Percutaneous Cryoablation of Intercostal Nerves for the Treatment of Rib Fractures (NCT06533904) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Percutaneous Cryoablation of Intercostal Nerves for the Treatment of Rib Fractures
United States30 participantsStarted 2026-09
Plain-language summary
The goal of this double blinded randomized control trial is to learn if percutaneous cryoablation of traumatic rib fractures improves outcomes. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does percutaneous cryoablation improve short and long term pain scores? Does percutaneous cryoablation improve short and long term respiratory mechanics? Does percutaneous cryoablation improve long term quality of life? Does percutaneous cryoablation decrease delirium?
Researchers will compare cryoablation to standard multimodal pain therapy to see if this impacts respiratory recovery.
Participants will undergo randomization, percutaneous cryoablative procedure, and participate in tests at pre-determined intervals to evaluate their pulmonary recovery.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 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:
* \> 18 years old
* \> 2 rib fractures
* Verbal Pain score \> 5
* Incentive Spirometry \< 60% of predicted
Exclusion Criteria:
* 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
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
Pain Score: Numeric Pain Scale
Timeframe: Through study completion, up to 1 year
2
Rate of abnormal respiratory mechanics: Incentive Spirometry
Timeframe: Through study completion, up to 1 year
3
Rate of abnormal respiratory mechanics: Pulmonary Function Tests
Timeframe: Through study completion, up to 1 year
4
Rate of delirium: Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) Score