A Novel Method for Capturing the Visual Evoked Potential During Spine Surgery Under Total Intrave… (NCT02563028) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
A Novel Method for Capturing the Visual Evoked Potential During Spine Surgery Under Total Intravenous Anesthesia
United States20 participantsStarted 2015-10
Plain-language summary
Spine surgery in the prone position (which involves lying face down) is associated with various visual changes, ranging from temporary changes in acuity (or sharpness) to permanent blindness. Known risk factors include low blood count (anemia) and long surgical times in the prone position under general anesthesia. While blindness is a rare outcome of this surgery, it is devastating and incompletely prevented by controlling known risk factors. Thus, improved monitoring and detection of visual injury during surgery is necessary. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a novel, non-invasive monitoring device can reliably record visual responses during spine surgery. The first phase of this study is completed and involved patients undergoing microdiscectomy surgery. The second phase of this study involves patients undergoing single-level lumbar spine decompression/fusion surgery.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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:
* Any patient presenting for single-level microdiscectomy (first phase only)
* Any patient presenting for single-level lumbar spine decompression/fusion (second phase only)
* Any patient suitable for total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA)
* Age \>18
Exclusion Criteria:
* Neurologic or demyelinating disease expected to be associated with impaired VEPs
* Eye disease, including blindness, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or conditions expected to be associated with impaired VEPs
* Patients with a known history of seizures
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
1
Number of Participants With Presence of VEPs
Timeframe: Duration of surgery (approximately 3 hours)