Contrast and Anesthetic Level With Lumbar Erector Spinae Plan (ESP) Block
Erector Spinae Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery: Iohexol Spread, Extent of Block and Efficacy
Who can join
Ages 21 to 75 · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age range: Adult patients 21-75 years of age * ASA status: I-III * Planned lumbar spine fusion involving no more than three levels * Ability to ambulate prior to surgery Exclusion Criteria: * Previous lumbar spine surgery * Metastatic cancer with involvement of the lumbar spine * eGFR \< 60 mL/min/1.73m2 * Active liver disease (hepatitis or cirrhosis) * Confirmed allergy to ropivacaine, dexmedetomidine or iohexol * Cognitive impairment resulting in inability to rate pain scores * Patients receiving 30 mg or more of morphine equivalent daily dosing preoperatively * Pregnancy
About the study
As per usual care for spine surgery, participants will have their back cleaned with alcohol and a needle will be placed using ultrasound for the ESP block. Through the needle, a small catheter will be placed in the participants back and the needle removed. Approximately one hour prior to the start of surgery, a numbing medication (ropivacaine, similar to Novocaine) in combination with dexmedetomidine (a pain medicine that is used in nerve block and that is not a narcotic) and contrast dye (iohexol) will be injected through the catheter. Participants will then go through the QST procedure (test of buzzing sensation and temperature sensation through pads applied to their skin) to assess the numb areas and then head to the operating room. In the operating room, the catheter will be removed after the surgeon obtains baseline CT scan images of the spine. Once surgery is completed, investigators will record pain scores over the next four days in the hospital and the amount of pain medication needed for controlling pain related to the surgery.
What is being tested
- Ropivacaine (Epidural analgesia) (drug)
- Dexmedetomidine (drug)
- Iohexol (drug)
- QST Procedure (procedure)
Sponsor: University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center · Participants: 32 · Started: Sep 15, 2025
Contact the study team
- Sena Ulucay, MD · Phone: 216-84-3771
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07174440
Locations in the U.S.
| Ohio | University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.