Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Post Thoracotomy Pain; A Pilot Study

Weill Medical College of Cornell University

Overview

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the safety of the AvicennaTM class IV laser for application over the skin of human subjects. In addition, we seek to measure the effectiveness and utility of this class 4 laser therapy in the treatment of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome.

This study was terminated prior to enrollment and closed.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Conditions

Laser Therapy Post Thoracotomy Pain

Interventions

AvicennaTM class IV laser applicationDEVICE

AvicennaTM class IV laser for application over the skin of human subjects in the treatment of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome. Six sessions, twenty minutes applications over a period of six weeks.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 25 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women age 25-65 years old with chest wall pain after lung surgery lasting more than 2 months after surgery. * Subjects shall have failed conservative treatment which may include rest, physical therapy, braces, and over the counter anti-inflammatory medications. All those enrolled will be native English speakers and have at least a high school degree Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects will be excluded if they are pregnant (which will be confirmed by a urine pregnancy test if they are of childbearing age) * Have previous history of other pain syndromes or psychiatric disorders. * We will exclude the morbidly obese (BMI \>30) because the laser may not be able to penetrate deep enough through adipose tissue. In addition, subjects who have had previous back surgery, or are on antidepressants for the treatment of depression in the preceding 6 weeks will be excluded as these may represent potential confounding factors.

Locations (1)

Weill Cornell Medical College/New York Presbyterian Hospital

New York, New York, United States