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Characterization of Transient Alterations of Cutaneous Sensory Nerve Function by Cryolipolysis

Characterization of Transient Alterations of Cutaneous Sensory Nerve Function by Cryolipolysis

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01673113
Enrollment
11
Registered
2012-08-27
Start date
2012-12-31
Completion date
2015-08-31
Last updated
2019-10-01

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Adiposity

Keywords

cryolipolysis, sensory nerve function, Zeltiq

Brief summary

Cryolipolysis with Zeltiq CoolSculpting device is a novel method of non-invasive fat removal. The technique works by application of cold plates to the skin surface for a single cooling cycle lasting 60 minutes, after which a cold-induced inflammatory panniculitis leads to selective loss of fat. There is no histologic evidence of necrotic or inflammatory damage to skin or nerves, however a single small human study has reported prolonged temporary altered sensation (hypoesthesia) in the area of cryolipolysis procedure. This hypoesthesia seen in about 2/3 of patients, is completely reversible, lasts up to 8 weeks after treatment, and suggests that cooling under these conditions can temporarily alter sensory nerve function. The purpose of this study is to further characterize the reversible cutaneous sensory function alteration after cryolipolysis with Zeltiq CoolSculpting device. Using multiple modalities of sensory nerve function we hope to elucidate the details of cryolipolysis induced sensory nerve alteration.

Detailed description

Study design We undertook an open-label, prospective study at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) (Boston, USA) between December 2012 and July 2013. The study was approved by the MGH Institutional Research Board and was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01673113). Written, informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to participation in the study. The study conformed to the standards set by the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice Guidelines. Eleven healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. They were randomized to have either the left or right flank treated with a single cycle of cryolipolysis. Baseline measurement of sensory function was evaluated using QST at the treated and control (untreated) flank for each subject. Histamine iontophoresis was used to evaluate itch duration and intensity on the treated and control flank for each subject. All sensory function testing, including responses to histamine-induced itch, were assessed at 48-72 hours, and Day 7, 14, 21, 35 and 56 post-treatment. In 6 subjects, skin biopsies (3 mm diameter) for histological analysis of nerve fiber density at the treated flank were taken at baseline, 48-72 hours, Day 21 and 56 post-treatment. Cryolipolysis procedure All subjects received cryolipolysis treatment to the flank above the iliac crest, on one side of the body. The untreated (contralateral) flank served as the control throughout the study. Subjects were randomized to have right or left flank treated and randomization was achieved with a computer-generated randomization code. The treatment site was identified, assessed and marked by a single, unblinded investigator. The sensory testing site within the flanks was marked and registered using a transparent plastic sheet, aligned using cutaneous landmarks including nevi or scars, and photographed with the subject in a standard position, to ensure that the same area was tested on follow-up visits. Cryolipolysis was performed using an EzApp6.3 applicator (CoolScultping, Zeltiq Aesthetics Inc, Pleasanton USA) and standard settings at cooling intensity factor (CIF) of 41.6, corresponding to heat transfer of -73mW/cm2, applied for one hour. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) The QST protocol consisted of a series of 7 sensory tests. The QST procedure started with the evaluation of mechanical followed by thermal thresholds.

Interventions

DEVICEZeltiq CoolSculpting device

This is an FDA approved cooling device used for non-invasive and selective reduction of fat around the flanks, an area commonly referred to as the love handles.

Sponsors

Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Subjects ages 18-65 years old, male or female with visible adiposity on the flanks (love handles) and no weight changes exceeding 10lb during the preceding month. * Willingness to participate in the study * Informed consent agreement signed by the subject * Willingness to follow the treatment schedule and post treatment care requirements * Willingness to have skin biopsy done * No history of allergy to lidocaine or any other anesthetics.

