Intraoperative and perioperative complications with a vagus nerve stimulation device

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for medically refractory seizures has been an approved therapy by the Food and Drug Administration since 1997, with additional approval as an adjunct therapy for major depression granted in 2005. Potential applications for VNS therapy in obesity, neuropsychiatric disorders, and chronic pain syndromes are under investigation. Bradyarrhythmias, including asystole, may occur during VNS device placement or as a delayed complication. A peritracheal hematoma may develop following VNS device placement, necessitating emergent management. Other respiratory complications may include vocal cord movement abnormalities with potential for aspiration. Vagus nerve stimulation results in sleep-related breathing pattern changes, with an associated increase in the number of obstructive apneas and hypopneas in both children and adults, which may impact perioperative care.