Glow-in-the-Dark dye could help surgeons avoid nerves

NCT ID NCT06054178

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This small study tested whether injecting a fluorescent dye called fluorescein sodium helps surgeons see nerves during head and neck surgery. Eight adults having open head or neck surgery received the dye through an IV. Surgeons then rated how well the glowing nerves matched standard nerve-finding methods. The goal was to see if this simple dye could make nerve identification easier and safer.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

fluorescein sodium (a dye injected into a vein to highlight nerves during surgery)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could give surgeons a real-time way to see and protect nerves during head and neck operations, potentially reducing nerve damage.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early-phase study with only 8 people. It only tested if the dye helps identify nerves, not whether it improves patient outcomes. The dye may not work well for all nerve types or surgeries.

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.

pleomorphic adenoma thyroid gland disorder Warthin tumor

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Stanford Medical Center

    Palo Alto, California, 94304, United States