The objective of the trial is to investigate the efficacy of the Bridge device in reducing post-operative pain and post-operative opioid consumption in patients undergoing rotator cuff surgery with the typical mode of anesthesia, nerve block plus propofol sedation.
The interscalene block is the gold standard for postoperative pain management following rotator cuff surgery. However, the duration of the block does not cover rehabilitation. Therefore, in most cases, patients are discharged from the surgical center with an opioid prescription. There is a growing need to investigate complementary, non-pharmacologic pain-management methods. The Bridge device, which provides auricular neuromodulation of various cutaneous nerves near the ear, is manufactured by Masimo and previously FDA-approved to reduce symptoms of opioid withdrawal. It is a promising technology that could help relieve post-operative pain without exposing patients to the adverse effects of opioids or other pain-relieving medications. The objective of the trial is to investigate the efficacy of the Bridge device in reducing post-operative pain and post-operative opioid consumption in patients undergoing rotator cuff surgery with the typical mode of anesthesia, nerve block plus propofol sedation. Those enrolled will be assigned to a study group and compared to historic cohort (control group). Historic control group involves patients that underwent same surgical procedure performed at the surgical center involved in the study, by the same surgical operator, between 2020 and 2023. \*Prior to study enrollment, the outcome measure timepoints were updated to postoperative days (POD) 1, 3, 5, and 7. This was largely due to pain trajectories in surgical populations often follow a predictable, nonlinear course, with meaningful fluctuations most apparent on alternating days rather than daily increments. By assessing the outcome measures on POD 1, 3, 5, and 7, the revised scheduled timepoints continues to capture initial peak (POD 1), early recovery phase (POD3), the late recovery phase (POD 5), and the resolution/transition phase (POD 7) regarding pain trajectories.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
42
The Bridge device is an FDA-cleared, drug-free, non-surgical device that uses neuro-modulation to aid in the reduction of symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal through application to branches of the Cranial Nerves V, VII, IX, X, and the occipital nerves. This study is investigating its effectiveness treating post-surgical pain.
UPMC Outpatient Center
West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, United States
Oral Opioid Use POD 1
This outcome will be measured by total Oral Morphine Equivalents (OME, mg) abstracted from the medical records.
Time frame: Post-Operative Day 1
Oral Opioid Use POD 3
This outcome will be measured by total Oral Morphine Equivalents (OME, mg) abstracted from the medical records.
Time frame: Post-Operative Day 3
Oral Opioid Use POD 5
This outcome will be measured by total Oral Morphine Equivalents (OME, mg) abstracted from the medical records.
Time frame: Post-Operative Day 5
Oral Opioid Use POD 7
This outcome will be measured by total Oral Morphine Equivalents (OME, mg) abstracted from the medical records.
Time frame: Post-Operative Day 7
Self-Reported Pain Scores POD 1
Pain scores will be completed on a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) of 0=no pain at all and 10=the most severe pain.
Time frame: Post-Operative Day 1
Self-Reported Pain Scores POD 3
Pain scores will be completed on a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) of 0=no pain at all and 10=the most severe pain.
Time frame: Post-Operative Day 3
Self-Reported Pain Scores POD 5
Pain scores will be completed on a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) of 0=no pain at all and 10=the most severe pain.
Time frame: Post-Operative Day 5
Number of Participants Who Self-Reported Oral Opioid Use POD 5
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Collected through the subject diary (response yes/no) and recorded as a count of participants
Time frame: Post-Operative Day 5
Number of Participants Who Self-Reported Oral Opioid Use POD 7
Collected through the subject diary (response yes/no) and recorded as a count of participants
Time frame: Post-Operative Day 7
Adverse Events Related to Opioid POD 5
Recorded as yes/no for adverse events related to opioids like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and itching
Time frame: Post-Operative Day 5
Adverse Events Related to Opioid POD 7
Recorded as yes/no for adverse events related to opioids like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and itching
Time frame: Post-Operative Day 7
Local Adverse Events on Ear Related to Device POD 1
Recorded as yes/no for adverse events related to the device such as pain or skin irritation
Time frame: Post-operative Day 1
Local Adverse Events on Ear Related to Device POD 3
Recorded as yes/no for adverse events related to the device such as pain or skin irritation
Time frame: Post-operative Day 3
Local Adverse Events on Ear Related to Device POD 5
Recorded as yes/no for adverse events related to the device such as pain or skin irritation
Time frame: Post-operative Day 5
Local Adverse Events on Ear Related to Device POD 7
Recorded as yes/no for adverse events related to the device such as pain or skin irritation
Time frame: Post-operative Day 7
Self-Reported Pain Scores POD 7
Pain scores will be completed on a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) of 0=no pain at all and 10=the most severe pain.
Time frame: Post-Operative Day 7