Can a simple fat infusion wake up numb skin faster?
NCT ID NCT03968822
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether an intravenous fat emulsion called Intralipid 20% can reverse the numbing effect of common local anesthetics like lidocaine and bupivacaine. Eighteen healthy volunteers receive small injections of these anesthetics in their thigh, followed by either Intralipid or a saline placebo. Researchers measure how quickly normal sensation returns to see if Intralipid speeds up recovery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Intralipid 20% (fat emulsion given intravenously)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide a way to speed up recovery from local anesthesia after procedures.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early proof-of-concept study in healthy volunteers, not patients. Results may not apply to real-world medical situations.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Hospital of Special Surgery
New York, New York, 10021, United States
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