Medical Information Only. Always consult your healthcare provider before enrolling in any clinical trial.
Interscalene vs Phrenic-sparing Blocks in Obesity and Effect of Maximum Inspiratory Pressure
NCT07216820 · View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
Study Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a phrenic-sparing nerve block can lower early breathing problems after shoulder surgery in adults with obesity, and whether a simple breathing-strength test (maximum inspiratory pressure, MIP) helps identify who is at higher risk. The main questions are: Does the phrenic-sparing approach reduce breathlessness or oxygen need in the recovery room (30-60 minutes after arrival)? Do patients have similar pain control and opioid use compared with the standard interscalene block (ISB)? Are there any breathing-related complications or unplanned admissions within 24 hours? Researchers will compare the phrenic-sparing block (infraclavicular + distal suprascapular) to the standard ISB, both commonly used at UNC. Participants will: Have a quick MIP breath test before surgery (and, if age ≥65, a brief thigh muscle ultrasound). Be randomly assigned to receive either the standard ISB or the phrenic-sparing block (both ultrasound-guided and part of routine care). Receive usual anesthesia/surgery; have a brief recovery check at 30-60 minutes (breathlessness score, oxygen use, oxygen level). Have pain medicines recorded from anesthesia start to PACU discharge; the team may review the chart up to 24 hours and make a short follow-up call (24-48 hours).
Conditions Studied
Interventions
- PROCEDURE Ultrasound-Guided Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block
- PROCEDURE Phrenic-Sparing Block Combination (Experimental)
- DRUG Bupivacaine HCl 0.5% Injectable Solution
- DRUG Dexamethasone 4mg
Study Locations (1)
North Carolina
- University of North Carolina Hospitals — Chapel Hill
Trial Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Target | 68 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-01-21 |
| Est. Completion | 2027-11-15 |
| Phase | NA |
Interested in This Trial?
Always speak with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.
Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗What the Registry Record Tells You About NCT07216820
The ClinicalTrials.gov registry entry for NCT07216820 describes a study currently listed as recruiting. It is categorized as NA, which is the standard way researchers label where a study sits along the investigational pathway from early safety work through later efficacy and post-marketing evaluation. The registered enrollment target is 68 participants, a figure that helps gauge the scale of data the investigators plan to collect. The listed sponsor is University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, which has 725 total studies on file at ClinicalTrials.gov, and sponsors are the parties responsible for study design, oversight, and regulatory filings.
The record links to 2 conditions, with Obesity appearing as the primary indexed condition, and to 4 interventions — of which Ultrasound-Guided Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block is the first listed. Interventions can include drugs, devices, procedures, behavioral programs, or observational arms, and each is tracked as a separate registry field so that downstream queries can filter accurately. When a trial lists multiple interventions, it usually reflects a multi-arm design or a comparison protocol rather than a single treatment being tested in isolation. The brief summary published in the registry is the clearest source of protocol intent and should be read before drawing conclusions from any sidebar tags.
Geographic footprint matters for practical reasons: NCT07216820 reports 1 study location spanning 1 distinct geographic area — top geographies include North Carolina. A larger site network tends to correlate with broader recruitment capacity, but it does not imply anything about study quality, and site-level enrollment status can diverge from the overall registry status shown above. Every data point on this page comes from the public ClinicalTrials.gov dataset and is reproduced here for reference only; it is not a medical recommendation, an endorsement of the sponsor, or an invitation to enroll. Verify current status, eligibility criteria, and contact details directly at ClinicalTrials.gov, and discuss any participation decision with your own healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is clinical trial NCT07216820 about?
NCT07216820 is a clinical study titled "Interscalene vs Phrenic-sparing Blocks in Obesity and Effect of Maximum Inspiratory Pressure". The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a phrenic-sparing nerve block can lower early breathing problems after shoulder surgery in adults with obesity, and whether a simple breathing-strength test (maximum inspiratory pressure, MIP) helps identify who is at higher risk. The main question...
What is the current status of trial NCT07216820?
This trial is currently recruiting. It is a NA study. The enrollment target is 68 participants. The study started on 2026-01-21. Estimated completion is 2027-11-15.
What conditions does trial NCT07216820 study?
This clinical trial studies the following conditions: Obesity, Shoulder Surgery. These conditions were identified from the trial registry and reflect the primary focus areas of the research.
What interventions are being tested in trial NCT07216820?
The interventions under investigation include: Ultrasound-Guided Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block (PROCEDURE), Phrenic-Sparing Block Combination (Experimental) (PROCEDURE), Bupivacaine HCl 0.5% Injectable Solution (DRUG), Dexamethasone 4mg (DRUG). Each intervention is being evaluated for safety and efficacy as part of this clinical study.
Who is sponsoring clinical trial NCT07216820?
This trial is sponsored by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, which has 725 total clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The sponsor is responsible for the study's design, funding, and regulatory compliance.
Where is trial NCT07216820 being conducted?
This trial has 1 study location across North Carolina. Contact the study sites directly through ClinicalTrials.gov for enrollment availability.
Learn More About Clinical Trials
How Clinical Trials Work
Understand phases 1-4, trial design, randomization, and the informed consent process.
Patient Rights in Clinical Trials
Your rights as a participant: consent, withdrawal, privacy, and who to contact.
Finding the Right Clinical Trial
A practical guide to searching trials, understanding eligibility, and evaluating options.
All Guides
Browse our complete library of clinical trial educational resources.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.