Can a tiny electric zing prevent opioid breathing trouble?

NCT ID NCT06823661

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Toronto Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

After surgery, painkillers can slow breathing. This study tested a device that uses a mild electrical pulse on the skin to wake patients when their breathing stops for 10 seconds. Researchers enrolled 60 adults recovering from surgery to see if the system is practical and acceptable. The goal is to make recovery safer without relying on nurses to manually stimulate patients.

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 nerve stimulation (TENS) device
What this could lead to: If this system works, it could offer a simple, automated way to prevent breathing problems after surgery, making recovery safer.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study testing feasibility, not effectiveness. The device may not reliably detect or correct apnea, and results may not apply to all patients.

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.

respiratory failure

As listed by the trial registrant

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

OPIOIDS RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Toronto General Hospital

Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 1R6, Canada
Toronto General Hospital

Toronto, Canada

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