Using electrical stimulation at acupoints to reduce respiratory issues after anesthesia

Effect of Percutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation on the Improvement of Incidence of Adverse Respiratory Events in the Emergence Period From General Anesthesia After Tracheal Extubation: A Single-center Randomized Controlled Study

NA · Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University · NCT06772961

This study is testing if electrical stimulation at certain points on the body can help people recover better from anesthesia by improving their breathing and preventing problems.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment236 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorNanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University (other)
Locations2 sites (Nanjing, Jiangsu and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06772961 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on reducing adverse respiratory events in patients recovering from general anesthesia. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a TEAS group, receiving electrical stimulation at specific acupoints, or a control group receiving standard care. The stimulation will be applied for 30 minutes post-extubation to enhance respiratory function and prevent complications such as hypoxemia. The study aims to enroll 236 patients in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) to assess the efficacy of this intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old undergoing elective surgeries requiring general anesthesia and extubation upon arrival to the PACU.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, psychiatric disorders, or local skin infections at the acupoint sites may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of respiratory complications following extubation, improving patient safety and recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of TEAS in this context may be novel, similar studies have shown promising results in using electrical stimulation for respiratory support.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 1: Age \>18 years old.

  2: ASA I-III

  3: Patients undergoing elective general anesthesia surgery who are extubated upon arrival to the PACU

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1: Preoperative comorbidities include severe cardiovascular or respiratory diseases

  2: Serious reflux aspiration during the perioperative period

  3: Concurrent psychiatric disorders

  4: Local skin infections or nerve damage at the upper limb Taiyuan and Hegu acupoints

Where this trial is running

Nanjing, Jiangsu and 1 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Extubation, Respiratory Depression, Acupuncture Points, Hypoxia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.