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Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Prevention of Emergence Agitation and Delirium in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
Sponsor: The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University
Summary
Brief Summary This study is designed to find out whether transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) can safely reduce restlessness and confusion when children wake up from anesthesia after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. These problems, called emergence agitation and delirium, are common after surgery and can cause distress for both children and their families.TaVNS is a non-invasive treatment that delivers mild electrical stimulation to a specific area of the ear connected to the vagus nerve. It does not involve needles or medication, and children usually feel only a gentle tingling sensation.In this randomized, double-blind study, children will be assigned by chance to receive either taVNS or a sham (placebo) stimulation during surgery. Neither the children, their families, nor the medical team providing care will know which treatment each child receives.Researchers will observe and record how calmly children wake up from anesthesia, whether they show signs of delirium, and any side effects. The goal of this study is to test whether taVNS is an effective and safe way to improve recovery and comfort for children after surgery.
Official title: Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Preventing Emergence Agitation and Delirium After Pediatric Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Interventional Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
3 Years - 8 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
120
Start Date
2026-02-24
Completion Date
2026-12-30
Last Updated
2026-02-06
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Active taVNS Group
Active taVNS Group:The taVNS device delivers electrical stimulation via an ear-clip electrode placed on the left cymba conchae.Parameters: 25 Hz frequency, 300 µs pulse width, 30 s ON / 30 s OFF duty cycle.Applied from pre-induction through postoperative recovery, then twice daily for 30 min on POD 1-2.Intensity adjusted to induce mild tingling without discomfort.
Sham stimulation group
The sham stimulation device is visually identical to the active taVNS unit. Electrodes are placed on the same auricular site, and procedures mimic active stimulation, but no electrical current is delivered.Used to maintain blinding and control for placebo effects.
Locations (1)
The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China