Using vagus nerve stimulation to prevent delirium in elderly patients after surgery

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in preventing postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing anesthesia for surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard or low stimulation parameters of taVNS, and the incidence of POD will be evaluated within five days post-surgery. Secondary outcomes will assess cognitive impairment, mortality rates, adverse events, and length of hospital stay. The study aims to provide evidence for the safety and efficacy of taVNS in improving postoperative brain health.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age≥65 years
* Expected operation time≥ 2 hours
* Postoperative hospital stay≥ 4 days
* Sign the informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neurosurgery or cardiac surgery
* Emergency surgery within 6 hours of admission
* End-stage disease with an expected survival of \< 3 months
* Preoperative severe cognitive dysfunction affected perioperative cognitive function assessment
* Severe sinus bradycardia, AVB of degree II and above, pacemaker placement

Where it's running

• Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University
  Beijing, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Ruquan Han, MD
• Email: ruquan.han@ccmu.edu.cn
• Phone: 8610-59976660

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Effects of Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation on Return to Consciousness After Surgery

  This study tests whether noninvasive tcVNS can help people wake up faster after surgery and reduce delirium and depression in the recovery period.

  Recruiting Northwestern University · Chicago, Illinois · NCT07610655

• Respiratory-gated auricular vagus nerve stimulation for apathy in Parkinson's disease

  This trial will test whether 100 Hz respiratory-gated transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation can reduce apathy in people with Parkinson's disease.

  Recruiting Anhui Medical University · Hefei, Anhui · NCT07118956

• Ear-based vagus nerve stimulation to improve recovery after major noncardiac surgery

  This test will try whether non-invasive ear (transcutaneous auricular) vagus nerve stimulation given around the time of major noncardiac surgery helps adults recover better.

  Recruiting Peking University First Hospital · Beijing, Beijing Municipality · NCT06957912

• Combining psilocybin with vagus nerve stimulation for enhanced memory

  This study is testing if combining a dose of psilocybin with a gentle nerve stimulation can help healthy adults with a slight drop in well-being improve their memory of insights gained during the experience.

  Recruiting Phase 1 University of Wisconsin, Madison · Madison, Wisconsin · NCT05866471

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.