Zapping a nerve during surgery might ease Post-Op blues

NCT ID NCT07458646

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 (taVNS) during breast cancer surgery can help prevent or reduce negative emotions like anxiety and depression after the operation. About 232 women will receive either real or sham stimulation for 30 minutes while under anesthesia. Researchers will then track mood, pain, sleep, and recovery over the following days.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) device

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to ease anxiety and depression after breast cancer surgery, improving recovery and quality of life.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage trial with a single 30-minute session, so effects may be small or not last. The sham control helps, but results may not apply to all patients.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety anxiety disorder breast cancer Depression depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Beijing Tiantan Hospital

    Beijing, China

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.

    Beijing, China

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••