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Yang Y, Zhang R, Zhong Z, Li J, Feng Y. Efficacy of transauricular vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced painful peripheral neuropathy: a randomized controlled exploratory study. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:2289-2300. [PMID: 38063922 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07229-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemotherapy-induced painful peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common adverse event in cancer patients, and there is still a lack of effective treatment. Transauricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a minimally invasive treatment, but there are few reports regarding its efficacy for CIPN. OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and possible mechanism of taVNS in patients with CIPN. METHODS Twenty-seven patients with CIPN were randomly divided into a taVNS group (n = 14) and a sham stimulation (SS) group (n = 13). A numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain, NCICTCAE 4.0 (neurotoxicity classification), quantitative sensory test (QST), Short-Form-Health Survey-12 (SF-12), and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) were administered before the intervention (D-10) and on the day after the intervention (D0), and the inflammatory cytokines in plasma were also measured. The NRS, NCI-CTCAE 4.0, SF-12, and AIS were administered again at D30 and D90. RESULTS Compared with the SS group, the NRS and AIS in the taVNS group were significantly lower at D0. The impact lasted until D30. There were no statistically significant differences in the NRS and AIS between the 2 groups at D90. On D30, the mental component score of the SF-12 was significantly higher in the taVNS group than in the SS group. No adverse events were found. There was no significant difference in QST and plasma inflammatory cytokines between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION taVNS can relieve chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain in the short term, can improve sleep status and quality of life, and is expected to become a novel clinical treatment method for CIPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Yang
- Department of Pain Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhifang Zhong
- Department of Pain Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Pain Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yi Feng
- Department of Pain Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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Wang L, Gao F, Wang Z, Liang F, Dai Y, Wang M, Wu J, Chen Y, Yan Q, Wang L. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of disorders of consciousness: mechanisms and applications. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1286267. [PMID: 37920298 PMCID: PMC10618368 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1286267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides an in-depth exploration of the mechanisms and applications of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in treating disorders of consciousness (DOC). Beginning with an exploration of the vagus nerve's role in modulating brain function and consciousness, we then delve into the neuroprotective potential of taVNS demonstrated in animal models. The subsequent sections assess the therapeutic impact of taVNS on human DOC, discussing the safety, tolerability, and various factors influencing the treatment response. Finally, the review identifies the current challenges in taVNS research and outlines future directions, emphasizing the need for large-scale trials, optimization of treatment parameters, and comprehensive investigation of taVNS's long-term effects and underlying mechanisms. This comprehensive overview positions taVNS as a promising and safe modality for DOC treatment, with a focus on understanding its intricate neurophysiological influence and optimizing its application in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Likai Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhan Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Feng Liang
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yongli Dai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Mengchun Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jingyi Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yaning Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qinjie Yan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Litong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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3
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Sant'Anna FM, Resende RCL, Sant'Anna LB, Couceiro SLM, Pinto RBS, Sant'Anna MB, Chao LW, Szeles JC, Kaniusas E. Auricular vagus nerve stimulation: a new option to treat inflammation in COVID-19? REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2023; 69:e20230345. [PMID: 37283364 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20230345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Mendes Sant'Anna
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - Macaé (RJ), Brazil
- Hospital Santa Izabel - Cabo Frio (RJ), Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Liaw Wen Chao
- Universidade de São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas - São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Jozsef Constantin Szeles
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery - Vienna, Austria
| | - Eugenijus Kaniusas
- Vienna Universit y of Technology, Institute of Biomedical Electronics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology - Vienna, Austria
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4
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Soltani D, Stavrakis S. Neuromodulation for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation—How to Optimize Patient Selection and the Procedural Approach. CURRENT CARDIOVASCULAR RISK REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12170-023-00718-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
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Berger A, Carapancea E, Vespa S, Danthine V, Doguet P, Delbeke J, Nonclercq A, El Tahry R. Vagus nerve stimulation-induced laryngeal motor evoked potentials for response prediction and intensity titration in drug-resistant epilepsy. Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 147:99-107. [PMID: 36764043 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to record Laryngeal Motor Evoked Potentials (LMEPs) in Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)-implanted patients suffering from Drug-Resistant Epilepsy (DRE). Based on these recordings, LMEPs characteristics were evaluated and compared between responders (R) and non-responders (NR). Finally, possible under- or over-stimulation was assessed based on a physiological indicator of fiber engagement. METHODS Mean dose-response curves were compared between R and NR. A Support Vector Machine (SVM) model was built based on both LMEP and dose-response curves features, to discriminate R from NR. For the exploration of possible under- or over-stimulation, a ratio between the clinically applied stimulation intensity and the intensity yielding to LMEP saturation was computed for each patient. RESULTS A trend towards a greater excitability of the nerve was observed in R compared to NR. The SVM classifier discriminated R and NR with an accuracy of 80%. An ineffective attempt to overstimulate at current levels above what is usually necessary to obtain clinical benefits was suggested in NR. CONCLUSIONS The SVM model built emphasizes a possible link between vagus nerve recruitment characteristics and treatment effectiveness. Most of the clinically responding patients receive VNS at a stimulation intensity 1-fold and 2-fold the intensity inducing LMEP saturation. SIGNIFICANCE LMEP saturation could be a practical help in guiding the titration of the stimulation parameters using a physiological indicator of fiber engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Berger
- Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Synergia Medical SA, Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium; Sleep and Chronobiology Lab, GIGA-Institute, CRC-In Vivo Imaging Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Evelina Carapancea
- Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Simone Vespa
- Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Venethia Danthine
- Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Jean Delbeke
- Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Institute of Neuroscience, LCEN3, Department of Neurology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Antoine Nonclercq
- Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Bio, Electro and Mechanical Systems Department (BEAMS), Ecole Polytechnique de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Riëm El Tahry
- Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Center for Refractory Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium; Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology (WELBIO) Department, WEL Research Institute, Avenue Pasteur 6, 1300 Wavre, Belgium
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Jayaprakash N, Song W, Toth V, Vardhan A, Levy T, Tomaio J, Qanud K, Mughrabi I, Chang YC, Rob M, Daytz A, Abbas A, Nassrallah Z, Volpe BT, Tracey KJ, Al-Abed Y, Datta-Chaudhuri T, Miller L, Barbe MF, Lee SC, Zanos TP, Zanos S. Organ- and function-specific anatomical organization of vagal fibers supports fascicular vagus nerve stimulation. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:484-506. [PMID: 36773779 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Vagal fibers travel inside fascicles and form branches to innervate organs and regulate organ functions. Existing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapies activate vagal fibers non-selectively, often resulting in reduced efficacy and side effects from non-targeted organs. The transverse and longitudinal arrangement of fibers inside the vagal trunk with respect to the functions they mediate and organs they innervate is unknown, however it is crucial for selective VNS. Using micro-computed tomography imaging, we tracked fascicular trajectories and found that, in swine, sensory and motor fascicles are spatially separated cephalad, close to the nodose ganglion, and merge caudad, towards the lower cervical and upper thoracic region; larynx-, heart- and lung-specific fascicles are separated caudad and progressively merge cephalad. Using quantified immunohistochemistry at single fiber level, we identified and characterized all vagal fibers and found that fibers of different morphological types are differentially distributed in fascicles: myelinated afferents and efferents occupy separate fascicles, myelinated and unmyelinated efferents also occupy separate fascicles, and small unmyelinated afferents are widely distributed within most fascicles. We developed a multi-contact cuff electrode to accommodate the fascicular structure of the vagal trunk and used it to deliver fascicle-selective cervical VNS in anesthetized and awake swine. Compound action potentials from distinct fiber types, and physiological responses from different organs, including laryngeal muscle, cough, breathing, and heart rate responses are elicited in a radially asymmetric manner, with consistent angular separations that agree with the documented fascicular organization. These results indicate that fibers in the trunk of the vagus nerve are anatomically organized according to functions they mediate and organs they innervate and can be asymmetrically activated by fascicular cervical VNS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Weiguo Song
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Viktor Toth
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | | | - Todd Levy
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | | | - Khaled Qanud
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | | | - Yao-Chuan Chang
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Moontahinaz Rob
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Anna Daytz
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Adam Abbas
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Zeinab Nassrallah
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Bruce T Volpe
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Yousef Al-Abed
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | | | - Larry Miller
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | | | - Sunhee C Lee
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | | | - Stavros Zanos
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA; Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, USA.
