Using electrical stimulation to reduce postoperative delirium

Effect of Percutaneous Acupoint Electrical Stimulation on Delirium After Thoracoscopic Pneumonectomy

NA · Tongji Hospital · NCT06360549

This study is testing if a non-invasive electrical stimulation method can help prevent confusion and improve recovery in patients after lung surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment238 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorTongji Hospital (other)
Locations2 sites (Guangzhou, Guangdong and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06360549 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation (TEAS) on postoperative delirium in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung resection surgery. Participants are randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving TEAS or a control group receiving standard postoperative care. The study aims to measure various outcomes, including the incidence and severity of delirium, cognitive function, pain levels, and overall recovery quality. TEAS is a non-invasive technique that applies electrical stimulation to specific acupuncture points, potentially enhancing postoperative management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for thoracoscopic lung resection surgery with ASA grades I-III.

Not a fit: Patients with severe central nervous system diseases, psychiatric disorders, or significant cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the management of postoperative delirium, leading to better recovery outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar electrical stimulation approaches, suggesting potential efficacy in managing postoperative complications.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Voluntary participation in the study;
* Age ≥ 18 years;
* Patients scheduled for thoracoscopic lung resection surgery;
* ASA grade I-III.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of severe central nervous system diseases, psychiatric disorders, cognitive impairment, intellectual disability, or Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≤23;
* History of opioid addiction, long-term use of analgesic drugs, or psychotropic drugs;
* Severe cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases;
* Severe liver and kidney dysfunction: Child-Pugh grade B, C patients, patients requiring regular dialysis, etc.;
* Pregnant or postpartum women;
* Patients with language communication barriers;
* Deemed unsuitable for participation by the researchers.

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong 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: Delirium, Postoperative, Delirium, Thoracoscopic lung resection surgery

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.