~22 spots leftby Mar 2026

Anesthetics for Pain Management During Surgery

(MCA Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Overseen byKeith M Vogt, MD, PhD
Age: 18 - 65
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Phase 1
Waitlist Available
Sponsor: Keith M. Vogt, MD, PhD
No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This trial examines how three IV drugs (propofol, dexmedetomidine, fentanyl) affect memory and physiological responses to pain. It targets people experiencing pain to understand how these drugs influence brain activity related to memory and fear, which could help explain anxiety disorders like PTSD. Dexmedetomidine has been shown to improve cognition compared to propofol and may have protective effects against PTSD.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for healthy adults aged 18-39, with normal body weight and hearing, who speak English natively and have at least a high school education. Participants must not be taking psychotropic medications or have a history of certain medical conditions like sleep apnea, diabetes, chronic pain disorders, significant cardiac disease, or metal implants that are incompatible with MRI.

Inclusion Criteria

I am generally healthy without major chronic diseases.
Anticipate ability to participate in all visits required for the phase of the study in which they are enrolled
You must have a healthy body weight.
+4 more

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently taking medication for mood, anxiety, sleep, or pain.
I have a history of neurological or psychiatric conditions, including benign tremor.
I have a history of serious lung disease.
+12 more

Participant Groups

The study aims to understand how pain affects long-term memory and physiological responses when different intravenous anesthetics (Propofol, Dexmedetomidine) or pain medication (Fentanyl) are used. A placebo group is included for comparison. The effects will be monitored using functional magnetic resonance imaging across five visits without long-term follow-up.
3Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: PropofolExperimental Treatment3 Interventions
Subjects in this group will receive propofol during the drug portion of the experiment.
Group II: FentanylExperimental Treatment3 Interventions
Subjects in this group will receive fentanyl during the drug portion of the experiment.
Group III: DexmedetomidineExperimental Treatment3 Interventions
Subjects in this group will receive dexmedetomidine during the drug portion of the experiment.

Dexmedetomidine is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada, Japan for the following indications:

馃嚜馃嚭 Approved in European Union as Precedex for:
  • Sedation in intensive care settings
  • Procedural sedation
馃嚭馃嚫 Approved in United States as Precedex for:
  • Sedation in intensive care settings
  • Procedural sedation
馃嚚馃嚘 Approved in Canada as Precedex for:
  • Sedation in intensive care settings
  • Procedural sedation
馃嚡馃嚨 Approved in Japan as Precedex for:
  • Sedation in intensive care settings
  • Procedural sedation

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburgh, PA
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Keith M. Vogt, MD, PhDLead Sponsor
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)Collaborator

References