← Back to Search

Procedure

Pulsed Radiofrequency Ablation Arm for Interstitial Cystitis

N/A
Recruiting
Led By Eli Medvescek, MD
Research Sponsored by Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Female sex
Age greater than or equal to 18
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up at the initial appointment and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups.
Awards & highlights

Study Summary

"This trial aims to test whether using electrical micro-current on a group of nerves can improve bladder pain syndrome (BPS) in women. Participants will undergo a procedure involving short bursts of electrical energy directed at

Who is the study for?
This trial is for women over 18 with bladder pain syndrome (BPS), who are eligible for DEERS health care benefits and have a specific score on a BPS diagnostic test. It's not suitable for those who don't meet these criteria.Check my eligibility
What is being tested?
The study tests pulsed radiofrequency ablation—a procedure using electrical micro-currents aimed at nerves to relieve BPS symptoms—against sham ablation, which is like a placebo. Participants will be compared after one treatment over six months.See study design
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects may include discomfort or minor pain where the needles are inserted during the procedure, possible temporary nerve irritation, and typical risks associated with needle insertion.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
Select...
I am female.
Select...
I am 18 years old or older.
Select...
I have been diagnosed with Bladder Pain Syndrome.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~at the initial appointment and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups.
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and at the initial appointment and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary outcome measures
VAS Pain Score
Secondary outcome measures
Average number of daytime episodes of urinary incontinence over the prior week
Average number of daytime voids over the prior week
Number of treatments currently taking for BPS
+4 more

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: Pulsed Radiofrequency Ablation ArmExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
18 total subjects in this arm. Subjects will be laid in the prone position. Local anesthesia will be administered. The appropriate spinal interspace will be identified under fluoroscopic guidance and hollow-tip needles will be inserted through the back into the retroperitoneal space adjacent to the superior hypogastric plexus. A microelectrode will be inserted through the hollow needle. A test pulse will be delivered. When proper positioning has been confirmed, 4mL of 1% lidocaine without epinephrine will be administered to reduce discomfort associated with radiofrequency ablation. Pulsed radiofrequency ablation will be performed at a pulse frequency of 2Hz, pulse width of 20ms, temperature of 42 degrees Celsius, total duration 120 seconds. The microelectrode and hollow-tip needle will then be withdrawn.
Group II: Sham ArmPlacebo Group1 Intervention
18 total subjects in this arm. Subjects will be laid in the prone position. Local anesthesia will be administered. The appropriate spinal interspace will be identified under fluoroscopic guidance and hollow-tip needles will be inserted through the back into the retroperitoneal space adjacent to the superior hypogastric plexus. A microelectrode will be inserted through the hollow needle. A test pulse will be delivered. Sham pulsed radiofrequency ablation will then be performed with the radiofrequency generator disconnected from the microelectrode. The duration of the sham procedure will be 120 seconds. The microelectrode and hollow-tip needle will then be withdrawn.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterLead Sponsor
138 Previous Clinical Trials
33,500 Total Patients Enrolled
2 Trials studying Interstitial Cystitis
87 Patients Enrolled for Interstitial Cystitis
Eli Medvescek, MDPrincipal InvestigatorWalter Reed National Military Medical Center

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is the total number of participants enrolled in this research endeavor?

"Indeed, as per clinicaltrials.gov information, this study is actively seeking subjects. The trial was initially shared on the platform on January 1st, 2024 and underwent its latest update on April 24th, 2024. In total, the research aims to enroll 38 individuals at a singular site."

Answered by AI

Are there any ongoing opportunities for patients to participate in this medical study?

"Indeed, as per the details on clinicaltrials.gov, this research endeavor is actively pursuing potential participants. Originally shared on January 1st, 2024 and most recently revised on April 24th, 2024; the trial aims to enroll a total of 38 individuals at one designated site."

Answered by AI
~25 spots leftby Jan 2026