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7
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Carron R, Roncon P, Lagarde S, Dibué M, Zanello M, Bartolomei F. Latest Views on the Mechanisms of Action of Surgically Implanted Cervical Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Epilepsy. Neuromodulation 2022; 26:498-506. [PMID: 36064522 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.08.447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is approved as an adjunctive treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. Although there is a substantial amount of literature aiming at unraveling the mechanisms of action of VNS in epilepsy, it is still unclear how the cascade of events triggered by VNS leads to its antiepileptic effect. OBJECTIVE In this review, we integrated available peer-reviewed data on the effects of VNS in clinical and experimental research to identify those that are putatively responsible for its therapeutic effect. The topic of transcutaneous VNS will not be covered owing to the current lack of data supporting the differences and commonalities of its mechanisms of action in relation to invasive VNS. SUMMARY OF THE MAIN FINDINGS There is compelling evidence that the effect is obtained through the stimulation of large-diameter afferent myelinated fibers that project to the solitary tract nucleus, then to the parabrachial nucleus, which in turn alters the activity of the limbic system, thalamus, and cortex. VNS-induced catecholamine release from the locus coeruleus in the brainstem plays a pivotal role. Functional imaging studies tend to point toward a common vagal network that comes into play, made up of the amygdalo-hippocampal regions, left thalamus, and insular cortex. CONCLUSIONS Even though some crucial pieces are missing, neurochemical, molecular, cellular, and electrophysiological changes occur within the vagal afferent network at three main levels (the brainstem, the limbic system [amygdala and hippocampus], and the cortex). At this final level, VNS notably alters functional connectivity, which is known to be abnormally high within the epileptic zone and was shown to be significantly decreased by VNS in responders. The effect of crucial VNS parameters such as frequency or current amplitude on functional connectivity metrics is of utmost importance and requires further investigation.
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8
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Möbius H, Welkoborsky HJ. Vagus nerve stimulation for conservative therapy-refractive epilepsy and depression. Laryngorhinootologie 2022; 101:S114-S143. [PMID: 35605616 DOI: 10.1055/a-1660-5591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies confirm that the vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an efficient, indirect neuromodulatory therapy with electrically induced current for epilepsy that cannot be treated by epilepsy surgery and is therapy-refractory and for drug therapy-refractory depression. VNS is an established, evidence-based and in the long-term cost-effective therapy in an interdisciplinary overall concept.Long-term data on the safety and tolerance of the method are available despite the heterogeneity of the patient populations. Stimulation-related side effects like hoarseness, paresthesia, cough or dyspnea depend on the stimulation strength and often decrease with continuing therapy duration in the following years. Stimulation-related side effects of VNS can be well influenced by modifying the stimulation parameters. Overall, the invasive vagus nerve stimulation may be considered as a safe and well-tolerated therapy option.For invasive and transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, antiepileptic and antidepressant as well as positive cognitive effects could be proven. In contrast to drugs, VNS has no negative effect on cognition. In many cases, an improvement of the quality of life is possible.iVNS therapy has a low probability of complete seizure-freedom in cases of focal and genetically generalized epilepsy. It must be considered as palliative therapy, which means that it does not lead to healing and requires the continuation of specific medication. The functional principle is a general reduction of the neuronal excitability. This effect is achieved by a slow increase of the effectiveness sometimes over several years. Responders are those patients who experience a 50% reduction of the seizure incidence. Some studies even reveal seizure-freedom in 20% of the cases. Currently, it is not possible to differentiate between potential responders and non-responders before therapy/implantation.The current technical developments of the iVNS generators of the new generation like closed-loop system (cardiac-based seizure detection, CBSD) reduce also the risk for SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients), a very rare, lethal complication of epilepsies, beside the seizure severity.iVNS may deteriorate an existing sleep apnea syndrome and therefore requires possible therapy interruption during nighttime (day-night programming or magnet use) beside the close cooperation with sleep physicians.The evaluation of the numerous iVNS trials of the past two decades showed multiple positive effects on other immunological, cardiological, and gastroenterological diseases so that additional therapy indications may be expected depending on future study results. Currently, the vagus nerve stimulation is in the focus of research in the disciplines of psychology, immunology, cardiology as well as pain and plasticity research with the desired potential of future medical application.Beside invasive vagus nerve stimulation with implantation of an IPG and an electrode, also devices for transdermal and thus non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation have been developed during the last years. According to the data that are currently available, they are less effective with regard to the reduction of the seizure severity and duration in cases of therapy-refractory epilepsy and slightly less effective regarding the improvement of depression symptoms. In this context, studies are missing that confirm high evidence of effectiveness. The same is true for the other indications that have been mentioned like tinnitus, cephalgia, gastrointestinal complaints etc. Another disadvantage of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation is that the stimulators have to be applied actively by the patients and are not permanently active, in contrast to implanted iVNS therapy systems. So they are only intermittently active; furthermore, the therapy adherence is uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Möbius
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, KRH Klinikum Nordstadt, Hannover.,Abt. für HNO-Heilkunde, Kinderkrankenhaus auf der Bult, Hannover
| | - H J Welkoborsky
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, KRH Klinikum Nordstadt, Hannover.,Abt. für HNO-Heilkunde, Kinderkrankenhaus auf der Bult, Hannover
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9
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Laryngeal Muscle-Evoked Potential Recording as an Indicator of Vagal Nerve Fiber Activation. Neuromodulation 2022; 25:461-470. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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10
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Neuhuber WL, Berthoud HR. Functional anatomy of the vagus system - Emphasis on the somato-visceral interface. Auton Neurosci 2021; 236:102887. [PMID: 34634680 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Due to its pivotal role in autonomic networks, the vagus attracts continuous interest from both basic scientists and clinicians. In particular, recent advances in vagus nerve stimulation strategies and their application to pathological conditions beyond epilepsy provide a good opportunity to recall basic features of vagal peripheral and central anatomy. In addition to the "classical" vagal brainstem nuclei, i.e., dorsal motor nucleus, nucleus ambiguus and nucleus tractus solitarii, the spinal trigeminal and paratrigeminal nuclei come into play as targets of vagal afferents. On the other hand, the nucleus of the solitary tract receives and integrates not only visceral but also somatic afferents. Thus, the vagus system participates significantly in what may be defined as "somato-visceral interface".
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfried L Neuhuber
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Krankenhausstrasse 9, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Hans-Rudolf Berthoud
- Neurobiology of Nutrition & Metabolism Department, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA.
