Using Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for treating frequent premature ventricular complexes

Efficacy and Safety of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Frequent Premature Ventricular Complexes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences · NCT04415203

This study is testing if a new treatment using electrical stimulation of the ear can help people with frequent heart palpitations feel better and reduce their symptoms.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorGuang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT04415203 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (TAVNS) in patients experiencing frequent premature ventricular complexes (FPVCs). Ninety participants will be randomly assigned to receive either TAVNS combined with usual care or a sham-TAVNS treatment alongside usual care for a duration of six weeks. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants achieving a 50% reduction in 24-hour PVCs after treatment, with secondary outcomes assessing further reductions and symptom changes. Follow-up will occur for 12 weeks post-treatment to monitor ongoing effects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 75 diagnosed with frequent premature ventricular contractions.

Not a fit: Patients with severe heart conditions, significant comorbidities, or those who are pregnant or lactating may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce the frequency of PVCs and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from this condition.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using TAVNS is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in the use of vagus nerve stimulation for various cardiac conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed as frequent premature ventricular contractions;
* 2 ≤ Lown level ≤ 4A;
* 18 ≤ age ≤ 75;
* Volunteered to participant

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe valvular disease, congenital heart disease, pericardial disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, unstable angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, myocarditis, aneurysm, congestive heart failure decompensation period (NYHA grade III or VI), cardiogenic shock, cerebrovascular disease, hematopoietic system disease, severe mental disease;
* Bradycardia, including pathologic sinus node syndrome, degree II or greater atrioventricular block;
* Those who have already had pacemaker or percutaneous coronary intervention, or who plan to have pacemaker or percutaneous coronary intervention;
* Pregnant or lactating women;
* Local sensory deficit, or allergic to current;
* May be allergic to percutaneous patches;
* Blood pressure ≤ 90/60 mmHg;
* Those who have participated in other clinical trials within 3 months.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

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 Premature Ventricular Complexes
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.