Using electrical stimulation to reduce postoperative delirium after lung surgery

Observing the Influence of Transcutaneous Acupoint Electrical Stimulation on Postoperative Delirium After Thoracoscopic Lung Resection Surgery - a Multicenter Cohort Study

Observational Tongji Hospital · NCT06318351

This study is testing whether using electrical stimulation can help patients recover better and reduce confusion after lung surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment476 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorTongji Hospital Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Guangzhou, Guangdong and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06318351 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the effects of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation on postoperative delirium in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung resection surgery. It is a multicenter, prospective cohort trial involving two major hospitals in China, focusing on the quality of postoperative recovery and the mechanisms by which this treatment may alleviate delirium. Patients will be assessed for cognitive status prior to surgery and divided into groups based on whether they receive the electrical stimulation treatment. The study aims to clarify the necessity and efficacy of this traditional Chinese medicine technique in improving patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

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

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments, psychiatric disorders, or significant comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium, leading to improved recovery and quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of electrical stimulation in postoperative care is being explored, this specific application in the context of postoperative delirium is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

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

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of severe central nervous system diseases, psychiatric disorders, cognitive impairment, intellectual disability, or Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≤23;
2. History of opioid addiction, long-term use of analgesic drugs, or psychotropic drugs;
3. Severe cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases;
4. Severe liver and kidney dysfunction: Child-Pugh grade B, C patients, patients requiring regular dialysis, etc.;
5. Pregnant or postpartum women;
6. Patients with language communication barriers;
7. 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.
Conditions Delirium, PostoperativeDeliriumThoracoscopic lung resection surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.