Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 16, 2025

Vagus Nerve Stimulation As an Adjunctive Neurostimulation Tool in Treatment-resistant Depression
Published on: January 7, 2019
Bradyarrhythmia secondary to vagus nerve stimulator 7 years after placement
Haresh Gandhi1, Michelina Ippoliti2, Farrukh Iqbal2
1Internal Medicine, Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, New Jersey, USA haresh.gandhi.md@gmail.com.
Abstract:
We present a case of a 38-year-old man with a previous medical history of asthma and refractory epilepsy requiring vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) placement 7 years prior to the presentation who was found to be in atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response during a preoperative evaluation, which prompted transoesophageal echocardiography and subsequent cardioversion. In preparation for cardioversion, the VNS was turned off and the patient was cardioverted to normal sinus rhythm. Following cardioversion, the VNS was activated again. During recovery, the patient was experiencing several episodes of first-degree and second-degree Mobitz type-II atrioventricular (AV) block. In response, the VNS was deactivated indefinitely. On interrogation of a loop recorder 2 weeks after discharge, the patient did not have any further evidence of AV conduction delay.
Related Concept Videos
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Decreased pulse rate
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with...
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

