Ear zap may soothe kids after surgery

NCT ID NCT07394647

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a non-invasive device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the ear (taVNS) can prevent confusion and restlessness when children wake up from anesthesia after tonsillectomy. 120 children aged 3-8 will be randomly assigned to receive either real taVNS or a sham device during and after surgery. Researchers will observe how calmly they wake and any side effects, aiming to find a safe, drug-free way to improve recovery.

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 help children wake up more calmly after surgery, reducing distress for kids and families.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 120 children. The sham group may also show benefits, and the effect may not be strong enough to change standard care.

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.

delirium Emergence Delirium

As listed by the trial registrant

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

EMERGENCE AGITATION EMERGENCE DELIRIUM

Contacts and locations

Locations

The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China

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