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11
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Mertens A, Carrette S, Klooster D, Lescrauwaet E, Delbeke J, Wadman WJ, Carrette E, Raedt R, Boon P, Vonck K. Investigating the Effect of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Cortical Excitability in Healthy Males. Neuromodulation 2021; 25:395-406. [PMID: 35396071 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES As a potential treatment for epilepsy, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has yielded inconsistent results. Combining transcranial magnetic stimulation with electromyography (TMS-EMG) and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) can be used to investigate the effect of interventions on cortical excitability by evaluating changes in motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs). The goal of this study is to objectively evaluate the effect of taVNS on cortical excitability with TMS-EMG and TMS-EEG. These findings are expected to provide insight in the mechanism of action and help identify more optimal stimulation paradigms. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this prospective single-blind cross-over study, 15 healthy male subjects underwent active and sham taVNS for 60 min, using a maximum tolerated stimulation current. Single and paired pulse TMS was delivered over the right-sided motor hotspot to evaluate MEPs and TEPs before and after the intervention. MEP statistical analysis was conducted with a two-way repeated measures ANOVA. TEPs were analyzed with a cluster-based permutation analysis. Linear regression analysis was implemented to investigate an association with stimulation current. RESULTS MEP and TEP measurements were not affected by taVNS in this study. An association was found between taVNS stimulation current and MEP outcome measures indicating a decrease in cortical excitability in participants who tolerated higher taVNS currents. A subanalysis of participants (n = 8) who tolerated a taVNS current ≥2.5 mA showed a significant increase in the resting motor threshold, decrease in MEP amplitude and modulation of the P60 and P180 TEP components. CONCLUSIONS taVNS did not affect cortical excitability measurements in the overall population in this study. However, taVNS has the potential to modulate specific markers of cortical excitability in participants who tolerate higher stimulation levels. These findings indicate the need for adequate stimulation protocols based on the recording of objective outcome parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Mertens
- Department of Neurology, 4BRAIN Research Group, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie Carrette
- Department of Neurology, 4BRAIN Research Group, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Debby Klooster
- Department of Neurology, 4BRAIN Research Group, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Emma Lescrauwaet
- Department of Neurology, 4BRAIN Research Group, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jean Delbeke
- Department of Neurology, 4BRAIN Research Group, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wytse Jan Wadman
- Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Evelien Carrette
- Department of Neurology, 4BRAIN Research Group, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Robrecht Raedt
- Department of Neurology, 4BRAIN Research Group, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paul Boon
- Department of Neurology, 4BRAIN Research Group, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Kristl Vonck
- Department of Neurology, 4BRAIN Research Group, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Urbin MA, Lafe CW, Simpson TW, Wittenberg GF, Chandrasekaran B, Weber DJ. Electrical stimulation of the external ear acutely activates noradrenergic mechanisms in humans. Brain Stimul 2021; 14:990-1001. [PMID: 34154980 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcutaneous stimulation of the external ear is thought to recruit afferents of the auricular vagus nerve, providing a means to activate noradrenergic pathways in the central nervous system. Findings from human studies examining the effects of auricular stimulation on noradrenergic biomarkers have been mixed, possibly relating to the limited and variable parameter space explored to date. OBJECTIVE We tested the extent to which brief pulse trains applied to locations of auricular innervation (canal and concha) elicit acute pupillary responses (PRs) compared to a sham location (lobe). Pulse amplitude and frequency were varied systematically to examine effects on PR features. METHODS Participants (n = 19) underwent testing in three separate experiments, each with stimulation applied to a different external ear location. Perceptual threshold (PT) was measured at the beginning of each experiment. Pulse trains (∼600 ms) consisting of different amplitude (0.0xPT, 0.8xPT, 1.0xPT, 1.5xPT, 2.0xPT) and frequency (25 Hz, 300 Hz) combinations were administered during eye tracking procedures. RESULTS Stimulation to all locations elicited PRs which began approximately halfway through the pulse train and peaked shortly after the final pulse (≤1 s). PR size and incidence increased with pulse amplitude and tended to be greatest with canal stimulation. Higher pulse frequency shortened the latency of PR onset and peak dilation. Changes in pupil diameter elicited by pulse trains were weakly associated with baseline pupil diameter. CONCLUSION (s): Auricular stimulation elicits acute PRs, providing a basis to synchronize neuromodulator release with task-related neural spiking which preclinical studies show is a critical determinant of therapeutic effects. Further work is needed to dissociate contributions from vagal and non-vagal afferents mediating activation of the biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Urbin
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA RR&D Center of Excellence, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Rehabilitation Neural Engineering Laboratories, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Charles W Lafe
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA RR&D Center of Excellence, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Rehabilitation Neural Engineering Laboratories, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tyler W Simpson
- Rehabilitation Neural Engineering Laboratories, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - George F Wittenberg
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA RR&D Center of Excellence, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Rehabilitation Neural Engineering Laboratories, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bharath Chandrasekaran
- Department of Communication Science and Disorders, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Douglas J Weber
- Rehabilitation Neural Engineering Laboratories, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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13
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Mridha Z, de Gee JW, Shi Y, Alkashgari R, Williams J, Suminski A, Ward MP, Zhang W, McGinley MJ. Graded recruitment of pupil-linked neuromodulation by parametric stimulation of the vagus nerve. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1539. [PMID: 33750784 PMCID: PMC7943774 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21730-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is thought to affect neural activity by recruiting brain-wide release of neuromodulators. VNS is used in treatment-resistant epilepsy, and is increasingly being explored for other disorders, such as depression, and as a cognitive enhancer. However, the promise of VNS is only partially fulfilled due to a lack of mechanistic understanding of the transfer function between stimulation parameters and neuromodulatory response, together with a lack of biosensors for assaying stimulation efficacy in real time. We here develop an approach to VNS in head-fixed mice on a treadmill and show that pupil dilation is a reliable and convenient biosensor for VNS-evoked cortical neuromodulation. In an 'optimal' zone of stimulation parameters, current leakage and off-target effects are minimized and the extent of pupil dilation tracks VNS-evoked basal-forebrain cholinergic axon activity in neocortex. Thus, pupil dilation is a sensitive readout of the moment-by-moment, titratable effects of VNS on brain state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakir Mridha
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jan Willem de Gee
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yanchen Shi
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | - Matthew P Ward
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Wenhao Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matthew James McGinley
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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14
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Van de Steene T, Tanghe E, Tarnaud T, Kampusch S, Kaniusas E, Martens L, Van Holen R, Joseph W. Sensitivity Study of Neuronal Excitation and Cathodal Blocking Thresholds of Myelinated Axons for Percutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2020; 67:3276-3287. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2020.2982271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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15
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Leon-Ariza JS, Mosquera MA, Joy-Arriaga J, Fonseca A, Leon-Ariza DS, Gualdron-Leon MA, Bayona-Prieto J, Patel K, Leon-Sarmiento FE. The vagus nerve somatosensory evoked potential in the intact brain: state-of-evidence and some representative vignettes. Somatosens Mot Res 2020; 38:41-47. [PMID: 33200653 DOI: 10.1080/08990220.2020.1840346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Scalp-recorded evoked potentials elicited by applying afferent electrical stimulation at the tragus region of the human external ear have shown inconsistent results. We aim to disentangle discrepant findings and interpretations, and put forward novel physiological explanations on the origin of the vagus nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (VSEP). METHODS We systematically search and critically appraise in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scielo databases the scientific reports publishing VSEP findings elicited by afferent electrical stimulation at the tragus region from individuals without brain disorders. Eligible studies published from January 2000 to April 2020 were extracted. The following information was identified from each article: number of participants; age; gender; stimulating/recording and grounding electrodes as well as stimulus side, intensity, duration, frequency, and polarity. Information about physiological parameters and neurobiological variables was also extracted. Representative vignettes with novel scalp responses induced by stimulating the tragus were also included to add support to our conclusions. RESULTS 140 healthy participants were identified from six selected reports. Mean age ranged from 24.3 to 61.5 years. Stimulating and recording aspects were miscellaneous among studies. Scalp responses marked as the VSEP were recorded in 76% of participants, and showed high variability, low validity and poor reproducibility. Age correlated with response latencies. There were not gender differences in scalp response parameters. Cardiovascular function was unaltered by tragus stimulation. Vignettes showed that the VSEP was scalp muscle responses. CONCLUSION VSEP did not fulfil evoked potential guidelines. VSEP corresponded to volume conduction propagating from muscles surrounding scalp recording sites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario A Mosquera
- Miami Neuroscience Institute, Baptist Hospital South Florida, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jose Joy-Arriaga
- Miami Neuroscience Institute, Baptist Hospital South Florida, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Angelo Fonseca
- Miami Neuroscience Institute, Baptist Hospital South Florida, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kunal Patel
- Miami Neuroscience Institute, Baptist Hospital South Florida, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Fidias E Leon-Sarmiento
- Mediciencias Research Group, Miami, FL, USA.,Miami Neuroscience Institute, Baptist Hospital South Florida, Miami, FL, USA.,Universidad Nacional, Bogota, Colombia.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL
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16
