Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zakir Mridha, Jan Willem de Gee, Yanchen Shi, Rayan Alkashgari, Justin Williams, Aaron Suminski, Matthew P. Ward, Wenhao Zhang, Matthew James McGinley
Summary: The study demonstrates that pupil dilation is a reliable and noninvasive biosensor for titratable VNS-evoked cortical neuromodulation by acetylcholine in mice.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Horn C. Charles, Mats Forssell, Michael Sciullo, Jonathan E. Harms, Stephanie Fulton, Chenchen Mou, Fan Sun, Tyler W. Simpson, Gutian Xiao, Lee E. Fisher, Christopher Bettinger, Gary K. Fedder
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential for selective cervical VNS as a therapeutic approach for modulating distal nerve branches while reducing off target effects, which could potentially be refined to treat gastrointestinal, metabolic, inflammatory, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases amenable to vagal neuromodulatory control.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Natalia Yakunina, Eui-Cheol Nam
Summary: Recent animal research has shown that VNS paired with sound stimuli can eliminate tinnitus in noise-exposed rats, which led to clinical trials exploring the effectiveness of VNS for alleviating tinnitus in humans. Transcutaneous VNS has gained attention as a non-invasive alternative for tinnitus treatment, with studies also investigating its potential efficacy when used alone without sound stimuli.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matteo Donega, Cathrine T. Fjordbakk, Joseph Kirk, David M. Sokal, Isha Gupta, Gerald E. Hunsberger, Abbe Crawford, Simon Cook, Jaime Viscasillas, Thaleia-Rengina Stathopoulou, Jason A. Miranda, Wesley J. Dopson, David Goodwin, Alison Rowles, Paul McGill, Alex McSloy, Dirk Werling, Jason Witherington, Daniel J. Chew, Justin D. Perkins
Summary: Neuroimmunomodulation by stimulating autonomic connections to the spleen has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for inflammatory conditions. Comparison of splenic nerves in mice, rats, pigs, and humans revealed pigs as a suitable model. Stimulation of the splenic nerve in pigs showed modulation of immune responses and cardiovascular protection, with parameters and biomarkers applicable to humans.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Rongrong Li, Hantong Hu, Ning Luo, Jianqiao Fang
Summary: This study conducted a bibliometric analysis to identify publication trends and research hotspots in VNS research over a 20-year period. The results revealed the top countries, institutions, journals, and authors in the field. Evolving research hotspots were also identified, including the effectiveness and mechanism of VNS in epilepsy, its role as an anti-inflammatory regulator, its application in psychiatric disorders, and its neuromodulation effect in headache management. This study provides valuable insights to guide future research directions in VNS.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Kristina M. Deligiannidis, Thalia Robakis, Sarah C. Homitsky, Erona Ibroci, Bridget King, Sunu Jacob, Diana Coppola, Shane Raines, Konstantinos Alataris
Summary: The study suggests that the Nesos taVNS system may be an effective non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatment for major depressive disorder with peripartum onset. However, further evaluation in larger sham-controlled studies is needed.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Chanon Srihagulang, Jirapong Vongsfak, Tanat Vaniyapong, Nipon Chattipakorn, Siriporn C. Chattipakorn
Summary: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, characterized by immediate neuronal destruction and secondary brain injury mechanisms. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) shows potential for neuroprotection in TBI through various mechanisms, providing beneficial effects in animal models and patients. Further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of VNS in treating TBI.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Stephan L. Blanz, Eric D. Musselman, Megan L. Settell, Bruce E. Knudsen, Evan N. Nicolai, James K. Trevathan, Ryan S. Verner, Jason Begnaud, Aaron C. Skubal, Aaron J. Suminski, Justin C. Williams, Andrew J. Shoffstall, Warren M. Grill, Nicole A. Pelot, Kip A. Ludwig
Summary: Electrical stimulation of the cervical vagus nerve using implanted electrodes (VNS) has FDA approval for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy, treatment-resistant depression, and chronic ischemic stroke rehabilitation. The placement of small epineural electrodes may modify the therapeutic effects of VNS but it is unclear if it can alter the balance between intended effect and side effect. This study investigates the impact of epineural electrode location on VNS activation and discovers neuroanatomy-dependent differences in both therapeutic effects and side effects.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mary J. Donahue, Malin Silvera Ejneby, Marie Jakesova, April S. Caravaca, Gabriel Andersson, Ihor Sahalianov, Vedran Derek, Henrik Hult, Peder S. Olofsson, Eric Daniel Glowacki
Summary: This study aims to propose possible solutions to the problem of vagus nerve regulation of organ function using nongenetic light-based stimulation. By designing and testing microstimulation devices based on transcutaneous photovoltaic stimulation, different stimulation patterns and geometries were explored, providing new possibilities for research in small animals.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Yao-Chuan Chang, Umair Ahmed, Naveen Jayaprakash, Ibrahim Mughrabi, Qihang Lin, Yi-Chen Wu, Michael Gerber, Adam Abbas, Anna Daytz, Arielle H. Gabalski, Jason Ashville, Socrates Dokos, Loren Rieth, Timir Datta-Chaudhuri, Kevin J. Tracey, Tianruo Guo, Yousef Al -Abed, Stavros Zanos
Summary: The study demonstrates the selective activation of specific sensory vagus neurons by intermittently stimulating the vagus with kHz-frequency stimuli. This neuromodulation strategy could be used to investigate and treat diseases associated with vagal reflexes.
