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

NCT ID NCT06054178

Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Stanford University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Phase 2

Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.

Participants

8 people

The number who actually took part.

Started

Nov 2024

Finished

May 2025

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

18 years and older

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Male or female subjects 2. 18 years or older 3. Scheduled for open head and neck surgery Exclusion Criteria: 1. Inability or unwillingness of a subject 2. Pregnancy 3. Vulnerable or disadvantaged population (pregnant women, decisionally impaired, homeless, employees, students) 4. Patients with severe medical condition(s) that in the view of the investigator prohibits participation in the study 5. History of adverse reaction to fluorescein including allergy. 6. History of renal failure or chronic kidney disease

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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.

Head and neck Head and neck disorder Pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid Thyroid disease Thyroidectomy Warthin tumor

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

What the study statuses mean