WithdrawnNot Applicable

Dynamic Laryngotracheal Separation for Aspiration

Stopped: Study never started

United States0Started 2004-08

Plain-language summary

People who aspirate after neurologic insults such as stroke often develop fatal pneumonia. This study examines the effects of dynamic vocal cord closure on swallowing. Implants placed over the chest wall are connected to electrodes placed around the nerve that closes the vocal cords. The patient triggers closure by flipping the switch of a coil taped over the skin covering the internal stimulator. Vocal cord motion is verified by videotaping through an endoscope, and the status of swallowing is documented radiologically by a modified barium swallow.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 85 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aspiration pneumonia after neurological insults (e.g. stroke) * Ability to understand the purpose of the research * Appropriate hand motor control * Inability to improve under standard treatments (speech-language pathologists) * Acceptance of a tracheostomy Exclusion Criteria: * Lack of understanding the research * Poor hand motor coordination * Uncontrolled seizures * Pregnancy * Refusal to accept a tracheostomy

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Videotaping vocal cords and modified barium swallows

Timeframe: several months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00580346

SponsorUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2009-07

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Aspiration Pneumonia trials