Review
Neurosciences
Svetlana Mastitskaya, Nicole Thompson, David Holder
Summary: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe form of acute lung injury caused by inflammatory response. Vagus nerve stimulation can limit systemic inflammation, but non-selective stimulation may have adverse effects. Selective stimulation based on localized activity imaging may provide organ-specific therapy for ARDS.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Henrique Jannuzzelli Pires do Prado, Lecio Figueira Pinto, Daniela Fontes Bezerra, Luciano de Paola, Francisco Arruda, Andrea Juliao de Oliveira, Tayla Taynan Romao, Vanessa Cristina Colares Lessa, Jonadab dos Santos Silva, Isabella D'Andrea-Meira
Summary: This retrospective study evaluated the use of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as an adjuvant therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy. The study found that 65.6% of patients experienced a seizure reduction of at least 50% after VNS implantation, with most patients achieving a reduction of 50-90% and 9 patients becoming seizure-free. Factors associated with a better response to VNS included no history of neurosurgery, focal interictal epileptiform activity, and a focal seizure pattern. Tumors were predictive of a better response, while vascular malformations and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome were associated with a worse response.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Jiakai He, Jinling Zhang, Yu Wang, Shaoyuan Li, Jiliang Fang, Shuai Zhang, Yanan Zhao, Weihang Zhai, Deqiang Gao, Ran Li, Yuhang Jiang, Zehao Chen, Baohui Jia, Peijing Rong
Summary: By comparing iVNS and taVNS in indications and efficacy, it is found that taVNS has similar clinical efficacy to iVNS and can expand the indication of iVNS. However, high-quality clinical evidence is needed before taVNS can be an alternative to iVNS.
JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Nathan A. Shlobin, Katherine Hofmann, Nathan T. Cohen, Mohamad Z. Koubeissi, William D. Gaillard, Chima O. Oluigbo
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and individual patient data analysis to investigate the outcomes of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the centromedian nucleus of the thalamus in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). The results showed that DBS can significantly reduce seizure frequency and improve functional ability in LGS patients. It is considered to be an effective and safe treatment option for LGS.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Huajun Yang, Weixiong Shi, Jingjing Fan, Xiaoshan Wang, Yijun Song, Yajun Lian, Wei Shan, Qun Wang
Summary: This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) in patients with epilepsy. The patients were divided into an active stimulation group and a control group. The results showed that the responder rate and reduction in seizure frequency were significantly higher in the active group compared to the control group at 20 weeks of stimulation. No significant differences were observed in quality of life, mood, and cognitive state scores. The main adverse events were pain, sleep disturbance, flu-like symptoms, and local skin discomfort, which were similar between the two groups. Ta-VNS was found to be an effective and safe therapy for epilepsy, but further research is needed to validate its benefits in improving quality of life, mood, and cognitive state.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
James K. Trevathan, Anders J. Asp, Evan N. Nicolai, Jonathan M. Trevathan, Nicholas A. Kremer, Takashi D. Y. Kozai, David Cheng, Mike J. Schachter, Jonathan J. Nassi, Stephani L. Otte, Jones G. Parker, J. Luis Lujan, Kip A. Ludwig
Summary: This manuscript outlines an approach combining chronic behaving single-photon microendoscope recordings in a pathological mouse model with electrical stimulation of a common deep brain stimulation (DBS) target to study neuromodulation therapy. The authors present detailed steps necessary for this approach and discuss key considerations for extending it to other DBS targets. They also make recommendations based on their experience in implementing and validating the required procedures.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Erin K. Purcell, Michael F. Becker, Yue Guo, Seth A. Hara, Kip A. Ludwig, Collin J. McKinney, Elizabeth M. Monroe, Robert Rechenberg, Cory A. Rusinek, Akash Saxena, James R. Siegenthaler, Caryl E. Sortwell, Cort H. Thompson, James K. Trevathan, Suzanne Witt, Wen Li
Summary: Carbon-based electrodes, like carbon fiber microelectrodes, have a long history of use in neurochemical sensing, but are limited in fabrication, flexibility, and stability. Boron-doped diamond electrodes offer improved electrochemical properties and biocompatibility, allowing for high-throughput batch fabrication and customization of electrode arrays for neurochemical sensing applications. Opportunities exist to further enhance the performance of diamond electrodes through various methods such as anodic pretreatment and waveform optimization.
