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Breast Implant; ComplicationsNCT05757778

Split Chest Breast Neurotization

A study testing Sensory Nerve Coaptation in people with Breast Implant; Complications, run by NYU Langone Health at 1 site in United States.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
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Trial summary

Several members of the scientific community have suggested that breast neurotization can help return nipple sensation to patients undergoing implant-based breast reconstruction. There has been no randomized controlled study assessing the validity of these claims. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 99 years, women only
Conditions the study is for
Breast Implant; Complications
What is being tested?
Sensory Nerve Coaptation
Type of treatment
Surgery or procedure
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
6 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
8 Aug 2023to 7 Apr 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 99 years
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Women undergoing bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomy (prophylactic or therapeutic) at a single institution
  • Women receiving implant-based reconstruction (either direct to implant or tissue expander-based implant reconstruction of any size)
  • Age 18 or older

Who cannot join

  • Women with history of prior breast surgery given concern for potentially damaged nerves by prior intervention that could impact the procedure and results. Procedures include but are not limited to: prior breast reduction, prior breast augmentation, prior lumpectomy
  • Pre-operative radiation or anticipated post-operative radiation
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 or patients with macromastia (larger breasts) as these patients frequently require larger implants that will not accommodate the longest nerve graft available (70 mm)
  • Current tobacco or nicotine use
  • History of diabetes mellites with a HgbA1c > 7% due to lower rates of wound healing
  • History of auto-immune disease
Show all 10Show fewer
  • History of allergy, sensitivity, or intolerance to porcine-derived materials
  • Intraoperatively, patients may have to be excluded if during the mastectomy the lateral nerve targets were severely damaged or removed as part of the mastectomy. While these patients will be excluded from the formal analysis, the investigators will continue to follow them as a subgroup for analysis and comparison.
  • Men as they infrequently receive bilateral mastectomies due to breast cancer. Male breast cancer is <1% of all breast malignancies.
  • Pregnancy as determined by urine pregnancy test on day of surgery

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • NYU Langone Health

    New York, New York, 10016

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: A Single-Blind, Split-Chest, Single-Center Study of the Effects of Breast Neurotization in Implant Based Breast Reconstruction

Several members of the scientific community have suggested that breast neurotization can help return nipple sensation to patients undergoing implant-based breast reconstruction. There has been no randomized controlled study assessing the validity of these claims. The goal of this study is to evaluate if performing breast neurotization can help restore or improve return of nipple sensation to patients undergoing implant-based breast reconstruction. This will be a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial where patients undergoing bilateral reconstruction will serve as their own controls by receiving an intervention on one breast but not the other breast.

Being tested
Sensory Nerve Coaptation

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Sensory Nerve CoaptationProcedure or surgery

    Nerve reconstruction will employ an off-the-shelf nerve graft coapted to the donor anterior intercostal nerve branch laterally and medially at the underside of the nipple. The anterior intercostal nerve branch and nerve graft coaptation will be performed in a standard fashion with a 1 mm gap between the ends of the graft and the donor nerve. Medially, the nerve graft will be inset into the underside of the preserved nipple-areola complex using 8-0 or 9-0 epineural stitches from the nerve allograft. All nerve coaptations will be performed under loupe magnification as is standardly performed.

Study groups in NCT05757778
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Neurotized BreastExperimentalFor patients undergoing bilateral implant-based breast reconstruction following nipple-sparing mastectomy, one breast will be neurotized by connecting the lateral intercostal nerve to the nipple with interposing standard nerve grafting techniques. The neurotized breast will serve as the "experimental" breast. The other breast will not receive any breast neurotizing procedure.
Receives: Procedure: Sensory Nerve Coaptation
Non-Neurotized BreastNo interventionFor patients undergoing bilateral implant-based breast reconstruction following nipple-sparing mastectomy, one breast will not receive any breast neurotizing procedure. The non-neurotized breast will serve as the "control" breast.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Testing (SWMT) Score in the Nipple (Area 9)

    SWMT will be used for assessment of breast sensation by applying the monofilament to a given anatomic region. Based on the monofilament size, a score of 0-6 is assigned. Scores are classified as follows: 6 = normal; 5 = diminished light touch; 4 = diminished protective sensation; 3 = loss of protective sensation; 2 = Loss of protective/sensation; 1 = Deep pressure sensation only; and 0 = Loss of sensation.

    Measured: Month 12 Post-Surgery

  2. SWMT Score in the Nipple (Area 9)

    SWMT will be used for assessment of breast sensation by applying the monofilament to a given anatomic region. Based on the monofilament size, a score of 0-6 is assigned. Scores are classified as follows: 6 = normal; 5 = diminished light touch; 4 = diminished protective sensation; 3 = loss of protective sensation; 2 = Loss of protective/sensation; 1 = Deep pressure sensation only; and 0 = Loss of sensation.

