Could a gentle electric zap at key points make emergency gut exams easier for liver patients?
NCT ID NCT07106658
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a mild electrical stimulation at specific acupoints (TEAS) helps people with cirrhosis tolerate an urgent endoscopy for suspected variceal bleeding. 180 patients were split into three groups: active TEAS, sham TEAS (electrodes but no current), or standard endoscopy alone. The goal was to see if TEAS improves procedural success and reduces discomfort.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) using a Hwato SDZ-III device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to make urgent endoscopy more comfortable and successful for people with cirrhosis.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with 180 participants. The sham group may also show benefit, and results may not apply to all patients or settings.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CIRRHOSIS are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
-
The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100039, China
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Soothing sounds may slash sedative doses during scopes
- Can a new opioid combo make gastroscopy safer for obese patients?
- Can a camera guide safer breathing tubes during endoscopy?
- Can everyday drugs shield the liver from Cirrhosis's worst threats?
- Could a yellow tinge predict dangerous hospital infections?
- Can AI predict complications before they happen during sedation?