Sound waves against seizures: new device tested for Drug-Resistant epilepsy
NCT ID NCT06492720
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tests a device called NaviFUS that uses low-intensity focused ultrasound to calm overactive brain areas. It involves 16 adults with drug-resistant epilepsy who still have frequent seizures despite trying at least three medications. The goal is to see if the treatment safely reduces seizure frequency over time.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) via NaviFUS system
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a non-invasive way to reduce seizures in people with epilepsy that doesn't respond to medication.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early pilot study with only 16 people. It may not show clear benefit, and the effect on seizures could be temporary or inconsistent.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 16 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2024
- Expected to finish
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Mar 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Male or female patients aged over than and equal to 18 years old. 2. Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (defined as at least 3 ASM failed) and 1-4 ASM at the time of study entry. 3. Epileptogenic focus (or foci) is determined by comprehensive presurgical evaluation. 4. At least 4 focal-onset seizures with objectively visible or significantly disabling manifestations in the 8-week baseline and at least one seizure per month in the baseline. 5. Willing and able to sign written informed consent and be able to comply with the study protocol during the study period. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients with concurrent active psychiatric or mood disorders that have been assessed to interfere with participation in the study. 2. Presence of pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), permanent medication pumps, cochlear implants, or deep brain stimulation (DBS). 3. The skull bone area traversed by the sonication pathway is covered by scars, scalp disorders (e.g., eczema), wounds, or atrophy of the scalp. 4. Image documented calcified lesion in the FUS exposure path. 5. Abnormal coagulation profile: 1. Platelet (PLT) \< 100,000/μL. 2. prothrombin time (PT) \> 15 sec. 3. activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) \> 45 sec. 4. international normalized ratio (INR) \> 1.5. 5. Patients requiring anticoagulant medications. 6. Pregnant or breast-feeding women. 7. Coexisting medical problems of sufficient severity to limit compliance with the study. 8. Known sensitivity/allergy to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrast agents or any of its components; having metallic implants that are assessed as unsuitable for MRI examination. 9. Use of any recreational drugs or history of drug addiction or known history of substance or alcohol abuse. 10. Patients have received an investigational drug or an investigational device within 4 weeks prior to the study 11. Any other condition that, in the investigator's judgment, might affect study endpoints or might increase the risk to the patients or decrease the chance of obtaining satisfactory data needed to achieve the objectives of the study. 12. Any ASM treatment change during the baseline (screening period). 13. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) dosing changes within 2 months before baseline (screening period). 14. Radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) within 2 months before baseline (screening period). 15. Patient has an IQ \< 70, based on the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI-III or IV). 16. Any other condition that, in the investigator's judgment, patient not applicable to participate this study.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Taipei Veterans General Hospital
RECRUITINGTaipei, Taiwan
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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