Spinal zaps could reboot breathing after brain injury

NCT ID NCT07766681

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: Zhongda Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 14, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Summary

This trial tests whether epidural spinal cord stimulation can help people with severe brain injury breathe without a ventilator. Ten patients with stroke or traumatic brain injury who need mechanical ventilation will receive a surgically implanted electrode that delivers electrical pulses to the spinal cord. Researchers will measure diaphragm activity, breathing function, and safety outcomes to see if this approach can improve respiratory recovery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Epidural spinal cord stimulation (a surgically implanted electrode that delivers electrical pulses to the spinal cord)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new way to help brain injury patients regain spontaneous breathing and reduce time on ventilators.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early exploratory study, so results may not apply broadly. Surgery and stimulation carry risks like infection, bleeding, or nerve damage, and the approach may not improve breathing in all patients.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

brain injury respiratory failure stroke disorder traumatic brain injury

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BRAIN INJURIES RESPIRATORY FAILURE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Chinese PLA General Hospital

Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100000, China
The 904th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army

Suzhu, Jiangsu, 215000, China
Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University

Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China

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