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Stakenborg N, Gomez‐Pinilla PJ, Verlinden TJM, Wolthuis AM, D’Hoore A, Farré R, Herijgers P, Matteoli G, Boeckxstaens GE. Comparison between the cervical and abdominal vagus nerves in mice, pigs, and humans. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2020; 32:e13889. [PMID: 32476229 PMCID: PMC7507132 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vagus nerve (VN) stimulation is currently evaluated as a novel approach to treat immune-mediated disorders. The optimal stimulation parameters, however, largely depend on the VN composition potentially impacting on its clinical translation. Hence, we evaluated whether morphological differences exist between the cervical and abdominal VNs across different species. MATERIALS AND METHODS The cervical and abdominal VNs of mouse, pig, and humans were stained for major basic protein and neurofilament F to identify the percentage and size of myelinated and non-myelinated fibers. RESULTS The percentage of myelinated fibers was comparable between species, but was higher in the cervical VN compared with the abdominal VN. The cervical VN contained 54 ± 4%, 47 ± 7%, and 54 ± 7% myelinated fibers in mouse, pig, and humans, respectively. The myelinated fibers consisted of small-diameter (mouse: 71%, pig: 80%, and humans: 63%), medium-diameter (mouse: 21%, pig: 18%, and humans: 33%), and large-diameter fibers (mouse: 7%, pig: 2%, and humans: 4%). The abdominal VN predominantly contained unmyelinated fibers (mouse: 93%, pig: 90%, and humans: 94%). The myelinated fibers mainly consisted of small-diameter fibers (mouse: 99%, pig: 85%, and humans: 74%) and fewer medium-diameter (mouse: 1%, pig: 13%, and humans: 23%) and large-diameter fibers (mouse: 0%, pig: 2%, and humans: 3%). CONCLUSION The VN composition was largely similar with respect to myelinated and unmyelinated fibers in the species studied. Human and porcine VNs had a comparable diameter and similar amounts of fibrous tissue and contained multiple fascicles, implying that the porcine VN may be suitable to optimize stimulation parameters for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Stakenborg
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing (CHROMETA)Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Pedro J. Gomez‐Pinilla
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing (CHROMETA)Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Thomas J. M. Verlinden
- Department of Anatomy & EmbryologyFaculty of Health, Medicine and Life SciencesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Albert M. Wolthuis
- Department of Abdominal SurgeryUniversity Hospital of LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Andre D’Hoore
- Department of Abdominal SurgeryUniversity Hospital of LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Ricard Farré
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing (CHROMETA)Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Paul Herijgers
- Department of Cardiovascular ScienceKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Gianluca Matteoli
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing (CHROMETA)Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Guy E. Boeckxstaens
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing (CHROMETA)Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
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17
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Effect and Safety of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Recovery of Upper Limb Motor Function in Subacute Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Randomized Pilot Study. Neural Plast 2020; 2020:8841752. [PMID: 32802039 PMCID: PMC7416299 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8841752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is regarded as a potential method for recovery in stroke. The effectiveness of taVNS in acute and subacute stroke should be further discussed as previously, only a few small-scale trials have focused on chronic stroke patients. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect and safety of taVNS on upper limb motor function in subacute ischemic stroke patients. Methods Twenty-one subacute ischemia stroke patients with single upper limb motor function impairment were enrolled and randomly assigned to conventional rehabilitation training with real or sham taVNS, delivered for 15 consecutive days. Electrodes were fixed to the cymba conchae of the left ear with or without electrical stimulation. Conventional rehabilitation training was performed immediately after the end of real or sham taVNS by the same therapists. Baseline assessments were performed on day 0 of enrollment, and posttreatment evaluations were performed at 15 days, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after the first intervention. The assessment included the upper limb Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA-U), the Wolf motor function test (WMFT), the Functional Independence Measurement (FIM), and Brunnstrom stage. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured before and after each taVNS intervention. At the same time, any adverse effects were observed during the procedure. Outcomes were assessed by a blind evaluator. Results There were no significant differences in FMA-U, WMFT, FIM, and Brunnstrom scores between the two groups at baseline (P > 0.05). At the endpoint, the FMA-U, WMFT, and FIM scores were significantly higher than before treatment (P < 0.05), and there was a significantly greater improvement of those measurements in taVNS group compared with sham-taVNS group (P < 0.05). Significant improvements in FMA-U score were found between groups at follow-up. Only one case of skin redness occurred during the study. Conclusions This study revealed that taVNS appeared to be beneficial to the recovery of upper limb motor function in subacute ischemia stroke patients without obvious adverse effects. Trial registration. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1800019635 on 20 November 2018 (http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=32961).
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18
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Nicolai EN, Settell ML, Knudsen BE, McConico AL, Gosink BA, Trevathan JK, Baumgart IW, Ross EK, Pelot NA, Grill WM, Gustafson KJ, Shoffstall AJ, Williams JC, Ludwig KA. Sources of off-target effects of vagus nerve stimulation using the helical clinical lead in domestic pigs. J Neural Eng 2020; 17:046017. [PMID: 32554888 PMCID: PMC7717671 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab9db8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective Clinical data suggest that efficacious vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is limited by side effects such as cough and dyspnea that have stimulation thresholds lower than those for therapeutic outcomes. VNS side effects are putatively caused by activation of nearby muscles within the neck, via direct muscle activation or activation of nerve fibers innervating those muscles. Our goal was to determine the thresholds at which various VNS-evoked effects occur in the domestic pig—an animal model with vagus anatomy similar to human—using the bipolar helical lead deployed clinically. Approach Intrafascicular electrodes were placed within the vagus nerve to record electroneurographic (ENG) responses, and needle electrodes were placed in the vagal-innervated neck muscles to record electromyographic (EMG) responses. Main results Contraction of the cricoarytenoid muscle occurred at low amplitudes (~0.3 mA) and resulted from activation of motor nerve fibers in the cervical vagus trunk within the electrode cuff which bifurcate into the recurrent laryngeal branch of the vagus. At higher amplitudes (~1.4 mA), contraction of the cricoarytenoid and cricothyroid muscles was generated by current leakage outside the cuff to activate motor nerve fibers running within the nearby superior laryngeal branch of the vagus. Activation of these muscles generated artifacts in the ENG recordings that may be mistaken for compound action potentials representing slowly conducting Aδ-, B-, and C-fibers. Significance Our data resolve conflicting reports of the stimulation amplitudes required for C-fiber activation in large animal studies (>10 mA) and human studies (<250 μA). After removing muscle-generated artifacts, ENG signals with post-stimulus latencies consistent with Aδ- and B-fibers occurred in only a small subset of animals, and these signals had similar thresholds to those that caused bradycardia. By identifying specific neuroanatomical pathways that cause off-target effects and characterizing the stimulation dose-response curves for on- and off-target effects, we hope to guide interpretation and optimization of clinical VNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan N Nicolai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, United States of America
- Wisconsin Institute of Neuroengineering (WITNe), University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Megan L Settell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, United States of America
- Wisconsin Institute of Neuroengineering (WITNe), University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Bruce E Knudsen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
- Wisconsin Institute of Neuroengineering (WITNe), University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Andrea L McConico
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Brian A Gosink
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - James K Trevathan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Wisconsin Institute of Neuroengineering (WITNe), University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Ian W Baumgart
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Erika K Ross
- Abbott Neuromodulation, Plano, TX, United States of America
| | - Nicole A Pelot
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Warren M Grill
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Kenneth J Gustafson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Andrew J Shoffstall
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Justin C Williams
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Wisconsin Institute of Neuroengineering (WITNe), University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Kip A Ludwig
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Wisconsin Institute of Neuroengineering (WITNe), University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, United States of America
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19
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Ahmed U, Chang YC, Cracchiolo M, Lopez MF, Tomaio JN, Datta-Chaudhuri T, Zanos TP, Rieth L, Al-Abed Y, Zanos S. Anodal block permits directional vagus nerve stimulation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9221. [PMID: 32513973 PMCID: PMC7280203 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66332-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a bioelectronic therapy for disorders of the brain and peripheral organs, and a tool to study the physiology of autonomic circuits. Selective activation of afferent or efferent vagal fibers can maximize efficacy and minimize off-target effects of VNS. Anodal block (ABL) has been used to achieve directional fiber activation in nerve stimulation. However, evidence for directional VNS with ABL has been scarce and inconsistent, and it is unknown whether ABL permits directional fiber activation with respect to functional effects of VNS. Through a series of vagotomies, we established physiological markers for afferent and efferent fiber activation by VNS: stimulus-elicited change in breathing rate (ΔBR) and heart rate (ΔHR), respectively. Bipolar VNS trains of both polarities elicited mixed ΔHR and ΔBR responses. Cathode cephalad polarity caused an afferent pattern of responses (relatively stronger ΔBR) whereas cathode caudad caused an efferent pattern (stronger ΔHR). Additionally, left VNS elicited a greater afferent and right VNS a greater efferent response. By analyzing stimulus-evoked compound nerve potentials, we confirmed that such polarity differences in functional responses to VNS can be explained by ABL of A- and B-fiber activation. We conclude that ABL is a mechanism that can be leveraged for directional VNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umair Ahmed
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Yao-Chuan Chang
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Marina Cracchiolo
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Biorobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria F Lopez
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Jacquelyn N Tomaio
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Timir Datta-Chaudhuri
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Theodoros P Zanos
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Loren Rieth
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Yousef Al-Abed
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Stavros Zanos
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
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20
