Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
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SHR Neuro Cancer Cardio Lipid Metab Microb
Andreas, M; Arzl, P; Mitterbauer, A; Ballarini, NM; Kainz, FM; Kocher, A; Laufer, G; Wolzt, M.
Electrical Stimulation of the Greater Auricular Nerve to Reduce Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation
CIRC-ARRHYTHMIA ELEC. 2019; 12(10): e007711
Doi: 10.1161/CIRCEP.119.007711
Web of Science
PubMed
FullText
FullText_MUG
- Leading authors Med Uni Graz
- Andreas Martin
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- Abstract:
- Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) occurs in up to 40% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Invasive stimulation of the vagal nerve previously demonstrated a reduced risk of POAF. Therefore, we examined the antiarrhythmic and anti-inflammatory effects of noninvasive low-level transcutaneous electrical stimulation (LLTS) of the greater auricular nerve in a pilot trial including patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: Patients were randomized into a sham (n=20) or a treatment group (n=20) for LLTS. After cardiac surgery, electrodes were applied in the triangular fossa of the ear. Stimulation (amplitude 1 mA, frequency 1 Hz for 40 minutes, followed by a 20 minutes break) was performed for up to 2 weeks after cardiac surgery. Heart rhythm was recorded continuously using an ECG during the observation period. CRP (C-reactive protein) and IL (interleukin)-6 plasma concentrations were measured immediately after surgery as well as on day 2 and 7 postsurgery. Results: Patients receiving LLTS had a significantly reduced occurrence of POAF (4 of 20) when compared with controls (11 of 20, P=0.022) during a similar mean Holter recording period. The median duration of POAF was comparable between the treatment and the control group (878 [249; 1660] minutes versus 489 [148; 1775] minutes; P=0.661). No effect of LLTS on CRP or IL-6 levels was detectable. Conclusions: LLTS of the greater auricular nerve may be a potential therapy for POAF. We demonstrated the feasibility to conduct a randomized trial of neurostimulation as an outlay for a multisite clinical trial.
- Find related publications in this database (Keywords)
- atrial fibrillation
- C-reactive protein
- electrode
- heart
- interleukin