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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Postoperative Pain

(KART Trial)

DB
Overseen ByDidem Bozak
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Women's College Hospital

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is widely performed to reduce pain from advanced osteoarthritis, yet many patients experience severe postoperative pain and up to 25-44% develop chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, has shown promise in reducing pain and opioid use in early studies but has not been evaluated using comprehensive perioperative, home-based protocols. This study will test whether a home-based tDCS intervention delivered before and after TKA can improve acute pain management and reduce the development of CPSP.

Who Is on the Research Team?

KL

Karim Ladha, MD, FRCPC

Principal Investigator

Women's College Hospital

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals undergoing knee replacement surgery to ease pain from severe osteoarthritis. Participants should be willing to use a non-invasive brain stimulation technique at home before and after the surgery.

Inclusion Criteria

Access to a device running iOS Version 10.0 or above, or Android Version 5.0 or above that can connect to the internet
I am 18 years old or older.
I am scheduled for knee replacement surgery due to severe arthritis.
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnant
I have a history of brain surgery, CNS tumors, seizures, stroke, or brain implants.
Using other brain stimulation devices concurrently
See 13 more

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • tDCS

Trial Overview

The study tests if using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) at home can help manage acute pain better and prevent chronic pain after knee replacement surgery. Some will get real tDCS, others a sham (fake) treatment.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Home-based tDCSExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Sham tDCSPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Women's College Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials
108
Recruited
43,700+

AFP Innovation Fund

Collaborator

Trials
9
Recruited
1,500+

University Health Network, Toronto

Collaborator

Trials
1,555
Recruited
526,000+

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