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Huffman WJ, Musselman ED, Pelot NA, Grill WM. Measuring and modeling the effects of vagus nerve stimulation on heart rate and laryngeal muscles. Bioelectron Med 2023; 9:3. [PMID: 36797733 PMCID: PMC9936668 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-023-00107-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reduced heart rate (HR) during vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is associated with therapy for heart failure, but stimulation frequency and amplitude are limited by patient tolerance. An understanding of physiological responses to parameter adjustments would allow differential control of therapeutic and side effects. To investigate selective modulation of the physiological responses to VNS, we quantified the effects and interactions of parameter selection on two physiological outcomes: one related to therapy (reduced HR) and one related to side effects (laryngeal muscle EMG). METHODS We applied a broad range of stimulation parameters (mean pulse rates (MPR), intra-burst frequencies, and amplitudes) to the vagus nerve of anesthetized mice. We leveraged the in vivo recordings to parameterize and validate computational models of HR and laryngeal muscle activity across amplitudes and temporal patterns of VNS. We constructed a finite element model of excitation of fibers within the mouse cervical vagus nerve. RESULTS HR decreased with increased amplitude, increased MPR, and decreased intra-burst frequency. EMG increased with increased MPR. Preferential HR effects over laryngeal EMG effects required combined adjustments of amplitude and MPR. The model of HR responses highlighted contributions of ganglionic filtering to VNS-evoked changes in HR at high stimulation frequencies. Overlap in activation thresholds between small and large modeled fibers was consistent with the overlap in dynamic ranges of related physiological measures (HR and EMG). CONCLUSION The present study provides insights into physiological responses to VNS required for informed parameter adjustment to modulate selectively therapeutic effects and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J. Huffman
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Fitzpatrick CIEMAS, Box 90281, Room 1427, 101 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708-0281 USA
| | - Eric D. Musselman
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Fitzpatrick CIEMAS, Box 90281, Room 1427, 101 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708-0281 USA
| | - Nicole A. Pelot
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Fitzpatrick CIEMAS, Box 90281, Room 1427, 101 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708-0281 USA
| | - Warren M. Grill
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Fitzpatrick CIEMAS, Box 90281, Room 1427, 101 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708-0281 USA ,grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, USA ,grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Neurobiology Engineering, Duke University, Durham, USA ,grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Neurosurgery Engineering, Duke University, Durham, USA
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Saibene AM, Fuccillo E, Felisati G. Vagus nerve stimulator implantation for drug-resistant epilepsy, with video. Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis 2021; 138 Suppl 2:69-70. [PMID: 34127409 DOI: 10.1016/j.anorl.2021.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A M Saibene
- Otolaryngology Unit, Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Antonio di Rudinì, 20142 Milan, Italy.
| | - E Fuccillo
- Otolaryngology Unit, Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Antonio di Rudinì, 20142 Milan, Italy.
| | - G Felisati
- Otolaryngology Unit, Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Antonio di Rudinì, 20142 Milan, Italy.
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Castellani L, Chiesa V, Maccari A, Fuccillo E, Canevini MP, Felisati G, Saibene AM. Pharyngolaryngeal spasm-induced dysphagia in an epileptic patient undergoing vagus nerve stimulation therapy. Clin Case Rep 2020; 8:858-861. [PMID: 32477534 PMCID: PMC7250986 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.2761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation for refractory epilepsy may induce laryngeal side effects such as dysphonia and dysphagia. Careful tuning of the stimulation parameters and collaboration between epileptologists and otolaryngologists can help significantly reduce side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Castellani
- Otolaryngology UnitASST Santi Paolo e CarloDepartment of Health SciencesUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Valentina Chiesa
- Regional Centre for EpilepsyASST Santi Paolo e CarloDepartment of Health SciencesUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Alberto Maccari
- Otolaryngology UnitASST Santi Paolo e CarloDepartment of Health SciencesUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Emanuela Fuccillo
- Institute of OtorhinolaryngologyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Translation MedicineUniversità di Roma Tor VergataRomeItaly
| | - Maria Paola Canevini
- Regional Centre for EpilepsyASST Santi Paolo e CarloDepartment of Health SciencesUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Giovanni Felisati
- Otolaryngology UnitASST Santi Paolo e CarloDepartment of Health SciencesUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Alberto Maria Saibene
- Otolaryngology UnitASST Santi Paolo e CarloDepartment of Health SciencesUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
