Improvement of Postoperative Immunosuppression in Patients Receiving Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting by TEAS

The acupoints including Zusanli and Shenshu, were identified before electrical stimulation with surface electrodes. Selection of these acupoints was based on a consensus between the acupuncturists of the study.

No electrical stimulation sensation is performed in the Sham TEAS group. In the Sham TEAS group, pseudo-stimulation is provided by deliberately connecting the electrodes to the incorrect output socket of the electroacupuncture device, and thus there is no flow of electric current. Patients could see the output light flashing but no current was transmitted throughout the procedure. Patients would be told that the stimulation frequency selected was not perceivable by human beings.