Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026
Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Tool to Induce Plasticity in Pathways Relevant for Extinction Learning
Published on: August 21, 2015
How I do it: surgical techniques for vagus nerve stimulation in pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy
Santiago Ezequiel Cicutti1, Javier F Cuello2, Guido P Gromadzyn3
1Neurosurgery Department, Juan P. Garrahan Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina. santiagocicutti@gmail.com.
Background:
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a neuromodulatory treatment for refractory epilepsy, involving electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve via a subcutaneously implanted pulse generator.
Method:
We present a step-by-step description of the VNS implantation technique, incorporating tips and tricks from an epilepsy surgeon with over 20 years of experience (MB).
Conclusion:
Proper patient selection, meticulous surgical technique, and comprehensive postoperative care, supported by educational resources such as surgical technique articles, videos, and simulators, are crucial for minimizing complications and optimizing patient outcomes.
