Electrical acupoint stimulation to prevent low blood pressure during TAVR anesthesia

The Influence of Electrical Acupoint Stimulation at Different Frequencies on Hemodynamics During Anesthesia Induction in Patients Undergoing TAVR Surgery

We test whether high- versus low-frequency electrical stimulation at three acupoints before anesthesia can reduce drops in blood pressure in people aged 60 and older having TAVR.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 150 (estimated)
• Ages: 60 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Air Force Military Medical University, China (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Xi'an, Shannxi)
• Trial ID: NCT07365345 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Patients scheduled for TAVR under general anesthesia receive electrical stimulation at the acupoints Neiguan, Jianshi, and Baihui within 30 minutes before induction. Participants are assigned to receive either high-frequency or low-frequency stimulation and blood pressure changes during the anesthesia induction period are recorded. The primary comparison is the magnitude and incidence of hypotension and the need for vasoactive drugs during induction. Safety exclusions include implanted electrical devices, severe organ dysfunction, extreme BMI, active skin infection at stimulation sites, or preexisting hemodynamic instability.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 60 or older who are scheduled for TAVR under general anesthesia with a BMI between 18 and 30 and without severe liver/kidney dysfunction, decompensated heart failure, active skin infection at stimulation sites, or implanted electrical devices.

Not a fit: Patients with hemodynamic instability, severe organ dysfunction, BMI outside 18–30, local skin damage or infection, or implanted electrophysiological devices are unlikely to benefit or will be excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce anesthesia-induced drops in blood pressure during TAVR and lower the need for vasopressors, improving safety at induction.

How similar studies have performed: Prior small perioperative acupuncture studies have suggested acupoint stimulation can reduce anesthesia-related hypotension, but frequency-specific comparisons are limited and this protocol is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* The age of the patients is 60 years or older;
* Patients who are scheduled to undergo TAVR surgery under general anesthesia;

Exclusion Criteria:

* Body mass index less than 18 kg/m2 or greater than 30 kg/m2;
* Hemodynamic instability (severe arrhythmia, decompensated heart failure);
* Hypotension after admission requiring intervention with vasoactive drugs;
* Severe liver or kidney dysfunction;
* Those who are contraindicated for electrical stimulation, including those with local skin damage, infection, or having implanted electrophysiological devices in the body.

Where this trial is running

Xi'an, Shannxi

• Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University — Xi'an, Shannxi, China (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Zhihong Lu

Conditions Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement; Hemodynamic Stability; Anesthesia Induction; Electro-acupuncture