Laughing gas takes on the needle: could a simple breath ease one of Medicine's most uncomfortable procedures?

NCT ID NCT07618676

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study investigates whether breathing a 50:50 mix of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oxygen can reduce pain and anxiety during insertion of a central venous catheter, a common but uncomfortable procedure. Adults aged 18 to 65 who have never used nitrous oxide will be randomly assigned to receive either the gas mixture or the standard local anesthetic injection. Researchers will measure pain levels, anxiety, and patient satisfaction to see if the gas offers a better experience.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

50:50 nitrous oxide/oxygen gas mixture

What this could lead to

If effective, this approach could offer a simple, non-invasive way to reduce pain and anxiety during central line placement, improving patient comfort.

What could go wrong

This is a small, single-center trial with 62 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Nitrous oxide can cause side effects like nausea or dizziness, and it may not work better than the standard local anesthetic.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Acute Pain anxiety anxiety disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia

    RECRUITING

    Belgrade, Savski Venac, 11000, Serbia

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••