Exclusion criteria

* Subject has a history of nerve problems, neuropathy * Subject who has recently undergone liposuction or another weight loss procedure, had a history of subcutaneous injections into the area of intended treatment within the preceding 6 months. * Subjects with history of diabetes * Subjects with a BMI of 30 or greater * Subject has an infection, surgical scars or other dermatologic condition in the area to be treated * Subject has known cold sensitivity disorders including Raynaud's phenomena, cold urticaria, cryoglobulinemia, or cold induced hemoglobinuria * Women who are pregnant or intending to become pregnant in the following 9 months; women who are lactating or had been lactating in the prior 9 months. * Subject is immunosuppressed * Subject is unable to comply with treatment, home care or follow-up visits * Subject has a history of vitiligo * Subject has a history of keloid formation * Subject is currently enrolled in a clinical study of any other unapproved investigational drug or device. * Any other condition or laboratory value that would, in the professional opinion of the investigator, potentially affect the subject's response or the integrity of the data or would pose an unacceptable risk to the subject. * Subject taking anticoagulants

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Vibration Detection Threshold (VDT)within 48-72 hours after treatmentVDT was evaluated using a computerized vibrometer with 1cm2 contact probe placed perpendicularly on the skin (TSA-II, Medoc Inc., Ramat Yishai, Israel). This device gradually increased the vibration magnitude until the subject pressed a stop button to indicate when they first felt the vibration. This test was repeated 8 times. The values presented in the data table were averaged over all repeats.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Mechanical Detection Threshold (MDT)48-72 hours post treatmentMDT was evaluated using von Frey Filaments. The up-down method, which evaluates the threshold force for appearance and disappearance of a touch sensation reported by the subject, was used until 3 values were obtained. The values presented in the data table were averaged over all repeats.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Pre-assignment details

11 subjects were randomized to have either left or right flank treated. The untreated flank served as the internal control for each subject.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Treatment
Subjects were randomized to have right or left flank treated with Zeltiq CoolSculpting device
11
Treatment
Subjects were randomized to have right or left flank treated with Zeltiq CoolSculpting device
11
Control
The untreated flank of each subject served as the internal control.
11
Control
The untreated flank of each subject served as the internal control.
11
Total44

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicTreatmentControlTotal
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 flanks0 flanks0 flanks
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
0 flanks0 flanks0 flanks
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
11 flanks11 flanks22 flanks
BMI of <3011 flanks11 flanks22 flanks
Region of Enrollment
United States
11 flanks11 flanks22 flanks
Sex: Female, Male
Female
6 flanks6 flanks12 flanks
Sex: Female, Male
Male
5 flanks5 flanks10 flanks

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
— / —
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 11
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 11

Outcome results

Primary

Vibration Detection Threshold (VDT)

VDT was evaluated using a computerized vibrometer with 1cm2 contact probe placed perpendicularly on the skin (TSA-II, Medoc Inc., Ramat Yishai, Israel). This device gradually increased the vibration magnitude until the subject pressed a stop button to indicate when they first felt the vibration. This test was repeated 8 times. The values presented in the data table were averaged over all repeats.

Time frame: within 48-72 hours after treatment

Population: 11 subjects were randomized to have right or left flank treated with cryolipolysis. The untreated flank served as the internal control.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
TreatmentVibration Detection Threshold (VDT)26.3 (um/sec)
ControlVibration Detection Threshold (VDT)19 (um/sec)
Secondary

Mechanical Detection Threshold (MDT)

MDT was evaluated using von Frey Filaments. The up-down method, which evaluates the threshold force for appearance and disappearance of a touch sensation reported by the subject, was used until 3 values were obtained. The values presented in the data table were averaged over all repeats.

Time frame: 48-72 hours post treatment

Population: 11 subjects were randomized to have right or left flank treated with cryolipolysis and the untreated flank served as internal control.

ArmMeasureValue (MEDIAN)
TreatmentMechanical Detection Threshold (MDT)0.87 grams
ControlMechanical Detection Threshold (MDT)0.4 grams

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026