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Yap JYY, Keatch C, Lambert E, Woods W, Stoddart PR, Kameneva T. Critical Review of Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Challenges for Translation to Clinical Practice. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:284. [PMID: 32410932 PMCID: PMC7199464 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have illustrated that transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) can elicit therapeutic effects that are similar to those produced by its invasive counterpart, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). VNS is an FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of both depression and epilepsy, but it is limited to the management of more severe, intervention-resistant cases as a second or third-line treatment option due to perioperative risks involved with device implantation. In contrast, tVNS is a non-invasive technique that involves the application of electrical currents through surface electrodes at select locations, most commonly targeting the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN) and the cervical branch of the vagus nerve in the neck. Although it has been shown that tVNS elicits hypo- and hyperactivation in various regions of the brain associated with anxiety and mood regulation, the mechanism of action and influence of stimulation parameters on clinical outcomes remains predominantly hypothetical. Suppositions are largely based on correlations between the neurobiology of the vagus nerve and its effects on neural activity. However, tVNS has also been investigated for several other disorders, including tinnitus, migraine and pain, by targeting the vagus nerve at sites in both the ear and the neck. As most of the described methods differ in the parameters and protocols applied, there is currently no firm evidence on the optimal location for tVNS or the stimulation parameters that provide the greatest therapeutic effects for a specific condition. This review presents the current status of tVNS with a focus on stimulation parameters, stimulation sites, and available devices. For tVNS to reach its full potential as a non-invasive and clinically relevant therapy, it is imperative that systematic studies be undertaken to reveal the mechanism of action and optimal stimulation modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Y. Y. Yap
- ARC Training Centre in Biodevices, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Charlotte Keatch
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Lambert
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Will Woods
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul R. Stoddart
- ARC Training Centre in Biodevices, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Tatiana Kameneva
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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21
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Butt MF, Albusoda A, Farmer AD, Aziz Q. The anatomical basis for transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation. J Anat 2019; 236:588-611. [PMID: 31742681 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The array of end organ innervations of the vagus nerve, coupled with increased basic science evidence, has led to vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) being explored as a management option in a number of clinical disorders, such as heart failure, migraine and inflammatory bowel disease. Both invasive (surgically implanted) and non-invasive (transcutaneous) techniques of VNS exist. Transcutaneous VNS (tVNS) delivery systems rely on the cutaneous distribution of vagal afferents, either at the external ear (auricular branch of the vagus nerve) or at the neck (cervical branch of the vagus nerve), thus obviating the need for surgical implantation of a VNS delivery device and facilitating further investigations across a wide range of uses. The concept of electrically stimulating the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN), which provides somatosensory innervation to several aspects of the external ear, is relatively more recent compared with cervical VNS; thus, there is a relative paucity of literature surrounding its operation and functionality. Despite the increasing body of research exploring the therapeutic uses of auricular transcutaneous VNS (tVNS), a comprehensive review of the cutaneous, intracranial and central distribution of ABVN fibres has not been conducted to date. A review of the literature exploring the neuroanatomical basis of this neuromodulatory therapy is therefore timely. Our review article explores the neuroanatomy of the ABVN with reference to (1) clinical surveys examining Arnold's reflex, (2) cadaveric studies, (3) fMRI studies, (4) electrophysiological studies, (5) acupuncture studies, (6) retrograde tracing studies and (7) studies measuring changes in autonomic (cardiovascular) parameters in response to auricular tVNS. We also provide an overview of the fibre composition of the ABVN and the effects of auricular tVNS on the central nervous system. Cadaveric studies, of which a limited number exist in the literature, would be the 'gold-standard' approach to studying the cutaneous map of the ABVN; thus, there is a need for more such studies to be conducted. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) represents a useful surrogate modality for discerning the auricular sites most likely innervated by the ABVN and the most promising locations for auricular tVNS. However, given the heterogeneity in the results of such investigations and the various limitations of using fMRI, the current literature lacks a clear consensus on the auricular sites that are most densely innervated by the ABVN and whether the brain regions secondarily activated by electrical auricular tVNS depend on specific parameters. At present, it is reasonable to surmise that the concha and inner tragus are suitable locations for vagal modulation. Given the therapeutic potential of auricular tVNS, there remains a need for the cutaneous map of the ABVN to be further refined and the effects of various stimulation parameters and stimulation sites to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsin F Butt
- The Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Whitechapel, London, UK
| | - Ahmed Albusoda
- The Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Whitechapel, London, UK
| | - Adam D Farmer
- Institute of Applied Clinical Sciences, University of Keele, Keele, UK.,Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Stoke on Trent, UK
| | - Qasim Aziz
- The Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Whitechapel, London, UK
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22
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Kong SH, Kim SM, Kim DG, Park KH, Suh YS, Kim TH, Kim IJ, Seo JH, Lim YJ, Lee HJ, Yang HK. Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Testing of the Perigastric Vagus Nerve Branches to Evaluate Viability and Signals along Nerve Pathways during Gastrectomy. J Gastric Cancer 2019; 19:49-61. [PMID: 30944758 PMCID: PMC6441774 DOI: 10.5230/jgc.2019.19.e2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The perigastric vagus nerve may play an important role in preserving function after gastrectomy, and intraoperative neurophysiologic tests might represent a feasible method of evaluating the vagus nerve. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of neurophysiologic evaluations of the function and viability of perigastric vagus nerve branches during gastrectomy. Materials and Methods Thirteen patients (1 open total gastrectomy, 1 laparoscopic total gastrectomy, and 11 laparoscopic distal gastrectomy) were prospectively enrolled. The hepatic and celiac branches of the vagus nerve were exposed, and grabbing type stimulation electrodes were applied as follows: 10–30 mA intensity, 4 trains, 1,000 µs/train, and 5× frequency. Visible myocontractile movement and electrical signals were monitored via needle probes before and after gastrectomy. Gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 weeks and 3 months, respectively. Results Responses were observed after stimulating the celiac branch in 10, 9, 10, and 6 patients in the antrum, pylorus, duodenum, and proximal jejunum, respectively. Ten patients responded to hepatic branch stimulation at the duodenum. After vagus-preserving distal gastrectomy, 2 patients lost responses to the celiac branch at the duodenum and jejunum (1 each), and 1 patient lost response to the hepatic branch at the duodenum. Significant procedure-related complications and meaningful postoperative diarrhea were not observed. Conclusions Intraoperative neurophysiologic testing seems to be a feasible methodology for monitoring the perigastric vagus nerves. Innervation of the duodenum via the celiac branch and postoperative preservation of the function of the vagus nerves were confirmed in most patients. Trial Registration Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0000823
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Ho Kong
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Min Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong-Gun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kee Hong Park
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun-Suhk Suh
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae-Han Kim
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Il Jung Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong-Hwa Seo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Jin Lim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyuk-Joon Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Han-Kwang Yang
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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Parker JL, Shariati NH, Karantonis DM. Electrically evoked compound action potential recording in peripheral nerves. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.2217/bem-2017-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Applications for bioelectric medicine can be found in all parts of the nervous system. The CNS – brain and spinal cord – contain targets for commercial neuromodulation therapies. Peripheral nerves are also modulated with commercially available systems during treatment for chronic pain and epilepsy, and developments are in progress for treating many other diseases. The electrically evoked compound action potential is a measure of the electrical response from the tissue to stimulation. It provides a direct insight into the electrophysiology of the stimulation, and despite its incorporation into cochlear implants it is a technology that is yet to find its way into commercial peripheral nerve stimulation applications. This review outlines the status of evoked compound action potential measurements on peripheral nerves and highlights the challenges which need to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L Parker
- Saluda Medical Pty Ltd, Artarmon, New South Wales, Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
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McAllen RM, Shafton AD, Bratton BO, Trevaks D, Furness JB. Calibration of thresholds for functional engagement of vagal A, B and C fiber groups in vivo. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 1:21-27. [PMID: 29480903 DOI: 10.2217/bem-2017-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Vagal nerve stimulation is widely used therapeutically but the fiber groups activated are often unknown. Aim To establish a simple protocol to define stimulus thresholds for vagal A, B and C fibers. Methods The intact left or right cervical vagus was stimulated with 0.1 ms pulses in spontaneously breathing anesthetized rats. Heart and respiratory rate responses to vagal stimulation were recorded. The vagus was subsequently cut distally, and mass action potentials to the same stimuli were recorded. Results Stimulating at either 50 Hz for 2 s or 2 Hz for 10 s at experimentally determined strengths revealed A, B and C fiber thresholds that were related to respiratory and heart rate changes. Conclusion Our simple protocol discriminates vagal A, B and C fiber thresholds in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin M McAllen
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Anthony D Shafton
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Bradford O Bratton
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - David Trevaks
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - John B Furness
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Innervation of the Human Cavum Conchae and Auditory Canal: Anatomical Basis for Transcutaneous Auricular Nerve Stimulation. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:7830919. [PMID: 28396871 PMCID: PMC5371220 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7830919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The innocuous transcutaneous stimulation of nerves supplying the outer ear has been demonstrated to be as effective as the invasive direct stimulation of the vagus nerve for the treatment of some neurological and nonneurological disturbances. Thus, the precise knowledge of external ear innervation is of maximal interest for the design of transcutaneous auricular nerve stimulation devices. We analyzed eleven outer ears, and the innervation was assessed by Masson's trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry, or immunofluorescence (neurofilaments, S100 protein, and myelin-basic protein). In both the cavum conchae and the auditory canal, nerve profiles were identified between the cartilage and the skin and out of the cartilage. The density of nerves and of myelinated nerve fibers was higher out of the cartilage and in the auditory canal with respect to the cavum conchae. Moreover, the nerves were more numerous in the superior and posterior-inferior than in the anterior-inferior segments of the auditory canal. The present study established a precise nerve map of the human cavum conchae and the cartilaginous segment of the auditory canal demonstrating regional differences in the pattern of innervation of the human outer ear. These results may provide additional neuroanatomical basis for the accurate design of auricular transcutaneous nerve stimulation devices.
