NCT05991453 · Washington University School of Medicine
Trajectories of Recovery After Intravenous Propofol Versus Inhaled VolatilE Anesthesia Trial
(THRIVE)
What this study is about
The investigators will conduct a 13,000-patient randomly assigned multi-center trial to determine (i) which general anesthesia technique yields superior patient recovery experiences in any of three surgical categories ((a) major inpatient surgery, (b) minor inpatient surgery, (c) outpatient surgery) and (ii) whether TIVA confers no more than a small (0.
View original scientific description
The investigators will conduct a 13,000-patient randomized multi-center trial to determine (i) which general anesthesia technique yields superior patient recovery experiences in any of three surgical categories ((a) major inpatient surgery, (b) minor inpatient surgery, (c) outpatient surgery) and (ii) whether TIVA confers no more than a small (0.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Each patient must meet all of the following criteria:
- Aged 18 years or older
- Undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery expected to last ≥ 60 min requiring general anesthesia with a tracheal tube or laryngeal mask airway (or similar supra-glottic device)
Exclusion criteria
- Patients will not be enrolled if any of the following criteria are met:
- Inability to provide informed consent in English (at all study sites) or Spanish (at sites where Spanish consent is provided as an option)
- Pregnancy (based on patient report or positive test on the day of surgery)
- Surgical procedure requiring general, regional, neuraxial anesthesia administered by an anesthesia clinician (anesthesiologist, CRNA, anesthesiology assistant) occurring within 30 days prior to or planned to occur within 30 days after surgery date
- Contraindication to propofol TIVA or INVA (for example, documented allergy to propofol, history of severe postoperative nausea or vomiting, concern for or history of malignant hyperthermia) based on self-report
- Surgical procedures requiring a specific general anesthesia technique (for example, TIVA required for neuromonitoring).
- Locally approved, written protocol mandating a particular anesthetic technique
- History of possible or definite intraoperative awareness during general anesthesia based on patient self-report
- Planned postoperative intubation
- Current incarceration
Where
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- San Francisco, California
- Stanford, California
- New Haven, Connecticut
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Detroit, Michigan
- St Louis, Missouri
- Lebanon, New Hampshire
- New York, New York
- Durham, North Carolina
- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
And 6 more locations — see the full list below.
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 5, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations