A Pilot Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Effects of Acupuncture in Patients on Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation

A Pilot Prospective Randomized Study to Evaluate the Effects of Acupuncture in Patients on Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of acupuncture use on: 1) decrease the requirements for pharmacologic analgesic, 2) improve patient-reported pain, 3) expedite recovery process, and 4) improve the quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

Consecutive male and post-menopausal female patients expected to require more than 24 hours of mechanical ventilation will be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children < 18 years of age
• Patients with active resuscitation (fluid boluses greater than 2 Liter per hour, rapid transfusions, titration of vasoactive medication)
• Patients with hemodynamic instability: heart rate less than 40/min or greater than 120/min, SBP < 90 or > 180 mm Hg for longer than 2 continuous hours
• Patients who are pregnant or pre-menopausal
• Patients with expected survival less than 6 3 months
• Major deformities of the upper or lower extremities and/or any active skin lesions or ulcers in acupuncture treatment areas.
• Patients with a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device