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Safi S, Ellrich J, Neuhuber W. Myelinated Axons in the Auricular Branch of the Human Vagus Nerve. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2016; 299:1184-91. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.23391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sami Safi
- Institute of Anatomy; Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg; Erlangen Germany
| | - Jens Ellrich
- Sapiens Steering Brain Stimulation GmbH; Erlangen Germany
- Department of Health Science and Technology; Aalborg University; Aalborg Denmark
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology; Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg; Erlangen Germany
| | - Winfried Neuhuber
- Institute of Anatomy; Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg; Erlangen Germany
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Abstract
Pathological neural activity could be treated by directing specific plasticity to renormalize circuits and restore function. Rehabilitative therapies aim to promote adaptive circuit changes after neurological disease or injury, but insufficient or maladaptive plasticity often prevents a full recovery. The development of adjunctive strategies that broadly support plasticity to facilitate the benefits of rehabilitative interventions has the potential to improve treatment of a wide range of neurological disorders. Recently, stimulation of the vagus nerve in conjunction with rehabilitation has emerged as one such potential targeted plasticity therapy. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) drives activation of neuromodulatory nuclei that are associated with plasticity, including the cholinergic basal forebrain and the noradrenergic locus coeruleus. Repeatedly pairing brief bursts of VNS sensory or motor events drives robust, event-specific plasticity in neural circuits. Animal models of chronic tinnitus, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder benefit from delivery of VNS paired with successful trials during rehabilitative training. Moreover, mounting evidence from pilot clinical trials provides an initial indication that VNS-based targeted plasticity therapies may be effective in patients with neurological diseases and injuries. Here, I provide a discussion of the current uses and potential future applications of VNS-based targeted plasticity therapies in animal models and patients, and outline challenges for clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth A Hays
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, Richardson, TX, USA.
- Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.
- School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.
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Ay I, Nasser R, Simon B, Ay H. Transcutaneous Cervical Vagus Nerve Stimulation Ameliorates Acute Ischemic Injury in Rats. Brain Stimul 2015; 9:166-73. [PMID: 26723020 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2015.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct stimulation of the vagus nerve in the neck via surgically implanted electrodes is protective in animal models of stroke. We sought to determine the safety and efficacy of a non-invasive cervical VNS (nVNS) method using surface electrodes applied to the skin overlying the vagus nerve in the neck in a model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). METHODS nVNS was initiated variable times after MCAO in rats (n = 33). Control animals received sham stimulation (n = 33). Infarct volume and functional outcome were assessed on day 7. Brains were processed by immunohistochemistry for microglial activation and cytokine levels. The ability of nVNS to activate the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) was assessed using c-Fos immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Infarct volume was 43.15 ± 3.36 percent of the contralateral hemisphere (PCH) in control and 28.75 ± 4.22 PCH in nVNS-treated animals (p < 0.05). The effect of nVNS on infarct size was consistent when stimulation was initiated up to 4 hours after MCAO. There was no difference in heart rate and blood pressure between control and nVNS-treated animals. The number of c-Fos positive cells was 32.4 ± 10.6 and 6.2 ± 6.3 in the ipsilateral NTS (p < 0.05) and 30.4 ± 11.2 and 5.8 ± 4.3 in the contralateral NTS (p < 0.05) in nVNS-treated and control animals, respectively. nVNS reduced the number of Iba-1, CD68, and TNF-α positive cells and increased the number of HMGB1 positive cells. CONCLUSIONS nVNS inhibits ischemia-induced immune activation and reduces the extent of tissue injury and functional deficit in rats without causing cardiac or hemodynamic adverse effects when initiated up to 4 hours after MCAO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilknur Ay
- MGH/MIT/HMS Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA.
| | - Rena Nasser
- MGH/MIT/HMS Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | | | - Hakan Ay
- MGH/MIT/HMS Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA; Stroke Service, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Maruta Y, Fujii M, Imoto H, Nomura S, Tanaka N, Inamura A, Sadahiro H, Oka F, Goto H, Shirao S, Ideguchi M, Yoneda H, Suehiro E, Koizumi H, Ishihara H, Suzuki M. Strategies and Pitfalls of Motor-Evoked Potential Monitoring during Supratentorial Aneurysm Surgery. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2015; 25:484-95. [PMID: 26639401 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2015.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aims of this study were to reveal the strategies and pitfalls of motor-evoked potential (MEP) monitoring methods during supratentorial aneurysm surgery, and to discuss the drawbacks and advantages of each method by reviewing our experiences. METHODS Intraoperative MEP monitoring was performed in 250 patients. Results from 4 monitoring techniques using combinations of 2 stimulation sites and 2 recording sites were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS MEP was recorded successfully in 243 patients (97.2%). Direct cortical stimulation (DCS)-spinal recorded MEP (sMEP) was used in 134 patients, DCS-muscle recorded MEP (mMEP) in 97, transcranial electrical stimulation (TES)-mMEP in 11 and TES-sMEP in 1. TES-mMEP during closure of the skull was used in 21 patients. DCS-mMEP was able to detect waveforms from upper and/or lower limb muscles. Alternatively, DCS-sMEP (direct [D]-wave) could accurately estimate amplitude changes. A novel "early warning sign" indicating ischemia was found in 21 patients, which started with a transiently increased amplitude of D-wave and then decreased after proximal interruption of major arteries. False-negative findings in MEP monitoring in 2 patients were caused by a blood insufficiency in the lenticulostriate artery and by a TES-sMEP recording, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that to perform accurate MEP monitoring, DCS-mMEP or DCS-sMEP recording should be used as the situation demands, with combined use of TES-mMEP recording during closure of the skull. DCS-sMEP is recommended for accurate analysis of waveforms. We also propose a novel "early warning sign" of blood insufficiency in the D-wave.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Maruta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan.