    Measured: Month 24 Post-Surgery

Secondary outcomes (16)
  1. SWMT Score in the Mastectomy Superior (Area 1)

    SWMT will be used for assessment of breast sensation by applying the monofilament to a given anatomic region. Based on the monofilament size, a score of 0-6 is assigned. Scores are classified as follows: 6 = normal; 5 = diminished light touch; 4 = diminished protective sensation; 3 = loss of protective sensation; 2 = Loss of protective/sensation; 1 = Deep pressure sensation only; and 0 = Loss of sensation.

    Measured: Month 12 Post-Surgery

  2. SWMT Score in the Mastectomy Superior (Area 1)

    SWMT will be used for assessment of breast sensation by applying the monofilament to a given anatomic region. Based on the monofilament size, a score of 0-6 is assigned. Scores are classified as follows: 6 = normal; 5 = diminished light touch; 4 = diminished protective sensation; 3 = loss of protective sensation; 2 = Loss of protective/sensation; 1 = Deep pressure sensation only; and 0 = Loss of sensation.

    Measured: Month 24 Post-Surgery

  3. SWMT Score in the Mastectomy Lateral (Area 2)

    SWMT will be used for assessment of breast sensation by applying the monofilament to a given anatomic region. Based on the monofilament size, a score of 0-6 is assigned. Scores are classified as follows: 6 = normal; 5 = diminished light touch; 4 = diminished protective sensation; 3 = loss of protective sensation; 2 = Loss of protective/sensation; 1 = Deep pressure sensation only; and 0 = Loss of sensation.

    Measured: Month 12 Post-Surgery

  4. SWMT Score in the Mastectomy Lateral (Area 2)

    SWMT will be used for assessment of breast sensation by applying the monofilament to a given anatomic region. Based on the monofilament size, a score of 0-6 is assigned. Scores are classified as follows: 6 = normal; 5 = diminished light touch; 4 = diminished protective sensation; 3 = loss of protective sensation; 2 = Loss of protective/sensation; 1 = Deep pressure sensation only; and 0 = Loss of sensation.

    Measured: Month 24 Post-Surgery

  5. SWMT Score in the Mastectomy Inferior (Area 3)

    SWMT will be used for assessment of breast sensation by applying the monofilament to a given anatomic region. Based on the monofilament size, a score of 0-6 is assigned. Scores are classified as follows: 6 = normal; 5 = diminished light touch; 4 = diminished protective sensation; 3 = loss of protective sensation; 2 = Loss of protective/sensation; 1 = Deep pressure sensation only; and 0 = Loss of sensation.

    Measured: Month 12 Post-Surgery

  6. SWMT Score in the Mastectomy Inferior (Area 3)

    SWMT will be used for assessment of breast sensation by applying the monofilament to a given anatomic region. Based on the monofilament size, a score of 0-6 is assigned. Scores are classified as follows: 6 = normal; 5 = diminished light touch; 4 = diminished protective sensation; 3 = loss of protective sensation; 2 = Loss of protective/sensation; 1 = Deep pressure sensation only; and 0 = Loss of sensation.

    Measured: Month 24 Post-Surgery

  7. SWMT Score in the Mastectomy Medial (Area 4)

    SWMT will be used for assessment of breast sensation by applying the monofilament to a given anatomic region. Based on the monofilament size, a score of 0-6 is assigned. Scores are classified as follows: 6 = normal; 5 = diminished light touch; 4 = diminished protective sensation; 3 = loss of protective sensation; 2 = Loss of protective/sensation; 1 = Deep pressure sensation only; and 0 = Loss of sensation.

    Measured: Month 12 Post-Surgery

  8. SWMT Score in the Mastectomy Medial (Area 4)

    SWMT will be used for assessment of breast sensation by applying the monofilament to a given anatomic region. Based on the monofilament size, a score of 0-6 is assigned. Scores are classified as follows: 6 = normal; 5 = diminished light touch; 4 = diminished protective sensation; 3 = loss of protective sensation; 2 = Loss of protective/sensation; 1 = Deep pressure sensation only; and 0 = Loss of sensation.

    Measured: Month 24 Post-Surgery

  9. SWMT Score in the Flap Superior (Area 5)

    SWMT will be used for assessment of breast sensation by applying the monofilament to a given anatomic region. Based on the monofilament size, a score of 0-6 is assigned. Scores are classified as follows: 6 = normal; 5 = diminished light touch; 4 = diminished protective sensation; 3 = loss of protective sensation; 2 = Loss of protective/sensation; 1 = Deep pressure sensation only; and 0 = Loss of sensation.

