Tiny coil placed inside nose could help surgeons spot hidden brain tumors
NCT ID NCT03678389
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 4 times
Summary
This study tests a small MRI coil placed inside the sphenoid sinus during pituitary tumor surgery. The goal is to see if it can provide clearer images of tiny tumors that standard MRI often misses. About 70 adults with pituitary tumors will take part. The coil is inserted through the same surgical opening used for the operation, and researchers will check for safety and image quality.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- endosphenoidal coil (ESC)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this coil could help surgeons see tiny pituitary tumors during surgery, potentially improving removal rates and reducing the need for repeat procedures.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early feasibility study with only 70 people. The coil may not provide clear enough images, or could cause minor bleeding or other issues during placement.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITINGBethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States