Nerve Root Block in Spasticity

NCT ID: NCT06868342

Last Updated: 2025-03-17

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

4 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2024-01-15

Study Completion Date

2024-12-09

Brief Summary

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In this work the investigators propose to briefly apply kilohertz frequency alternating current via PNS device placed next to the isolated nerve in 4 patients undergoing peripheral neurectomy, just before cutting the nerve. The intervention shall be performed utilizing EMG monitoring and mapping. After the muscular branches of the tibial nerve are exposed, proximal stimulation (1Hz) shall be applied to a selected branch with a bipolar electrode to produce muscle contractions. A high frequency (10kHz) blocking current shall be applied by placing a PNS electrode distally to the bipolar electrode and the EMG shall be recorded. The PNS electrode shall be removed from surgical field and further proximal stimulation done to confirm reversal of block (return to baseline) on the EMG. Then the nerve will be severed as a part of standard tibial neurectomy, and further proximal and distal stimulation shall be performed. The results will be compared to see if high frequency conduction block can physiologically mimic peripheral neurectomy; and obtain parameters of stimulation required for that.

Detailed Description

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Dysregulated neural activity is responsible for many ailments- focal spasticity after stroke or spinal cord injury, reflex incontinence, overactive bladder, etc. Current treatment options for such pathologies are suboptimal and include ablative procedures like neurectomy. Neurectomy inadvertently leads to loss of function. Modulated electrical conduction block can help control this activity without causing additional loss of function and thus has immense potential in treatment of these conditions.

Animal experiments have suggested that such a block is feasible. While safety ranges for delivery of current to human peripheral nerves are known and stimulation parameters for activation of nerves well established, further data is needed to assess the parameters for clinically useful conduction block. Currently such data studies are being conducted to block pain from neuroma after amputation and to block vagal nerve for obesity.

Peripheral Neurectomy is a procedure used for treating focal spasticity when less invasive options have been unsuccessful. The procedure is performed under full Neurophysiology monitoring. Intra-operatively, the nerve is exposed and motor activity from this is recorded spontaneously and with direct bipolar stimulation with help of EMG electrodes placed in the territory of the nerve. A tetanic response obtained upon such stimulation indicates spasticity. The nerve is cut, and further testing done by stimulating proximal and distal to the cut. Lack of tetanic response after proximal stimulation indicates adequacy of procedure.

In this work the investigators propose to briefly apply kilohertz frequency alternating current via PNS device placed next to the isolated nerve in 4 patients undergoing peripheral neurectomy, just before cutting the nerve. The intervention shall be performed utilizing EMG monitoring and mapping. After the muscular branches of the tibial nerve are exposed, proximal stimulation (1Hz) shall be applied to a selected branch with a bipolar electrode to produce muscle contractions. A high frequency (10kHz) blocking current shall be applied by placing a PNS electrode distally to the bipolar electrode and the EMG shall be recorded. The PNS electrode shall be removed from surgical field and further proximal stimulation done to confirm reversal of block (return to baseline) on the EMG. Then the nerve will be severed as a part of standard tibial neurectomy, and further proximal and distal stimulation shall be performed. The results will be compared to see if high frequency conduction block can physiologically mimic peripheral neurectomy; and obtain parameters of stimulation required for that.

This will be a proof of concept work assessing feasibility of conduction block for focal spasticity. If successful, further pilot study shall be done to assess efficacy.

Apart from brief application of high frequency stimulation, the rest of the procedure will be standard.

The stimulation will be within parameters approved by FDA and CE marking. As the nerve will then be cut anyway, there is no additional risk of harm to the nerve or the patient.

This study will adhere to the principles outlined in the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research (v3.2 10th October 2017). It will be conducted in compliance with the protocol, the EU General Data Protection Regulation 2016 and Data Protection Act 2018, and other regulatory requirements as appropriate.

Conditions

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Spasticity Spasticity in Participants With Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Post Stroke Spasticity Related to Any Cause Except Cerebral Palsy

Study Design

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Allocation Method

NA

Intervention Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Primary Study Purpose

OTHER

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

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Nerve block

The group of participants undergoing tibial neurectomy for focal spasticity to whom the high frequency nerve conduction block shall be applied.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

High-frequency nerve conduction block

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

A high-frequency nerve conduction block applied to a muscular branch of the tibial nerve and assessed by intraoperative EMG, performed before the nerve is cut as a part of a standard tibial neurectomy for focal spasticity.

