Shocking clots away: muscle zaps may prevent dangerous blood clots in hospital patients
NCT ID NCT06135857
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether using a device that electrically stimulates arm muscles can prevent blood clots caused by PICC catheters in critically ill patients. 120 adults in intensive care units were randomly assigned to receive either standard care or standard care plus two daily 20-minute sessions of muscle stimulation. Researchers used ultrasound to check for clots over the first few weeks after catheter placement.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- electromuscular stimulation device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, non-drug way to prevent dangerous blood clots in hospitalized patients with PICC lines.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial (120 patients) testing a device, so results may not apply broadly. The therapy requires daily sessions and may not be practical for all patients.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Hospital Dr. Josep Trueta de Girona
Girona, Espanya, 17007, Spain