Review
Neurosciences
Nishant Verma, Jonah D. Mudge, Maisha Kasole, Rex C. Chen, Stephan L. Blanz, James K. Trevathan, Eric G. Lovett, Justin C. Williams, Kip A. Ludwig
Summary: The study identified modest decrease in heart rate with higher stimulation dosages using aVNS, conflicting results on heart rate variability, and potential reduction in inflammatory markers with aVNS. Findings also suggest improvement in pathological pain with aVNS. Further research is needed to address limitations in trial design and bias to improve interpretation of results and enhance the quality of evidence.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Torsten R. Goesch, Nancy A. Wilson, Weifeng Zeng, Bret M. Verhoven, Weixiong Zhong, Maya M. Coumbe Gitter, William E. Fahl
Summary: PrC-210 has shown potential to suppress kidney damage and inflammation caused by allograft kidney transplantation, reducing histologic damage, improving kidney function metrics, and decreasing levels of inflammatory cytokines and activated caspase.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Peter J. Nicksic, D'Andrea T. Donnelly, Madison Hesse, Simran Bedi, Nishant Verma, Allison J. Seitz, Andrew J. Shoffstall, Kip A. Ludwig, Aaron M. Dingle, Samuel O. Poore
Summary: Since the discovery of the piezoelectric quality of bone in 1957, scientists have been exploring the use of external electrical stimulation for bone healing. However, electronic bone growth stimulators are not commonly used in clinical settings due to their high cost and lack of faith in their efficacy among clinicians. This narrative review examines preclinical research on electrical stimulation and its effects on bone properties, highlighting the gaps in clinical translation and emphasizing the importance of device specifications and mechanisms of action.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kevin C. Stieger, James R. Eles, Kip A. Ludwig, Takashi D. Y. Kozai
Summary: This study demonstrates that stimulation waveform alters the pattern of activation of different but overlapping populations of excitatory neurons at commonly used frequencies for sensory restoration.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Peter J. Nicksic, D'Andrea T. Donnelly, Nishant Verma, Allison J. Setiz, Andrew J. Shoffstall, Kip A. Ludwig, Aaron M. Dingle, Samuel O. Poore
Summary: Electrical stimulation has shown potential for promoting fracture healing, but its efficacy in human trials is inconsistent and not widely accepted. Heterogeneity in device specifications and stimulation protocols, as well as incomplete reporting, hinder the repeatability of studies. Future research should focus on fracture types prone to nonunion, homogenous study populations, and increased scientific rigor. Additionally, reporting key device specifications is crucial for ensuring study repeatability.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Stephan L. Blanz, Eric D. Musselman, Megan L. Settell, Bruce E. Knudsen, Evan N. Nicolai, James K. Trevathan, Ryan S. Verner, Jason Begnaud, Aaron C. Skubal, Aaron J. Suminski, Justin C. Williams, Andrew J. Shoffstall, Warren M. Grill, Nicole A. Pelot, Kip A. Ludwig
Summary: Electrical stimulation of the cervical vagus nerve using implanted electrodes (VNS) has FDA approval for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy, treatment-resistant depression, and chronic ischemic stroke rehabilitation. The placement of small epineural electrodes may modify the therapeutic effects of VNS but it is unclear if it can alter the balance between intended effect and side effect. This study investigates the impact of epineural electrode location on VNS activation and discovers neuroanatomy-dependent differences in both therapeutic effects and side effects.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nishant Verma, Todd Le, Jonah Mudge, Peter J. Nicksic, Lillian Xistris, Maisha Kasole, Andrew J. Shoffstall, Samuel O. Poore, Kip A. Ludwig, Aaron M. Dingle
Summary: Noninvasive electronic bone growth stimulators (EBGSs) have been used clinically for decades, but systematic reviews show inconsistent and limited efficacy. Studies in small animals suggest promising efficacy when the stimulation electrode is closer to the fracture site, but this has not been replicated in large animals or humans. The weaker electric fields reaching the fracture site when scaling from small animals to large animals and humans may explain this disparity.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Nishant Verma, Bruce Knudsen, Aaron Gholston, Aaron Skubal, Stephan Blanz, Megan Settell, Jennifer Frank, James Trevathan, Kip Ludwig
Summary: This study evaluates the potential of microneurography electrodes to measure neural activity during neuromodulation therapies by recording in a large animal model. The results show that microneurography electrodes can measure neural signals relevant to neuromodulation therapies, providing valuable guidance for electrode placement and stimulation parameter selection.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Evan N. Nicolai, Jorge Arturo Larco, Sarosh Madhani, Samuel J. Asirvatham, Su-youne Chang, Kip A. Ludwig, Luis E. Savastano, Gregory A. Worrell
Summary: This study explores a method of stimulating the vagus nerve through endovascular electrodes to address the issue of muscle contraction caused by direct nerve stimulation. The results show that the position of the electrode is critical for effective stimulation, and also provide tools for optimizing electrode positions.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Peter J. Nicksic, D'Andrea T. Donnelly, Weifeng Zeng, Allison J. Seitz, Samuel O. Poore, Aaron J. Suminski, Aaron M. Dingle
Summary: The study demonstrates that trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) or peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) can improve functional outcomes of peripheral nerve injury in rats. This finding is important in translating the therapy as a non-invasive treatment for high, mixed nerve injuries in humans.
JOURNAL OF PLASTIC RECONSTRUCTIVE AND AESTHETIC SURGERY
(2024)