Electrical Stimulation for Improving Postoperative Breast Sensation (NCT03240900)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Described as the "Angelina Jolie Effect", rates of prophylactic mastectomy with immediate implant-based reconstruction are increasing dramatically as more women with genetic predisposition towards breast cancer are seeking surgical prevention. Advances in surgical techniques allow for the creation of an aesthetically pleasing postoperative breast mound; however, a common complaint is the lack of sensation to the skin and nipple of the reconstructed breast due to injury and stretch of the sensory nerves. Numbness of the breast, nipple, and areola is an unnatural feeling for the patient, as well as a potential risk for injury or burns as the woman is unable to feel pain. Our laboratory has previously shown that electrical stimulation (ES) is an effective way of improving nerve regeneration after injury to the nerves of the upper and lower extremities. Proven to improve motor outcomes following carpal and cubital tunnel release and sensation following injury to the digital nerves, this technique is a likely mechanism of restoring sensation of the breast as well. In this study, we will follow thirty women undergoing prophylactic skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate implant-based reconstruction. At the time of surgery, patients will be randomly assigned ES to either the right or left breast. That breast will be reconstructed first and stimulated for one hour while the other breast is reconstructed. At the completion of the case, all wires will be removed. We will test sensation (tactile, temperature, 2-point discrimination, sharp/dull discrimination, and protective sensation) prior to surgery then again at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months following surgery to evaluate the effects of ES on sensory return. Patients will be provided with a survey to assess return of erogenous sensation.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: University of Alberta Hospital — Edmonton, Alberta
Age range: 18 Years to 60 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (2 Sites)
- University of Alberta Hospital — Edmonton, Alberta
- Misericordia Hospital — Edmonton, Alberta
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (780) 492-1614
Email: ming.chan@ualberta.ca
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
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💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.