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Understanding Consciousness During Anesthesia with Ultrasound Stimulation

This study aims to understand how your brain's mental functions work at different levels of anesthesia using two common medications, propofol and dexmedetomidine. Researchers will use low-intensity focused ultrasound pulsation (LIFUP) to gently stimulate specific brain areas, like the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), anterior insular cortex (AIC), and central thalamus (CT). While this is happening, you'll undergo functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), which takes pictures of your brain activity. The study hopes to learn more about mental function during anesthesia and see if ultrasound stimulation helps people wake up faster. They are looking for 168 healthy, right-handed adults, aged 18-40, who speak English and have a BMI under 30.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 168 participants. It is not specified if it is randomized or blinded.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoint, functional connectivity, will be measured for up to 90 minutes.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07221539

Restoration of Consciousness With Ultrasonic Deep Brain Stimulation During Anesthetic Sedation

Recruiting
NAAges 18–40InterventionalBasic science
University of Michigan
~168 participants
Updated 2025-10-28 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Propofol for fMRIDexmedetomidine for fMRIDorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) pulsationAnterior insular cortex (AIC) pulsationCentral thalamus (CT) pulsation

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Functional connectivity (e.g., Pearson correlation coefficient) of Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) time courses
Measured over Up to 90 minutes

Conditions

Mental Function

Explore related trials

Healthy Volunteer

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Michigan1

Study leadership

  • Zirui Huang · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Michigan
  • Anthony Hudetz · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Michigan

Who to contact

Aaron Ellis
[email protected]
734-647-8129
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Healthy study participants with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification System-1 status
The participants will be right-handed adults
Body mass index (BMI) less than 30.
All subjects will be English speakers.

Exclusion

Medical contraindication to MRI scanning; are unable to undergo MRI scanning because of possible pregnancy or currently breastfeeding,
BMI\>30,
metallic substances in the body, claustrophobia, anxiety, or cardiopulmonary disease; or have an intracranial structural abnormality on T1-weighted MRI scans.
History of allergy to propofol, dexmedetomidine, any components of propofol or dexmedetomidine, eggs or egg products, soybean or soybean products,
Neurological, cardiovascular, or pulmonary illness;
Significant head injury with loss of consciousness;
Learning disability or other developmental disorder; sleep apnea or any severe snoring history; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn; pancreatitis or a history of pancreatitis, or sensory/motor loss sufficient to interfere with performance of the study; epilepsy/seizure disorder (including a history of seizures) or stroke (including a history of stroke).
Participants with tattoos in the head or neck region will be excluded from study; other tattoos are subject to determination by investigators based on their assessment regarding participant safety.
Recent food or liquid intake (within 8 hours).
History of drug use, have a positive drug screen, are unwilling to abstain from alcohol for 24 hours prior to dosing, or have a current history of nicotine use. -----Negative pregnancy test result, if applicable.
Potential participants who have participated in a clinical trial using an investigational drug or device within 30 days will be considered for enrollment after 30 days.

What this trial measures

  • Functional connectivity (e.g., Pearson correlation coefficient) of Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) time coursesUp to 90 minutes