    Measured: Month 12 Post-Surgery

  10. SWMT Score in the Flap Superior (Area 5)

    SWMT will be used for assessment of breast sensation by applying the monofilament to a given anatomic region. Based on the monofilament size, a score of 0-6 is assigned. Scores are classified as follows: 6 = normal; 5 = diminished light touch; 4 = diminished protective sensation; 3 = loss of protective sensation; 2 = Loss of protective/sensation; 1 = Deep pressure sensation only; and 0 = Loss of sensation.

    Measured: Month 24 Post-Surgery

  11. SWMT Score in the Flap Lateral (Area 6)

    SWMT will be used for assessment of breast sensation by applying the monofilament to a given anatomic region. Based on the monofilament size, a score of 0-6 is assigned. Scores are classified as follows: 6 = normal; 5 = diminished light touch; 4 = diminished protective sensation; 3 = loss of protective sensation; 2 = Loss of protective/sensation; 1 = Deep pressure sensation only; and 0 = Loss of sensation.

    Measured: Month 12 Post-Surgery

  12. SWMT Score in the Flap Lateral (Area 6)

    SWMT will be used for assessment of breast sensation by applying the monofilament to a given anatomic region. Based on the monofilament size, a score of 0-6 is assigned. Scores are classified as follows: 6 = normal; 5 = diminished light touch; 4 = diminished protective sensation; 3 = loss of protective sensation; 2 = Loss of protective/sensation; 1 = Deep pressure sensation only; and 0 = Loss of sensation.

    Measured: Month 24 Post-Surgery

  13. SWMT Score in the Flap Inferior (Area 7)

    SWMT will be used for assessment of breast sensation by applying the monofilament to a given anatomic region. Based on the monofilament size, a score of 0-6 is assigned. Scores are classified as follows: 6 = normal; 5 = diminished light touch; 4 = diminished protective sensation; 3 = loss of protective sensation; 2 = Loss of protective/sensation; 1 = Deep pressure sensation only; and 0 = Loss of sensation.

    Measured: Month 12 Post-Surgery

  14. SWMT Score in the Flap Inferior (Area 7)

    SWMT will be used for assessment of breast sensation by applying the monofilament to a given anatomic region. Based on the monofilament size, a score of 0-6 is assigned. Scores are classified as follows: 6 = normal; 5 = diminished light touch; 4 = diminished protective sensation; 3 = loss of protective sensation; 2 = Loss of protective/sensation; 1 = Deep pressure sensation only; and 0 = Loss of sensation.

    Measured: Month 24 Post-Surgery

  15. SWMT Score in the Flap Medial (Area 8)

    SWMT will be used for assessment of breast sensation by applying the monofilament to a given anatomic region. Based on the monofilament size, a score of 0-6 is assigned. Scores are classified as follows: 6 = normal; 5 = diminished light touch; 4 = diminished protective sensation; 3 = loss of protective sensation; 2 = Loss of protective/sensation; 1 = Deep pressure sensation only; and 0 = Loss of sensation.

    Measured: Month 12 Post-Surgery

  16. SWMT Score in the Flap Medial (Area 8)

    SWMT will be used for assessment of breast sensation by applying the monofilament to a given anatomic region. Based on the monofilament size, a score of 0-6 is assigned. Scores are classified as follows: 6 = normal; 5 = diminished light touch; 4 = diminished protective sensation; 3 = loss of protective sensation; 2 = Loss of protective/sensation; 1 = Deep pressure sensation only; and 0 = Loss of sensation.

    Measured: Month 24 Post-Surgery

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted7 Mar 2023
  2. Study start8 Aug 2023
  3. Primary completion7 Apr 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion7 Apr 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
6 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT05757778
Sponsor's protocol ID
22-01026
Status last verified
Feb 2026
First submitted
24 Feb 2023
Last updated
6 Feb 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: The de-identified participant data from the final research dataset used in the published manuscript will be shared upon reasonable request beginning 9 months and ending 36 months following article publication or as required by a condition of awards and agreements supporting the research provided the investigator who proposes to use the data executes a data use agreement with NYU Langone Health. Requests may be directed to: \[Thomas.Calahan@nyulangone.org\]. The protocol and statistical analysis plan will be made available on Clinicaltrials.gov only as required by federal regulation or as a condition of awards and agreements supporting the research.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Sensory Nerve Coaptation in people with Breast Implant; Complications, run by NYU Langone Health at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Testing (SWMT) Score in the Nipple (Area 9) (time frame: Month 12 Post-Surgery). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Feb 2026.

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