RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07219108

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Enhanced Recovery in the NeuroICU

The TAVERN Trial: Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Enhanced Recovery in the NeuroICU - A Study of Clinical Outcomes and Cost Reduction

Sponsor

Washington University School of Medicine

Enrollment

160 participants

Start Date

Sep 24, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Acute Medical Conditions Acute Neurological Injury

Summary

This study will demonstrate the impact of taVNS on reducing adverse events in NeuroICU patients, determine if taVNS reduces length of stay, and quantify the economic benefits of taVNS implementation in a broader neurocritical care population.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria12

Age ≥18
Admission to the NeuroICU within 36 hours of onset of an acute medical condition.
Patient or authorized legal representative should be able to provide consent within 36 hours of ICU arrival
Presence of at least one predictor of critical illness and/or severe brain / spinal cord injury:
Glasgow Coma Scale GCS \>3 \& \<= 12 at admission
NIH stroke scale of 6 or greater
Requirement for ongoing mechanical ventilation
Requirement for ongoing vasopressor support
Diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage
Diagnosis of intracerebral hemorrhage with hematoma volume \> 5 ml
Diagnosis of moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (GCS \>3 \& \<= 12)
Refractory Status epilepticus requiring continuous sedative infusions

Exclusion Criteria8

Systemic immunosuppression
Receiving ongoing cancer therapy
Implanted electrical device (e.g., pacemaker, stimulator)
Bradycardia on admission (Sustained bradycardia on arrival with a heart rate \< 50 bpm for \>5 minutes)
Risk of imminent death or limitation of care (e.g., Glasgow Coma Scale of 3, pupillary dilatation)
Expected ICU stay of less than 72 hours, as determined by attending physician or ICU fellow
Pregnancy
COVID-19

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