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Beckelhymer LM, Fink DS, Litts JK. Behavioral Management of Laryngeal Complaints Caused by Vagal Nerve Stimulation for Medically Refractory Epilepsy. J Voice 2020; 35:651-654. [PMID: 31889648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2019.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS This study investigated behavioral management of dysphonia and laryngeal dyspnea secondary to use of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) in an individual with medically refractory epilepsy. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective chart review. METHODS Medical records from a single patient were reviewed. The patient received treatment with the speech-language pathologist (SLP) and laryngologist to observe patterns of laryngeal hyperfunction using biofeedback, and treatment with the SLP to learn to perform rescue breathing techniques, relaxation techniques, and awareness of muscle tension to aid the control of symptoms during activation. Data collected included neurology and laryngology notes. Neurology notes were used to track VNS settings, tolerance, and incidence of seizures. Laryngology notes included documentation of diagnosis, treatment, and measures of patient perception of severity (ie, Voice Handicap Index, Dyspnea Index, Cough Severity Index). RESULTS Prior to treatment, the patient was unable to receive benefits from VNS due to severe laryngeal adverse effects, such that the device remained off for eight months postimplantation. Following treatment, the patient effectively managed laryngeal side effects and was able to tolerate increases in VNS output current, signal frequency, and duration. CONCLUSIONS Voice therapy was effective in managing changes in vocal fold mobility and laryngeal tension. As the number of individuals receiving VNS for epilepsy and inflammatory conditions increases, the SLP and laryngologist may play a key role in interdisciplinary management of laryngeal side effects secondary to vagal nerve stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel S Fink
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Juliana K Litts
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.
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Vespa S, Stumpp L, Bouckaert C, Delbeke J, Smets H, Cury J, Ferrao Santos S, Rooijakkers H, Nonclercq A, Raedt R, Vonck K, El Tahry R. Vagus Nerve Stimulation-Induced Laryngeal Motor Evoked Potentials: A Possible Biomarker of Effective Nerve Activation. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:880. [PMID: 31507360 PMCID: PMC6718640 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy is associated with laryngeal muscle activation and induces voice modifications, well-known side effects of the therapy resulting from co-activation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. In this study, we describe the non-invasive transcutaneous recording of laryngeal motor evoked potentials (LMEPs), which could serve as a biomarker of effective nerve activation and individual titration in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. We recruited drug-resistant epileptic patients treated for at least 6 months with a VNS. Trains of 600-1200 VNS pulses were delivered with increasing current outputs. We placed six skin electrodes on the ventral surface of the neck, in order to record LMEPs whenever the laryngeal muscular threshold was reached. We studied the internal consistency and the variability of LMEP recordings, and compared different methods for amplitude calculation. Recruitment curves were built based on the stimulus-response relationship. We also determined the electrical axis of the LMEPs dipole in order to define the optimal electrode placement for LMEPs recording in a clinical setting. LMEPs were successfully recorded in 11/11 patients. The LMEPs threshold ranged from 0.25 to 1 mA (median 0.50 mA), and onset latency was between 5.37 and 8.77 ms. The signal-to-noise ratio was outstanding in 10/11 patients. In these cases, excellent reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC > 0.90 across three different amplitude measurements) was achieved with 10 sample averages. Moreover, our recordings showed very good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha > 0.95 for 10 epochs). Area-under-the-curve and peak-to-peak measurement proved to be complementary methods for amplitude calculation. Finally, we determined that an optimal derivation requires only two recording electrodes, aligned on a horizontal axis around the laryngeal prominence. In conclusion, we describe here an optimal methodology for the recording of VNS-induced motor evoked responses from the larynx. Although further clinical validation is still necessary, LMEPs might be useful as a non-invasive marker of effective nerve activation, and as an aid for the clinician to perform a more rational titration of VNS parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Vespa
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lars Stumpp
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Jean Delbeke
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hugo Smets
- Bio, Electro And Mechanical Systems, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joaquin Cury
- Bio, Electro And Mechanical Systems, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Susana Ferrao Santos
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Centre for Refractory Epilepsy, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Herbert Rooijakkers
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antoine Nonclercq
- Bio, Electro And Mechanical Systems, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robrecht Raedt
- 4Brain, Institute for Neurosciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristl Vonck
- 4Brain, Institute for Neurosciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Reference Center for Refractory Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Riëm El Tahry
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Centre for Refractory Epilepsy, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
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