Recruiting

Electric field treatment for chronic bronchitis symptoms in COPD

Plain-English translation of NCT07068438 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated September 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This clinical trial is testing a new procedure called pulsed electric field ablation to help reduce the symptoms of chronic bronchitis in people with COPD. The procedure uses electrical pulses to treat the airways that produce excess mucus and trigger chronic cough. Researchers want to see if this treatment is safe and effective at improving breathing and reducing cough symptoms.

Many people with COPD suffer from chronic cough and excessive mucus production that doesn't improve enough with standard medications alone. This trial is exploring whether the new treatment can help reduce these bothersome symptoms and improve quality of life for patients who continue to struggle despite taking their regular medications.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 35 and 80 years old
you have been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis (a productive cough for at least three months per year for two consecutive years)
you have moderate to severe COPD symptoms as measured by standard breathing tests and symptom questionnaires
you have been taking COPD maintenance medications (long-acting bronchodilators with or without inhaled corticosteroids) consistently for at least 8 weeks
you are able to undergo two bronchoscopy procedures under general anesthesia and can attend regular follow-up visits

You likely don't qualify if…

you have an active lower respiratory infection or serious lung infection
you have an implantable heart device (such as a pacemaker) that cannot be turned off during the procedure
you have a history of serious heart rhythm problems within the past two years
you have had lung surgery in the past or have lung cancer
you have smoked any tobacco or marijuana products (including e-cigarettes) within the last 2 months

What participation looks like

If you qualify and are randomly selected, you will either receive the new electric field procedure or a sham procedure (a procedure without the active treatment) during a bronchoscopy under general anesthesia. You will have at least two bronchoscopy visits, screening visits, and follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and breathing with questionnaires and breathing tests. The study team will track how your symptoms change over time to see if the treatment helps reduce your cough and mucus production.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 26, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(13 sites)

China

Anhui Chest Hospital, Hefei, Anui

Affiliated Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, Beijing Municipality

Hospital Emergency General, Beijing, Beijing Municipality

The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu

The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu