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Laboratory Administration of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation taVNS: Technique, Targeting, and Considerations
Published on: January 7, 2019
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Cardiovascular responses to low-level transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation
Matjaz Sinkovec1, Roman Trobec2, Bernard Meglic3
1Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Zaloška c. 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Autonomic Neuroscience : Basic & Clinical
|July 18, 2021
Summary
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) may modulate cardiac autonomic function, reducing left ventricular workload. However, it also increased blood pressure and peripheral resistance, requiring further research for therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Autonomic Nervous System Modulation
- Neuromodulation
Background:
- The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating cardiovascular function.
- Vagus nerve stimulation is a promising area for therapeutic intervention.
- Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) offers a non-invasive approach to modulate autonomic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cardiovascular responses to a specific protocol of transcutaneous low-level vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS).
- To assess the impact of tVNS on cardiac autonomic modulation in healthy volunteers.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, sham-controlled study involving 15 healthy male volunteers.
- tVNS applied to the right tragus at 20 Hz, sensation threshold, 1 ms pulse width.
- Cardiovascular parameters (ECG, blood pressure, cardiac output) measured using impedance cardiography during autonomic testing (Valsalva, deep breathing, cold face tests).
Main Results:
- Significant reductions observed in left ventricular contractility and output parameters.
- A trend towards heart rate reduction, leading to decreased cardiac workload.
- Significant increases in blood pressure and total peripheral resistance, potentially indicating a reflex response.
Conclusions:
- The tested tVNS protocol shows potential for cardiac autonomic modulation.
- Participant-specific adjustments to stimulation parameters may enhance efficacy.
- Further research is necessary to establish the therapeutic benefits of tVNS in diverse patient populations.
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