New monitoring methods aim to prevent paralysis after aortic surgery
NCT ID NCT03074487
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests two new monitoring techniques—long loop reflexes (F-waves) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)—to detect spinal cord ischemia early after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Current methods work during surgery but are too painful for awake patients afterward. The goal is to find a reliable, patient-friendly test that can catch problems before paralysis develops. Fifty patients will be monitored during and after surgery to see how well these new methods work.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a reliable, painless way to monitor spinal cord health after surgery, helping doctors intervene before paralysis occurs.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early exploratory study (50 participants) testing monitoring methods, not a treatment. The tests may not prove accurate enough for routine use.
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.
- Participants
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50 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2017
- Finished
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Apr 2025
- Lead sponsor
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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.
Who is studied
Patients undergoing a thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair by either open surgical or endovascular procedures are eligible for inclusion. The study population will include patients undergoing TAAA repair in Maastricht (Netherlands), Aachen (Germany) and Bern, (Switzerland).
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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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 Hide 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: * Thoraco-abdominal aneurysm (TAA) of the descending aorta: Crawford type I,II, III, IV or V * Repair using open surgical or endovascular procedure. * Undergoing monitoring by motor evoked potentials (MEP) as part of the standard surgical procedure. Exclusion Criteria: * Aneurysm only in ascending part of the aorta * Standard contraindications for motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring. * Standard contraindications for electrode placement (skin wounds, etc.) * No informed consent can be obtained prior to the procedure
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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
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MaastrichtUMC
Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
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