| | - Masami Fujii
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hirochika Imoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Sadahiro Nomura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Tanaka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Akinori Inamura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Sadahiro
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Oka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hisaharu Goto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Satoshi Shirao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Makoto Ideguchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yoneda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Eiichi Suehiro
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Koizumi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Ishihara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Michiyasu Suzuki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
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Mollet L, Grimonprez A, Raedt R, Delbeke J, El Tahry R, De Herdt V, Meurs A, Wadman W, Boon P, Vonck K. Intensity-dependent modulatory effects of vagus nerve stimulation on cortical excitability. Acta Neurol Scand 2013; 128:391-6. [PMID: 23614853 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an effective treatment for refractory epilepsy. It remains unknown whether VNS efficacy is dependent on output current intensity. The present study investigated the effect of various VNS output current intensities on cortical excitability in the motor cortex stimulation rat model. The hypothesis was that output current intensities in the lower range are sufficient to significantly affect cortical excitability. MATERIAL AND METHODS VNS at four output current intensities (0 mA, 0.25 mA, 0.5 mA and 1 mA) was randomly administered in rats (n = 15) on four consecutive days. Per output current intensity, the animals underwent five-one-hour periods: (i) baseline, (ii) VNS1, (iii) wash-out1, (iv) VNS2 and (v) wash-out2. After each one-hour period, the motor seizure threshold (MST) was measured and compared to baseline (i.e. ∆MSTbaseline , ∆MSTVNS 1 , ∆MSTwash-out1 , ∆MSTVNS 2 and ∆MSTwash-out2 ). Finally, the mean ∆MSTbaseline , mean ∆MSTwash-out1 , mean ∆MSTwash-out2 and mean ∆MSTVNS per VNS output current intensity were calculated. RESULTS No differences were found between the mean ∆MSTbaseline , mean ∆MSTwash-out1 and mean ∆MSTwash-out2 within each VNS output current intensity. The mean ∆MSTVNS at 0 mA, 0.25 mA, 0.5 mA and 1 mA was 15.3 ± 14.6 μA, 101.8 ± 23.5 μA, 108.1 ± 24.4 μA and 85.7 ± 18.1 μA respectively. The mean ∆MSTVNS at 0.25 mA, 0.5 mA and 1 mA were significantly larger compared to the mean ∆MSTVNS at 0 mA (P = 0.002 for 0.25 mA; P = 0.001 for 0.5 mA; P = 0.011 for 1 mA). CONCLUSIONS This study confirms efficacy of VNS in the motor cortex stimulation rat model and indicates that, of the output current intensities tested, 0.25 mA is sufficient to decrease cortical excitability and higher output current intensities may not be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Mollet
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Neuropsychology (LCEN3); Department of Neurology; Institute for Neuroscience; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent Belgium
| | - A. Grimonprez
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Neuropsychology (LCEN3); Department of Neurology; Institute for Neuroscience; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent Belgium
| | - R. Raedt
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Neuropsychology (LCEN3); Department of Neurology; Institute for Neuroscience; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent Belgium
| | - J. Delbeke
- Institute of Neuroscience; Medical School; Université catholique de Louvain; Brussels Belgium
| | - R. El Tahry
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Neuropsychology (LCEN3); Department of Neurology; Institute for Neuroscience; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent Belgium
| | - V. De Herdt
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Neuropsychology (LCEN3); Department of Neurology; Institute for Neuroscience; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent Belgium
| | - A. Meurs
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Neuropsychology (LCEN3); Department of Neurology; Institute for Neuroscience; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent Belgium
| | - W. Wadman
- Department of Neurobiology; Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - P. Boon
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Neuropsychology (LCEN3); Department of Neurology; Institute for Neuroscience; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent Belgium
| | - K. Vonck
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Neuropsychology (LCEN3); Department of Neurology; Institute for Neuroscience; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent Belgium
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Helmers SL, Begnaud J, Cowley A, Corwin HM, Edwards JC, Holder DL, Kostov H, Larsson PG, Levisohn PM, Menezes MS, Stefan H, Labiner DM. Application of a computational model of vagus nerve stimulation. Acta Neurol Scand 2012; 126:336-43. [PMID: 22360378 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2012.01656.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The most widely used and studied neurostimulation procedure for medically refractory epilepsy is vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) Therapy. The goal of this study was to develop a computational model for improved understanding of the anatomy and neurophysiology of the vagus nerve as it pertains to the principles of electrical stimulation, aiming to provide clinicians with a systematic and rational understanding of VNS Therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Computational modeling allows the study of electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves. We used finite element electric field models of the vagus nerve with VNS Therapy electrodes to calculate the voltage field for several output currents and studied the effects of two programmable parameters (output current and pulse width) on optimal fiber activation. RESULTS The mathematical models correlated well with strength-duration curves constructed from actual patient data. In addition, digital constructs of chronic versus acute implant models demonstrated that at a given pulse width and current combination, presence of a 110-μm fibrotic tissue can decrease fiber activation by 50%. Based on our findings, a range of output current settings between 0.75 and 1.75 mA with pulse width settings of 250 or 500 μs may result in optimal stimulation. CONCLUSIONS The modeling illustrates how to achieve full or nearly full activation of the myelinated fibers of the vagus nerve through output current and pulse width settings. This knowledge will enable clinicians to apply these principles for optimal vagus nerve activation and proceed to adjust duty cycle and frequency to achieve effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. L. Helmers
- Department of Neurology Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta GA USA
| | - J. Begnaud
- New Products and Clinical Engineering Cyberonics, Inc. Houston TX USA
| | - A. Cowley
- Advanced Technology Cyberonics, Inc. Houston TX USA
| | | | - J. C. Edwards
- Neurology Department Medical University of South Carolina Charleston SC USA
| | - D. L. Holder
- Neurology Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - H. Kostov
- Department of Neurodiagnostics Rikshospitalet University Hospital Oslo Norway
| | - P. G. Larsson
- Department of Neurodiagnostics National Center for Epilepsy Rikshospitalet University Hospital Sandvika Norway
| | - P. M. Levisohn
- Department of Pediatrics Children's Hospital Colorado Aurora CO USA
| | - M. S. Menezes
- Pediatric Neurology Swedish Neuroscience Institute Seattle WA USA
| | - H. Stefan
- Department of Neurology University Hospital Erlangen Erlangen Germany
- Interdisciplinary Epilesy Center University Giessen‐Marburg, Marburg Germany
| | - D. M. Labiner
- Department of Neurology The University of Arizona Tucson AZ USA
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Usami K, Kawai K, Sonoo M, Saito N. Scalp-recorded evoked potentials as a marker for afferent nerve impulse in clinical vagus nerve stimulation. Brain Stimul 2012; 6:615-23. [PMID: 23088852 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2012.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Revised: 08/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a palliative treatment for drug resistant epilepsy for which the efficacy and safety are well established. Accumulating evidence suggests that ascending vagal signals modulate abnormal cortical excitability via various pathways. However, there is no direct evidence for an ascending conduction of neural impulses in a clinical case of VNS. OBJECTIVE We recorded and analyzed the short-latency components of the vagus nerve (VN) evoked potential (EP) from the viewpoint of determining whether or not it is a marker for the ascending neural conduction. METHODS EPs within 20 ms were prospectively recorded simultaneously from a surgical wound in the neck and at multiple scalp sites during implantation surgery in 25 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Electrical stimulation was delivered using the clinical VNS Therapy system. A recording was made before and after a muscle relaxant was administered, when changing the rostrocaudal position of stimulation, or when stimulating the ansa cervicalis instead of the VN. RESULTS The short-latency components consisted of four peaks. The early component around 3 ms, which was most prominent in A1-Cz, remained unchanged after muscle relaxation while the later peaks disappeared. Rostral transition of the stimulation resulted in an earlier shift of the early component. The estimated conduction velocity was 27.4 ± 10.2 m/s. Stimulation of the ansa cervicalis induced no EP. CONCLUSIONS The early component was regarded as directly resulting from ascending neural conduction of A fibers of the VN, probably originating around the jugular foramen. Recording of VN-EP might document the cause of treatment failure in some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Usami
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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Vonck K, de Herdt V, Sprengers M, Ben-Menachem E. Neurostimulation for epilepsy. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2012; 108:955-970. [PMID: 22939078 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-52899-5.00040-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristl Vonck
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
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Anholt TA, Ayal S, Goldberg JA. Recruitment and blocking properties of the CardioFit stimulation lead. J Neural Eng 2011; 8:034004. [DOI: 10.1088/1741-2560/8/3/034004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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El Tahry R, Raedt R, Mollet L, De Herdt V, Wyckhuys T, Wyckuys T, Van Dycke A, Meurs A, Dewaele F, Van Roost D, Doguet P, Delbeke J, Wadman W, Vonck K, Boon P. A novel implantable vagus nerve stimulation system (ADNS-300) for combined stimulation and recording of the vagus nerve: pilot trial at Ghent University Hospital. Epilepsy Res 2010; 92:231-9. [PMID: 21071177 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2010.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Revised: 10/03/2010] [Accepted: 10/11/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an established treatment for refractory epilepsy. The ADNS-300 is a new system for VNS that includes a rechargeable stimulus generator and an electrode for combined stimulation and recording. In this feasibility study, three patients were implanted with ADNS-300 for therapeutic VNS. In addition, compound action potentials (CAPs) were recorded to evaluate activation of the vagus nerve in response to VNS. METHODS Three patients were implanted with a cuff-electrode around the left vagus nerve, that was connected to a rechargeable pulse generator under the left clavicula. Two weeks after surgery, therapeutic VNS (0.25-1.25 mA, 500 μs, 30s on, 10 min off and 30Hz) was initiated and stimulus-induced CAPs were recorded. RESULTS The ADNS-300 system was successfully implanted in all three patients and patients were appropriately stimulated during six months of follow-up. A reduction in seizure frequency was demonstrated in two patients (43% and 40% in patients 1 and 3, respectively), while in patient 2 seizure frequency remained unchanged. CAPs could be recorded in patients 1 and 2, proving stimulation-induced activation of the vagus nerve. CONCLUSION This feasibility study demonstrates that the ADNS-300 system can be used for combined therapeutic stimulation (in 3/3 patients) and recording of CAPs in response to VNS (in 2/3 patients) up to three weeks after surgery. Implantation in a larger number of patients will lead to a better understanding of the electrophysiology of the vagus nerve, which in turn could result in more adequate and individualized VNS parameter choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riëm El Tahry
- Reference Centre for Refractory Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, K12IA, Gent 9000, Belgium.
