Intraoperative Electrical Stimulation to Improve Nerve Grafting Outcome

Launched by THE CLEVELAND CLINIC · Mar 21, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating whether a treatment called intraoperative electrical stimulation can help improve the recovery of nerves and the ability to smile in patients undergoing surgery for facial paralysis. Specifically, the study is looking at patients who are having a special type of surgery called two-stage cross face nerve grafting, which aims to restore facial movement by connecting nerves from one side of the face to a muscle on the other side.

To participate in this study, you must be between 18 and 80 years old and have facial paralysis on one side of your face. Unfortunately, if you have paralysis on both sides or have certain medical conditions that would prevent you from having the surgery, you may not be eligible. If you decide to join, you can expect to receive the electrical stimulation during your surgery, and researchers will follow your progress to see how well your nerves heal and how your smile improves over time. The trial is currently recruiting participants, so now is a great time to consider if this study might be right for you.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patients 18-80 years-old with unilateral facial paralysis who are candidates for two- stage CFNG smile reanimation surgery (i.e. CFNG-driven free gracilis muscle transfer (FGMT) or dual innervation FGMT).
• • 2. Agree to participate in the study.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Bilateral facial paralysis
• • 2. Age less than 18 years-old or older than 80 years-old
• • 3. Comorbid medical condition preventing two-stage CFNG surgery