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Transcutaneous (Tragus) Vagal Nerve Stimulation for Post-op Afib
Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles
Summary
Patients undergoing cardiac surgery are at high risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF), with estimated rates of 30-50% and occurs at approximately 2-4 days after surgery. The autonomic nervous system is known to play a key role in AF. Animal studies have indicated that duration and inducibility of AF can be decreased with intermittent vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). In humans, literature suggests that transcutaneous (tragus) VNS (tVNS) can serve as a potentially non-invasive therapy for treatment of post-operative AF (POAF) by reducing inflammation and increasing atrial refractory period. The purpose of this study is to determine the value of tVNS in reducing the burden of POAF and days of hospitalization after cardiac surgery.
Official title: Transcutaneous (Tragus) Vagal Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) for Post-op Atrial Fibrillation (POAF)
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 80 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
77
Start Date
2021-09-20
Completion Date
2024-04-25
Last Updated
2026-09-22
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
active tVNS
20 Hz, 250ms at a current just below discomfort threshold for one hour twice a day, starting on post-day 0. Stimulation will continue until 5 days post-operatively or discharge.
sham tVNS
Current set a 0 mA, starting on post-op day 0. Stimulation will continue until 5 days post-operatively or discharge.
Locations (2)
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California, United States
University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States