Interventions

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High-frequency nerve conduction block

A high-frequency nerve conduction block applied to a muscular branch of the tibial nerve and assessed by intraoperative EMG, performed before the nerve is cut as a part of a standard tibial neurectomy for focal spasticity.

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Other Intervention Names

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HFNB

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Male or Female, aged 18 years or above selected for peripheral neurectomy for focal spasticity
* Functioning LMN pathway determined by EMG

Exclusion Criteria

* Age \<18yr
* Myopathy and other LMN disorders
* Impaired LMN pathway determined by EMG
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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Nevro Corp

INDUSTRY

Sponsor Role collaborator

Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Responsibility Role SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

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Andrew Marshall, PhD

Role: STUDY_CHAIR

Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust

Locations

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The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust

Liverpool, , United Kingdom

Site Status

Countries

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United Kingdom

References

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Sitthinamsuwan B, Chanvanitkulchai K, Phonwijit L, Ploypetch T, Kumthornthip W, Nunta-Aree S. Utilization of intraoperative electromyography for selecting targeted fascicles and determining the degree of fascicular resection in selective tibial neurotomy for ankle spasticity. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2013 Jun;155(6):1143-9. doi: 10.1007/s00701-013-1686-0. Epub 2013 Apr 7.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 23563747 (View on PubMed)

Deer TR, Naidu R, Strand N, Sparks D, Abd-Elsayed A, Kalia H, Hah JM, Mehta P, Sayed D, Gulati A. A review of the bioelectronic implications of stimulation of the peripheral nervous system for chronic pain conditions. Bioelectron Med. 2020 Apr 24;6:9. doi: 10.1186/s42234-020-00045-5. eCollection 2020.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 32346553 (View on PubMed)

Mikalef P, Power D. The role of neurectomy in the management of spasticity of the upper limb. EFORT Open Rev. 2017 Nov 27;2(11):469-473. doi: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160074. eCollection 2017 Nov.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 29218232 (View on PubMed)

Yong LY, Wong CHL, Gaston M, Lam WL. The Role of Selective Peripheral Neurectomy in the Treatment of Upper Limb Spasticity. J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2018 Jun;23(2):181-191. doi: 10.1142/S2424835518500182.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 29734901 (View on PubMed)

Van Buyten JP, Al-Kaisy A, Smet I, Palmisani S, Smith T. High-frequency spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of chronic back pain patients: results of a prospective multicenter European clinical study. Neuromodulation. 2013 Jan-Feb;16(1):59-65; discussion 65-6. doi: 10.1111/ner.12006. Epub 2012 Nov 30.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 23199157 (View on PubMed)

Camilleri M, Toouli J, Herrera MF, Kow L, Pantoja JP, Billington CJ, Tweden KS, Wilson RR, Moody FG. Selection of electrical algorithms to treat obesity with intermittent vagal block using an implantable medical device. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2009 Mar-Apr;5(2):224-9; discussion 229-30. doi: 10.1016/j.soard.2008.09.006. Epub 2008 Sep 12.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 18996767 (View on PubMed)

Soin A. Long-term human testing of high-frequency nerve block for amputation pain. Paper presented at: 16th Annual Meeting North American Neuromodulation Society; December 6 to 9, 2012; Las Vegas, NV, USA.

Reference Type BACKGROUND

Perruchoud C, Eldabe S, Batterham AM, Madzinga G, Brookes M, Durrer A, Rosato M, Bovet N, West S, Bovy M, Rutschmann B, Gulve A, Garner F, Buchser E. Analgesic efficacy of high-frequency spinal cord stimulation: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Neuromodulation. 2013 Jul-Aug;16(4):363-9; discussion 369. doi: 10.1111/ner.12027. Epub 2013 Feb 20.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 23425338 (View on PubMed)

Bhadra N, Vrabec TL, Bhadra N, Kilgore KL. Reversible conduction block in peripheral nerve using electrical waveforms. Bioelectron Med (Lond). 2018 Jan;1(1):39-54. doi: 10.2217/bem-2017-0004. Epub 2017 Dec 14.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 29480897 (View on PubMed)

Kilgore KL, Bhadra N. Nerve conduction block utilising high-frequency alternating current. Med Biol Eng Comput. 2004 May;42(3):394-406. doi: 10.1007/BF02344716.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 15191086 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

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RG420-21

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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