TerminatedNot Applicable

Functional and Anatomical MRI of the Spinal Cord and Peri-spinal Tissues

Stopped: Slow recruitment

Canada17 participantsStarted 2016-09

Plain-language summary

The current study is an amendment to a previously approved blinded randomized controlled trial (NCT02697812) which examines the rate at which the sternal retraction maneuver is performed during cardiac surgery (standard over 30 seconds versus. gradual over 15 minutes) and examines the incidence of chronic post-sternotomy pain 6 months following surgery. Patients enrolled in the parent study will be identified at the 6 month follow-up and recruited in terms of whether they report chest pain. A total of 30 participants will be recruited (15 with and 15 with no pain) to undergo a single MRI session in which functional MRI will be done on the brain stem and spinal cord and anatomical MRI images will be collected for specific chest and neck structures. This will indicate whether there are long-term differences in pain processing and/or physical damage to neck and chest structures in those with and without chronic pain 6 months following coronary artery bypass graft surgery. All functional and anatomical MRI images will be reviewed and interpreted with study personnel blinded to whether the patient is reporting pain or no pain at their 6 month follow-up interview.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 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: * Elective Primary Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery * Understanding and provision of written informed consent * Age \> 18 and \< 75 * ASA class I, II or II Exclusion Criteria: Any combined or redo cardiac procedure * Current alcohol or substance abuse * Pre-existing chronic pain requiring chronic analgesic use * Rest pain in proposed surgical area at baseline, preoperatively * Chronic Steroid use * Inability to perform post-operative assessments

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

functional MRI (fMRI)

Timeframe: 6 months postoperatively

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02925364

SponsorDr. Tarit Saha

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2020-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Chronic Pain trials