatment
Loma Linda University
~30 participants
Updated 2026-02-09 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Percutaneous Cryoablation of Intercostal NervesMulti-modal pain regimen

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Pain Score: Numeric Pain Scale
Measured over Through study completion, up to 1 year
+4 more outcomes measured
Trauma
Rib Fractures
Chest Wall Disorder
Respiratory Insufficiency
Pain, Chest
Rib Trauma
Rib Fracture Multiple
Respiratory Failure
Respiratory Distress Syndrome
1 sites across 1 states
California1

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

\> 18 years old
\> 2 rib fractures
Verbal Pain score \> 5
Incentive Spirometry \< 60% of predicted

Exclusion

Isolated Fractures of Ribs 1-3 and/or 10-12
Posterior Rib Fracture \< 4 cm from costovertebral joint
Sternal, Clavicle, Scapula Fracture
Thoracic Spinal Fracture of any type
Open Abdominothoracic Surgery
Unstable Spine
Extensive Subcutaneous Emphysema
BMI \> 35
Plan for Rib Plating
Chronic Opioid Use
Prior to study enrollment: Intubated, Traumatic Brain Injury, Dementia, Cognitive Impairment, Encephalopathy
Coagulopathy, Shock at time of ablation
Inability to participate in activities of daily living prior to injury
Home O2 use prior to trauma
Inhalation Injury
Rib Fractures due to cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Life Expectancy \< 6 months
\> 48 hours from injury
Pregnant, Incarcerated
  • Pain Score: Numeric Pain ScaleThrough study completion, up to 1 year

    Short and Long Term Pain Scores. Range from 0 to 10 where 0 is no pain and 10 is most severe and worse outcome.

  • Rate of abnormal respiratory mechanics: Incentive SpirometryThrough study completion, up to 1 year
  • Rate of abnormal respiratory mechanics: Pulmonary Function TestsThrough study completion, up to 1 year

    Short and Long Term Respiratory Mechanics. Pulmonary Function Tests will specifically measure Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

  • Rate of delirium: Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) ScoreThrough study completion, up to 1 year

    The score ranges from 0 to 19. Where higher scores indicate more severe delirium and low scores indicate less severe or no delirium

  • Quality of Life on SurveyThrough study completion, up to 1 year

    Long Term Quality of Life