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van Weperen VYH, Vaseghi M. Cardiac vagal afferent neurotransmission in health and disease: review and knowledge gaps. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1192188. [PMID: 37351426 PMCID: PMC10282187 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1192188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The meticulous control of cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic tone regulates all facets of cardiac function. This precise calibration of cardiac efferent innervation is dependent on sensory information that is relayed from the heart to the central nervous system. The vagus nerve, which contains vagal cardiac afferent fibers, carries sensory information to the brainstem. Vagal afferent signaling has been predominantly shown to increase parasympathetic efferent response and vagal tone. However, cardiac vagal afferent signaling appears to change after cardiac injury, though much remains unknown. Even though subsequent cardiac autonomic imbalance is characterized by sympathoexcitation and parasympathetic dysfunction, it remains unclear if, and to what extent, vagal afferent dysfunction is involved in the development of vagal withdrawal. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of cardiac vagal afferent signaling under in health and in the setting of cardiovascular disease, especially after myocardial infarction, and to highlight the knowledge gaps that remain to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Y. H. van Weperen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Marmar Vaseghi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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2
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Kumar HU, Nearing BD, Mittal S, Premchand RK, Libbus I, DiCarlo LA, Amurthur B, KenKnight BH, Anand IS, Verrier RL. Autonomic regulation therapy in chronic heart failure with preserved/mildly reduced ejection fraction: ANTHEM-HFpEF study results. Int J Cardiol 2023; 381:37-44. [PMID: 36934987 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autonomic regulation therapy (ART) utilizing cervical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) appeared to be safe and to improve autonomic tone, symptoms, and cardiac mechanical function in patients with symptomatic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction in the ANTHEM-HF Study. The ANTHEM-HFpEF Study is the first investigation to evaluate the safety and feasibility of ART in patients with symptomatic heart failure and preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFpEF, HFmrEF). METHODS This open-label interventional study enrolled 52 patients with HFpEF or HFmrEF, NYHA Class II-III, and LVEF ≥40%, who received stable guideline-directed medical therapy. All patients were successfully implanted with LivaNova VNS Therapy® system with an electrical lead surrounding the right cervical vagus nerve. RESULTS Adverse event incidence was low. At 12 months, NYHA class (p < 0.0001), 6-min walk distance (p < 0.05), and quality of life (p < 0.0001) were improved. Cardiac mechanical function measures were normal at baseline, except for left ventricular mass index in women and E/e' ratio in all patients, which were elevated at baseline, and were unchanged by ART. Autonomic tone and reflexes improved, indicated by 29% decrease in low-frequency/high-frequency heart rate variability to normal levels (p = 0.028) and by increased heart rate turbulence slope (p = 0.047). T-wave alternans (p = 0.001) and T-wave heterogeneity (p = 0.001) were reduced from abnormal to normal ranges. Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia incidence decreased (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS ART appeared well-tolerated and safe in patients with HFpEF or HFmrEF. Chronic ART did not alter mechanical function measures but was associated with improved heart failure symptoms, exercise tolerance, autonomic tone, and cardiac electrical stability. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY Autonomic Neural Regulation Therapy to Enhance Myocardial Function in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction [ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT03163030, registered 05/22/2017].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruce D Nearing
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Richard L Verrier
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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3
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Kanatome A, Takara T, Umeda S, Ano Y. Effects of matured hop bitter acids on heart rate variability and cognitive performance: A randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial. J Funct Foods 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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4
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Pavlov VA, Tracey KJ. Bioelectronic medicine: Preclinical insights and clinical advances. Neuron 2022; 110:3627-3644. [PMID: 36174571 PMCID: PMC10155266 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system maintains homeostasis and health. Homeostatic disruptions underlying the pathobiology of many diseases can be controlled by bioelectronic devices targeting CNS and peripheral neural circuits. New insights into the regulatory functions of the nervous system and technological developments in bioelectronics drive progress in the emerging field of bioelectronic medicine. Here, we provide an overview of key aspects of preclinical research, translation, and clinical advances in bioelectronic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin A Pavlov
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
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5
