Treatment of Adult Traumatic Rib Fractures With Percutaneous Cryoneurolysis

"Patients will be offered a minimally invasive intervention procedure for pain control called cryoneurolysis using an ultrasound-guided device called the Iovera Smart Tip 190.~The direct application of cold to the intercostal nerves via Iovera device produces lesions in peripheral nervous tissue to block the pain caused by rib fractures.~This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients who are not candidates for surgical stabilization of their rib fractures.~Application of cryoneurolysis as an analgesic will reduce the amount of narcotics patients might need and instead provide them short- or long-term pain control with minimal risk.~Follow up includes pain surveys administered in Chest Wall clinic or via telephone at 30, 90, 365 days post discharge."

"Patients will be provided regular standard of care at the Stanford Hospital with short- or long-term follow-up provided at the Stanford Center for Reconstruction after Chest Wall Injury.~Standard of care for patients with rib fractures that are not eligible for surgical stabilization includes multi-modal pain therapy and pulmonary toilet.~Follow up includes pain surveys administered in Chest Wall clinic or via telephone at 30, 90, 365 days post discharge."