Ear-Zap device could ease nerve woes in kidney patients
NCT ID NCT06927024
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tests whether a device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear (taVNS) is safe and tolerable for people with chronic kidney disease stages 3-5 who have autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Thirty participants will use the device daily for two weeks. The main goals are to see if people can complete the sessions and if serious side effects like abnormal heart rates occur.
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 point toward a drug-free way to improve autonomic nerve function in people with chronic kidney disease.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early pilot study with only 30 participants, focused mainly on safety and feasibility. It may not show clear benefit, and the device might cause heart rhythm changes or fainting.
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 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2025
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
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 years and older
- 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: * Individuals age ≥18 years * Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stage 3-5 \[estimated glomerular filtration rate \≤60 mL/min/1.73m2\] * Receiving care at NYU Nephrology outpatient practice * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Primary ANS disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease) * Arrhythmias * Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker (PPM) precluding assessment of HRV (e.g., chronic atrial fibrillation) * On maintenance dialysis (HD) * Epilepsy * Symptomatic bradycardia * Presence of an implantable defibrillators * Presence of a permanent pacemaker * Unable to consent * Incarcerated individuals * Pregnant individuals
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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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NYU Langone Health
RECRUITINGNew York, New York, 10016, United States
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