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Möbius H, Welkoborsky HJ. Vagus nerve stimulation for conservative therapy-refractive epilepsy and depression. Laryngorhinootologie 2022; 101:S114-S143. [PMID: 35605616 DOI: 10.1055/a-1660-5591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies confirm that the vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an efficient, indirect neuromodulatory therapy with electrically induced current for epilepsy that cannot be treated by epilepsy surgery and is therapy-refractory and for drug therapy-refractory depression. VNS is an established, evidence-based and in the long-term cost-effective therapy in an interdisciplinary overall concept.Long-term data on the safety and tolerance of the method are available despite the heterogeneity of the patient populations. Stimulation-related side effects like hoarseness, paresthesia, cough or dyspnea depend on the stimulation strength and often decrease with continuing therapy duration in the following years. Stimulation-related side effects of VNS can be well influenced by modifying the stimulation parameters. Overall, the invasive vagus nerve stimulation may be considered as a safe and well-tolerated therapy option.For invasive and transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, antiepileptic and antidepressant as well as positive cognitive effects could be proven. In contrast to drugs, VNS has no negative effect on cognition. In many cases, an improvement of the quality of life is possible.iVNS therapy has a low probability of complete seizure-freedom in cases of focal and genetically generalized epilepsy. It must be considered as palliative therapy, which means that it does not lead to healing and requires the continuation of specific medication. The functional principle is a general reduction of the neuronal excitability. This effect is achieved by a slow increase of the effectiveness sometimes over several years. Responders are those patients who experience a 50% reduction of the seizure incidence. Some studies even reveal seizure-freedom in 20% of the cases. Currently, it is not possible to differentiate between potential responders and non-responders before therapy/implantation.The current technical developments of the iVNS generators of the new generation like closed-loop system (cardiac-based seizure detection, CBSD) reduce also the risk for SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients), a very rare, lethal complication of epilepsies, beside the seizure severity.iVNS may deteriorate an existing sleep apnea syndrome and therefore requires possible therapy interruption during nighttime (day-night programming or magnet use) beside the close cooperation with sleep physicians.The evaluation of the numerous iVNS trials of the past two decades showed multiple positive effects on other immunological, cardiological, and gastroenterological diseases so that additional therapy indications may be expected depending on future study results. Currently, the vagus nerve stimulation is in the focus of research in the disciplines of psychology, immunology, cardiology as well as pain and plasticity research with the desired potential of future medical application.Beside invasive vagus nerve stimulation with implantation of an IPG and an electrode, also devices for transdermal and thus non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation have been developed during the last years. According to the data that are currently available, they are less effective with regard to the reduction of the seizure severity and duration in cases of therapy-refractory epilepsy and slightly less effective regarding the improvement of depression symptoms. In this context, studies are missing that confirm high evidence of effectiveness. The same is true for the other indications that have been mentioned like tinnitus, cephalgia, gastrointestinal complaints etc. Another disadvantage of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation is that the stimulators have to be applied actively by the patients and are not permanently active, in contrast to implanted iVNS therapy systems. So they are only intermittently active; furthermore, the therapy adherence is uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Möbius
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, KRH Klinikum Nordstadt, Hannover.,Abt. für HNO-Heilkunde, Kinderkrankenhaus auf der Bult, Hannover
| | - H J Welkoborsky
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, KRH Klinikum Nordstadt, Hannover.,Abt. für HNO-Heilkunde, Kinderkrankenhaus auf der Bult, Hannover
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6
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Ottaviani MM, Vallone F, Micera S, Recchia FA. Closed-Loop Vagus Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases: State of the Art and Future Directions. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:866957. [PMID: 35463766 PMCID: PMC9021417 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.866957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system exerts a fine beat-to-beat regulation of cardiovascular functions and is consequently involved in the onset and progression of many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Selective neuromodulation of the brain-heart axis with advanced neurotechnologies is an emerging approach to corroborate CVDs treatment when classical pharmacological agents show limited effectiveness. The vagus nerve is a major component of the cardiac neuroaxis, and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a promising application to restore autonomic function under various pathological conditions. VNS has led to encouraging results in animal models of CVDs, but its translation to clinical practice has not been equally successful, calling for more investigation to optimize this technique. Herein we reviewed the state of the art of VNS for CVDs and discuss avenues for therapeutic optimization. Firstly, we provided a succinct description of cardiac vagal innervation anatomy and physiology and principles of VNS. Then, we examined the main clinical applications of VNS in CVDs and the related open challenges. Finally, we presented preclinical studies that aim at overcoming VNS limitations through optimization of anatomical targets, development of novel neural interface technologies, and design of efficient VNS closed-loop protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Maria Ottaviani
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Vallone
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvestro Micera
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
- Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Translational Neural Engineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics, Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fabio A. Recchia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
- Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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7
