Ear zap might slash opioid need after big surgery
NCT ID NCT07260266
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear can help reduce the amount of strong painkillers (opioids) needed after major abdominal surgery. About 108 adults will receive either the real stimulation or a sham version while in the intensive care unit. Researchers will track opioid use, pain scores, and sleep quality for 24 hours after surgery.
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 non-drug way to manage pain after surgery, potentially reducing opioid use and side effects.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial. The effect may be small or no better than a placebo, and results may not apply to all surgeries.
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 108 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jan 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
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 to 85 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 85 years, regardless of gender * ASA physical status classification I-III * Scheduled for elective major abdominal surgery under general anesthesia, with postoperative admission to the AICU for monitoring * Anticipated duration of stay in the AICU is approximately 24 hours Exclusion Criteria: * History of vagus nerve-related diseases (such as vasovagal syncope); * Severe arrhythmias or implanted electronic devices such as pacemakers; * Skin lesions, infections, or deformities at the site of external ear stimulation; * Long-term preoperative use of opioid medications or sedatives; * Allergy to study-related medications;
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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 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.
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