Electric nerve zap implant tested for severe arthritis
NCT ID NCT07017686
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This early study tests whether a device that electrically stimulates the abdominal vagus nerve is safe for people with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis that hasn't improved with medication. Five participants will have the device implanted via keyhole surgery and receive daily stimulation for 22 weeks. The main goal is to check for serious side effects, not to prove it works.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
abdominal vagus nerve stimulation (aVNS) device
What this could lead to
If safe and effective, this could point toward a new way to control rheumatoid arthritis without drugs.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, tiny safety study with only 5 people. It may not show benefit, and the device requires keyhole surgery with possible risks like infection or nerve damage.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Austin Health, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital
RECRUITINGIvanhoe, Victoria, 3079, Australia
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Bionics Institute
RECRUITINGFitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia
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St Vincent's Hospital, Department of Rheumatology
RECRUITINGFitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia