Earpiece zaps nerves to curb bleeding in dialysis surgery

NCT ID NCT06647017

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University Surgical Vascular Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear can reduce blood loss during surgery to place a dialysis graft. Forty adults undergoing this procedure will be randomly assigned to receive either the active stimulation or a sham (inactive) device. Researchers will measure total blood loss, surgery time, and time to stop bleeding.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Volta tAN System (Sparrow Ascent) - a device that delivers mild electrical stimulation to the ear
What this could lead to: If it works, this could give surgeons a simple, non-drug way to reduce bleeding during dialysis access surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a very small early study (40 people) testing a device for a short-term effect. The sham group may show similar results, and the device may not reduce blood loss meaningfully.

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.

Blood Loss, Surgical Hemorrhage

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BLOOD LOSS, SURGICAL

Contacts and locations

Locations

University Surgical Vascular
RECRUITING

Watkinsville, Georgia, 30677, United States

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