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Ordelman SCMA, Kornet L, Cornelussen R, Buschman HPJ, Veltink PH. An indirect component in the evoked compound action potential of the vagal nerve. J Neural Eng 2010; 7:066001. [PMID: 20966537 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2560/7/6/066001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy activates the vocal folds maximally at therapeutic levels. Epilepsy Res 2010; 89:227-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2010.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2009] [Revised: 11/30/2009] [Accepted: 01/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Boon P, Raedt R, de Herdt V, Wyckhuys T, Vonck K. Electrical stimulation for the treatment of epilepsy. Neurotherapeutics 2009; 6:218-27. [PMID: 19332313 PMCID: PMC5084197 DOI: 10.1016/j.nurt.2008.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2008] [Accepted: 12/31/2008] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the advent of new pharmacological treatments and the high success rate of many surgical treatments for epilepsy, a substantial number of patients either do not become seizure-free or they experience major adverse events (or both). Neurostimulation-based treatments have gained considerable interest in the last decade. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an alternative treatment for patients with medically refractory epilepsy, who are unsuitable candidates for conventional epilepsy surgery, or who have had such surgery without optimal outcome. Although responder identification studies are lacking, long-term VNS studies show response rates between 40% and 50% and long-term seizure freedom in 5% to 10% of patients. Surgical complications and perioperative morbidity are low. Research into the mechanism of action of VNS has revealed a crucial role for the thalamus and cortical areas that are important in the epileptogenic process. Acute deep brain stimulation (DBS) in various thalamic nuclei and medial temporal lobe structures has recently been shown to be efficacious in small pilot studies. There is little evidence-based information on rational targets and stimulation parameters. Amygdalohippocampal DBS has yielded a significant decrease of seizure counts and interictal EEG abnormalities during long-term follow-up. Data from pilot studies suggest that chronic DBS for epilepsy may be a feasible, effective, and safe procedure. Further trials with larger patient populations and with controlled, randomized, and closed-loop designs should now be initiated. Further progress in understanding the mechanism of action of DBS for epilepsy is a necessary step to making this therapy more efficacious and established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Boon
- Reference Center for Refractory Epilepsy and Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Neurophysiology (LCEN), Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
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Vonck K, De Herdt V, Boon P. Vagal nerve stimulation--a 15-year survey of an established treatment modality in epilepsy surgery. Adv Tech Stand Neurosurg 2009; 34:111-46. [PMID: 19368083 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-211-78741-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Neurostimulation is an emerging treatment for neurological diseases. Electrical stimulation of the tenth cranial nerve or vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has become a valuable option in the therapeutic armamentarium for patients with refractory epilepsy. It is indicated in patients with refractory epilepsy who are unsuitable candidates for epilepsy surgery or who have had insufficient benefit from such a treatment. Vagus nerve stimulation reduces seizure frequency with > 50% in 1/3 of patients and has a mild side effects profile. Research to elucidate the mechanism of action of vagus nerve stimulation has shown that effective stimulation in humans is primarily mediated by afferent vagal A- and B-fibers. Crucial brainstem and intracranial structures include the locus coeruleus, the nucleus of the solitary tract, the thalamus and limbic structures. Neurotransmitters playing a role may involve the major inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA but also serotoninergic and adrenergic systems. This manuscript reviews the clinical studies investigating efficacy and side effects in patients and the experimental studies aiming to elucidate the mechanims of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Vonck
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
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Vuckovic A, Tosato M, Struijk JJ. A comparative study of three techniques for diameter selective fiber activation in the vagal nerve: anodal block, depolarizing prepulses and slowly rising pulses. J Neural Eng 2008; 5:275-86. [DOI: 10.1088/1741-2560/5/3/002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Bunch S, DeGiorgio CM, Krahl S, Britton J, Green P, Lancman M, Murphy J, Olejniczak P, Shih J, Heck CN. Vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy: is output current correlated with acute response? Acta Neurol Scand 2007; 116:217-20. [PMID: 17824897 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2007.00878.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an effective treatment for intractable epilepsy. It is unknown whether acute response is correlated with the amplitude of output current. The purpose of this study was to determine if the output current of VNS is correlated with percent reductions in seizure frequency and response. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective analysis of a multicenter randomized trial of three unique paradigms of VNS was carried out in patients with intractable partial onset epilepsy. Output current at 1 and 3 months was correlated with percent reduction in seizure frequency and response rates. RESULTS Sixty-one subjects were enrolled and completed the study. Output current, ranging from 0.25 to 1.5 mA, was not correlated with reductions in seizure frequency, or with > or = 50% reduction in seizures. Six of seven initial non-responders did experience > or = 50% reductions in seizures after current was increased. CONCLUSIONS The output current is not a major determinant of acute response to VNS for epilepsy. Many patients respond to low current (<1 mA). Some (20%) initial non-responders may respond to an increase in output current.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bunch
- UCLA-Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Tosato M, Yoshida K, Toft E, Struijk JJ. Quasi-trapezoidal pulses to selectively block the activation of intrinsic laryngeal muscles during vagal nerve stimulation. J Neural Eng 2007; 4:205-12. [PMID: 17873422 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2560/4/3/005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The stimulation of the vagus nerve has been used as an anti-epileptic treatment for over a decade, and its use for depression and chronic heart failure is currently under investigation. Co-activation of the intrinsic laryngeal muscles may limit the clinical use of vagal stimulation, especially in the case of prolonged activation. To prevent this, the use of a selective stimulation paradigm has been tested in seven acute pig experiments. Quasi-trapezoidal pulses successfully blocked the population of the largest and fastest vagal myelinated fibers being responsible for the co-activation. The first response in the vagus compound action potential was reduced by 75 +/- 22% (mean +/- SD) and the co-activated muscle action potential by 67 +/- 25%. The vagal bradycardic effects remained unchanged during the selective block, confirming the leading role of thin nerve fibers for the vagal control of the heart. Quasi-trapezoidal pulses may be an alternative to rectangular pulses in clinical vagal stimulation when the co-activation of laryngeal muscles must be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tosato
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajersvej 7D, DK 9220, Aalborg East, Denmark.
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Tosato M, Yoshida K, Toft E, Nekrasas V, Struijk JJ. Closed-loop control of the heart rate by electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve. Med Biol Eng Comput 2006; 44:161-9. [PMID: 16937157 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-006-0037-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2005] [Accepted: 02/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Stimulation of the vagus nerve potentially decreases the risk of sudden cardiac death. An improvement of the technique would be its regulation using the heart rate (HR) as a feedback variable. We address the possibility of closed-loop control of the HR, focusing on the stimulation parameters, nerve fibre populations and the reproducibility of the cardiovascular response. The response to electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve was studied in seven acute experiments on pigs. Feedback regulation of the HR over periods of 5 min was carried out. Three main populations of myelinated fibres were found. The performance of the controller was significantly better at amplitudes higher than those needed for stimulation of the myelinated components only. A 18% change in the duration of the RR interval could be controlled in all experiments. The possibility of closed-loop control of the HR seems to be promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Tosato
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers 7D, 9220, Aalborg East, Denmark.
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Gao XY, Wang HJ, Zhang Y, Lu ZH, Wang W, Zhu GQ. Resetting blood pressure by a closed-loop implanted chip system in normotensive rats. Life Sci 2006; 78:1129-34. [PMID: 16168443 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2005.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2005] [Accepted: 06/21/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A closed-loop implanted chip system was designed to control blood pressure without using drugs. The chip system instantaneously reset blood pressure by stimulating the left aortic depressor nerve according to the feedback signals of arterial blood pressure. The relationship between pressure signals and frequency of stimulation was identified in vitro and in vivo, and the efficiency of the chip system was evaluated in normal anesthetized Wistar rats. To determine whether the depressor effect of the chip was primarily independent on the bradycardia induced by the resetting, the effects of methyl atropine (1.5 g/kg, iv.) and bilateral vagotomy on depressor effect induced by the chip system were determined, respectively. The results indicated that the chip system worked well. The frequency of stimulus linearly increased following the elevation of pressure from 70 to 160 mm Hg. The frequency of the stimulus reached its maximum (100 Hz) when pressure exceeded 160 mm Hg, and the stimulation stopped when MAP was below 70 mm Hg. There were significant decreases in mean arterial pressure (MAP, -20.0+/-4.4 mm Hg) and heart rate (HR, -43.0+/-10.5 bpm) during the resetting in rats. After resetting, both MAP and HR recovered in a minute without any significant rebound. Pretreatment with either methyl atropine or bilateral vagotomy abolished the bradycardia effect but produced no significant effect on hypotension. The results demonstrated that the chip system successfully reset blood pressure in rats, and that the hypotension induced by the chip system was primarily independent on the bradycardia effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Ya Gao
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
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