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Synaptic Plasticity in the Epicardial Ganglionated Plexi
NCT05034419 · View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
Study Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and the prevalence increase with age. Autonomic nervous system play a critical role in the initiation and maintenance of AF. The intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system includes ganglionated plexus (GP) modulate the level of parasympathetic activity to the heart. Experimental and clinical studies suggest that GP activation plays a significant role in clinical AF in both the initiation of and the maintenance of AF. Synaptic plasticity is defined as the ability of synapses to change their strength of transmission. Plasticity of synaptic connections in the brain is a major focus of neuroscience research, as it is the primary mechanism underpinning learning and memory. Beyond the brain however, plasticity in peripheral neurons is less well understood, particularly in the GP neurons innervating the heart. The ability of these neurons to alter parasympathetic activity suggests that plasticity may indeed occur at the synapses formed on and by GP neurons. Such changes may not only fine-tune autonomic innervation of the heart, but could also be a source of maladaptive plasticity during atrial fibrillation. Low level tragus stimulation (LLTS) has been shown to decrease AF burden among patients with paroxysmal AF. However, the exact mechanism remains unclear. The objective of this study is to examine changes in synaptic density of GP neurons in patients with paroxysmal AF and persistent AF compared to those without AF undergoing cardiac surgery. In addition, we aim to examine the effect of LLTS on the synaptic plasticity of the GP neurons. A group of patients undergoing open heart surgery will be randomized to active LLTS for 30 min (pulse width of 200 μs, amplitude of 20 mA and a pulse frequency of 20 Hz) or no stimulation. Biopsy from GP tissue will be taken immediately after stimulation and histological staining for choline acetyl transferase (ChAT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and synaptophysin will be performed to
Conditions Studied
Interventions
- DEVICE Sham stimulation
- DEVICE Parasym
Study Locations (1)
Oklahoma
- OU Medical Center — Oklahoma City
Trial Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Target | 90 participants |
| Start Date | 2021-03-24 |
| Est. Completion | 2024-12 |
| Phase | Phase 1 |
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Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗What the Registry Record Tells You About NCT05034419
The ClinicalTrials.gov registry entry for NCT05034419 describes a study currently listed as recruiting. It is categorized as Phase 1, which is the standard way researchers label where a study sits along the investigational pathway from early safety work through later efficacy and post-marketing evaluation. The registered enrollment target is 90 participants, a figure that helps gauge the scale of data the investigators plan to collect. The listed sponsor is University of Oklahoma, which has 306 total studies on file at ClinicalTrials.gov, and sponsors are the parties responsible for study design, oversight, and regulatory filings.
The record links to 1 condition, with Atrial Fibrillation appearing as the primary indexed condition, and to 2 interventions — of which Sham stimulation is the first listed. Interventions can include drugs, devices, procedures, behavioral programs, or observational arms, and each is tracked as a separate registry field so that downstream queries can filter accurately. When a trial lists multiple interventions, it usually reflects a multi-arm design or a comparison protocol rather than a single treatment being tested in isolation. The brief summary published in the registry is the clearest source of protocol intent and should be read before drawing conclusions from any sidebar tags.
Geographic footprint matters for practical reasons: NCT05034419 reports 1 study location spanning 1 distinct geographic area — top geographies include Oklahoma. A larger site network tends to correlate with broader recruitment capacity, but it does not imply anything about study quality, and site-level enrollment status can diverge from the overall registry status shown above. Every data point on this page comes from the public ClinicalTrials.gov dataset and is reproduced here for reference only; it is not a medical recommendation, an endorsement of the sponsor, or an invitation to enroll. Verify current status, eligibility criteria, and contact details directly at ClinicalTrials.gov, and discuss any participation decision with your own healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is clinical trial NCT05034419 about?
NCT05034419 is a clinical study titled "Synaptic Plasticity in the Epicardial Ganglionated Plexi". Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and the prevalence increase with age. Autonomic nervous system play a critical role in the initiation and maintenance of AF. The intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system includes ganglionated plexus (GP) modulate the level of parasympathetic a...
What is the current status of trial NCT05034419?
This trial is currently recruiting. It is a Phase 1 study. The enrollment target is 90 participants. The study started on 2021-03-24. Estimated completion is 2024-12.
What conditions does trial NCT05034419 study?
This clinical trial studies the following conditions: Atrial Fibrillation. These conditions were identified from the trial registry and reflect the primary focus areas of the research.
What interventions are being tested in trial NCT05034419?
The interventions under investigation include: Sham stimulation (DEVICE), Parasym (DEVICE). Each intervention is being evaluated for safety and efficacy as part of this clinical study.
Who is sponsoring clinical trial NCT05034419?
This trial is sponsored by University of Oklahoma, which has 306 total clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The sponsor is responsible for the study's design, funding, and regulatory compliance.
Where is trial NCT05034419 being conducted?
This trial has 1 study location across Oklahoma. Contact the study sites directly through ClinicalTrials.gov for enrollment availability.
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