Can needles protect your heart during surgery? new study says maybe

NCT ID NCT06110780

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether electroacupuncture (using mild electric pulses through thin needles) can protect the heart and reduce inflammation in 104 people undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Researchers measured heart injury markers like troponin and inflammation levels. The goal was to see if this ancient technique, applied at specific points, could help patients recover better.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: electroacupuncture
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to help heart surgery patients recover with less heart damage and inflammation.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study with 104 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Acupuncture effects can vary, and the study did not measure long-term outcomes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

coronary artery disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE IN CARDIAC SURGERY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University Faculty of Medicine

Kahramanmaraş, 46040, Turkey (Türkiye)

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