Auricular Neuromodulation for FESS

Overview

In this blinded prospective randomized control trial the researchers will investigate the impact of cutaneous vagal nerve stimulation on surgical conditions in patients undergoing functional and ascorbic sinus surgery (FESS). The device is an externally placed vagal nerve stimulator. The device will be applied to participants after consent and induction of anesthesia. The study team will open the randomization envelope and if the participant is assigned to stimulation the device will be turned on. In the case that the participant is assigned to the control arm, the device will be set to sham. The device will remain on for 30 minutes and removed before entering the OR. Device will be reinserted in the recovery room for another 30 minutes.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is an important procedure for controlling a variety of sinus disease. Given the proximity to the brain and vascularity of tissues, good visualization is paramount. Intraoperative bleeding and obscure the view of the surgeon. In this study, the investigators will use a neuromodulation device that will decrease bleeding and lead to better surgical conditions during the surgery. The device used has already been studied in other bleeding environments. The investigators believe it will also work for this case. The study on Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) will focus on the use of an innovative device designed to control bleeding and enhance visualization during surgery. FESS, a critical procedure for treating sinus-related conditions, often faces challenges related to bleeding and poor visibility, impacting surgical outcomes. This study aims to address these challenges by introducing a device used in other areas that promises to revolutionize the standard procedure. The device for the study, the Spark Biomedical Sparrow Ascent Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation (tAN) System, should decrease bleeding, a common obstacle in sinus surgery. This not only improves visibility for the surgeon but is also expected to lead to more accurate surgical interventions, reduced operation times, and fewer complications. The study will explore the efficacy and safety of this device, making a significant contribution to the field of sinus surgery and medical technology. This technology has been used in other areas, namely opiate use disorder, for which it has an FDA approval. The investigators plan to conduct a detailed investigation into the device's performance, employing a methodology that may include randomized controlled trials, adequate sample sizes, and comprehensive data collection methods. The study will assess various parameters such as the effectiveness of bleeding control, the impact on surgical duration, and overall patient outcomes. This research is not only significant for its potential to improve surgical techniques but also for its broader implications in patient care and medical innovation. By testing the hypotheses related to the device's performance and expected outcomes, the study aims to provide valuable insights that could transform the practice of sinus surgery, enhancing patient safety and surgical efficiency.