Using 40Hz brain stimulation to reduce postoperative delirium in elderly patients after surgery

Effect of Prophylactic Application of 40Hz Transcranial Stimulation in AICU on Incidence of Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients Undergoing Elective Gastrointestinal Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Henan Provincial People's Hospital · NCT06542978

This study is testing if a special brain stimulation at 40Hz can help prevent confusion after surgery in older patients aged 65 and up.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment98 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHenan Provincial People's Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Zhengzhou, Henan)
Trial IDNCT06542978 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effect of 40Hz transcranial stimulation on the incidence of postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery. Postoperative delirium is a common complication in older adults, particularly those receiving mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit. By applying exogenous 40Hz stimulation, the study aims to enhance cognitive functioning and potentially reduce the occurrence of delirium. The trial will involve elderly patients aged 65 and older who are classified as ASA II to IV and are scheduled for surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are elderly patients aged 65 and older undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of severe neurological disorders, pre-operative delirium, or significant impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium in elderly patients, improving their recovery and overall outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of transcranial stimulation is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in improving cognitive outcomes in various patient populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 1.Age ≥ 65 years old,gender not limited
* 2.ASA classification Ⅱ \~ Ⅳ
* 3.Elective gastrointestinal general anesthesia surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1.History of schizophrenia, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, or myasthenia gravis
* 2.Pre-operative coma, severe dementia, speech impairment or severe illness incapacitated and unable to communicate
* 3.Delirium on admission or pre-operative delirium, brain injury
* 4.Severely infected person
* 5.Severe liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh C), severe renal insufficiency (preoperative dialysis)
* 6.Severe hearing or vision impairment

Where this trial is running

Zhengzhou, Henan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Postoperative DeliriumAnesthesiaElderly
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.