Ear zaps during heart attack may shield the heart from damage

NCT ID NCT05992259

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Bakulev Scientific Center of Cardiovascular Surgery Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 20, 2026 · Last updated Jul 21, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial investigates whether gentle electrical stimulation of the ear (specifically the vagus nerve area) during emergency heart attack treatment can reduce heart muscle damage and improve recovery. Researchers are enrolling 110 adults having their first major heart attack who undergo a procedure to open the blocked artery. The stimulation is applied from arrival through the procedure and for 30 minutes afterward. The study tracks deaths and serious complications like heart failure or dangerous heart rhythms to see if this simple, non-invasive technique offers added protection.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve
What this could lead to: If effective, this non-invasive ear stimulation could become a simple, low-cost addition to standard heart attack care to reduce heart damage and improve survival.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small, early-stage study, and the benefit seen in previous research may not translate to better long-term outcomes. The stimulation may also cause discomfort or fail to show a clear advantage over standard care alone.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute coronary syndrome atrial fibrillation Coronary Disease ischemia reperfusion injury ST-elevation myocardial infarction

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME ISCHEMIA REPERFUSION INJURY VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Scientific Research Institute Ochapovsky Regional Clinical Hospital

Krasnodar, Russia

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