Home › Procedural Pain › NCT05895383

Self-Adjusted Nitrous Oxide: A Feasibility Study in the Setting of Vasectomy

Who can join

Ages 21 to 85 · Men · Healthy volunteers welcome

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Scheduled for vasectomy
2. Aged 21 to 85 years
3. Suitable for receipt of inhaled nitrous oxide/oxygen
4. Access to an email and computer

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Perioral facial hair impeding good mask seal
2. Cognitive impairment that impedes ability to complete survey questions
3. Intent to use benzodiazepines or opioids "as needed" for purposes of vasectomy
4. Has any of the following medical conditions, which contraindicate use of nitrous oxide:

   1. Inner ear, bariatric or eye surgery within the last 2 weeks,
   2. Current emphysematous blebs,
   3. Severe B-12 deficiency,
   4. Bleomycin chemotherapy within the past year,
   5. Heart attack within the past year,
   6. Stroke within the past year,
   7. Class III or higher heart failure.

About the study

This study is being done to see if nitrous oxide during vasectomy decreases pain and anxiety, and also assess whether patients have better satisfaction when they control their own level of nitrous oxide during the procedure. If we find that patients experience less pain or anxiety with nitrous oxide, it could be suggested that self-adjusted nitrous oxide (SANO) may be a useful tool for improving experience of care during vasectomy.

What is being tested

• Nitrous oxide (drug)

Sponsor: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · Participants: 35 · Started: May 24, 2023

Contact the study team

• Heidi Rayala, MD, PhD · Phone: 617-667-3739

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT05895383

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Procedural Pain

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.