Anesthetics for Pain Management During Surgery

(MCA Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen by Keith 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.

Research Team

Keith M Vogt, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Pittsburgh

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.

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.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Dexmedetomidine (Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist)
• Fentanyl (Opioid Analgesic)
• Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (Other)
• Placebo (Other)
• Propofol (General Anesthetic)

Trial Overview 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.

Participant Groups

Group I: Propofol Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Subjects in this group will receive propofol during the drug portion of the experiment.

Group II: Fentanyl Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Subjects in this group will receive fentanyl during the drug portion of the experiment.

Group III: Dexmedetomidine Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Subjects in this group will receive dexmedetomidine during the drug portion of the experiment.

Dexmedetomidine is already approved in Canada, Japan for the following indications:

Approved in Canada as Precedex for:

• Sedation in intensive care settings
• Procedural sedation

Approved in Japan as Precedex for:

• Sedation in intensive care settings
• Procedural sedation

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pittsburgh, PA

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Keith M. Vogt, MD, PhD

Lead Sponsor

Trials

4

Patients Recruited

230+

National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)

Collaborator

Trials

315

Patients Recruited

251,000+