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Verrier RL, Libbus I, Nearing BD, KenKnight BH. Multifactorial Benefits of Chronic Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Autonomic Function and Cardiac Electrical Stability in Heart Failure Patients With Reduced Ejection Fraction. Front Physiol 2022; 13:855756. [PMID: 35431984 PMCID: PMC9005779 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.855756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction is a progressive disease that claims > 352,000 lives annually in the United States alone. Despite the development of an extensive array of pharmacologic and device therapies, prognosis remains poor. Disruption in autonomic balance in the form of heightened sympathetic nerve activity and reduced vagal tone have been established as major causes of heart failure progression. Interest in chronic neuromodulation mediated by vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has intensified in recent years. This review focuses on four main goals: (1) To review the preclinical evidence that supports the concept of a cardioprotective effect of VNS on autonomic function and cardiac electrical stability along with the underlying putative mechanisms. (2) To present the initial clinical experience with chronic VNS in patients with heart failure and highlight the controversial aspects of the findings. (3) To discuss the latest findings of the multifactorial effects of VNS on autonomic tone, baroreceptor sensitivity, and cardiac electrical stability and the state-of-the-art methods employed to monitor these relationships. (4) To discuss the implications of the current findings and the gaps in knowledge that require attention in future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L. Verrier
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Richard L. Verrier, , orcid.org/0000-0001-5602-6793
| | - Imad Libbus
- LivaNova USA, Inc., Houston, TX, United States
| | - Bruce D. Nearing
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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8
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van Weperen VYH, Vos MA, Ajijola OA. Autonomic modulation of ventricular electrical activity: recent developments and clinical implications. Clin Auton Res 2021; 31:659-676. [PMID: 34591191 PMCID: PMC8629778 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-021-00823-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review aimed to provide a complete overview of the current stance and recent developments in antiarrhythmic neuromodulatory interventions, focusing on lifethreatening vetricular arrhythmias. METHODS Both preclinical studies and clinical studies were assessed to highlight the gaps in knowledge that remain to be answered and the necessary steps required to properly translate these strategies to the clinical setting. RESULTS Cardiac autonomic imbalance, characterized by chronic sympathoexcitation and parasympathetic withdrawal, destabilizes cardiac electrophysiology and promotes ventricular arrhythmogenesis. Therefore, neuromodulatory interventions that target the sympatho-vagal imbalance have emerged as promising antiarrhythmic strategies. These strategies are aimed at different parts of the cardiac neuraxis and directly or indirectly restore cardiac autonomic tone. These interventions include pharmacological blockade of sympathetic neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, cardiac sympathetic denervation, thoracic epidural anesthesia, and spinal cord and vagal nerve stimulation. CONCLUSION Neuromodulatory strategies have repeatedly been demonstrated to be highly effective and very promising anti-arrhythmic therapies. Nevertheless, there is still much room to gain in our understanding of neurocardiac physiology, refining the current neuromodulatory strategic options and elucidating the chronic effects of many of these strategic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Y H van Weperen
- Department of Medical Physiology, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, UCLA Neurocardiology Research Center, UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1679, USA
| | - Marc A Vos
- Department of Medical Physiology, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olujimi A Ajijola
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, UCLA Neurocardiology Research Center, UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1679, USA.
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9
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Cooper CM, Farrand AQ, Andresen MC, Beaumont E. Vagus nerve stimulation activates nucleus of solitary tract neurons via supramedullary pathways. J Physiol 2021; 599:5261-5279. [PMID: 34676533 DOI: 10.1113/jp282064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) treats patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, depression and heart failure, but the mechanisms responsible are uncertain. The mild stimulus intensities used in chronic VNS suggest activation of myelinated primary visceral afferents projecting to the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Here, we monitored the activity of second and higher order NTS neurons in response to peripheral vagal activation using therapeutic VNS criteria. A bipolar stimulating electrode activated the left cervical vagus nerve, and stereotaxically placed single tungsten electrodes recorded unit activity from the left caudomedial NTS of chloralose-anaesthetized rats. High-intensity single electrical stimuli established vagal afferent conduction velocity (myelinated A-type or unmyelinated C-type) as well as synaptic order (second vs. higher order using paired electrical stimuli) for inputs to single NTS neurons. Then, VNS treatment was applied. A mid-collicular knife cut (KC) divided the brainstem from all supramedullary regions to determine their contribution to NTS activity. Our chief findings indicate that the KC reduced basal spontaneous activity of second-order NTS neurons receiving myelinated vagal input by 85%. In these neurons, acute VNS increased activity similarly in Control and KC animals. Interestingly, the KC interrupted VNS activation of higher order NTS neurons and second-order NTS neurons receiving unmyelinated vagal input, indicating that supramedullary descending projections to NTS are needed to amplify the peripheral neuronal signal from VNS. The present study begins to define the pathways activated during VNS and will help to better identify the central nervous system contributions to the therapeutic benefits of VNS therapy. KEY POINTS: Vagus nerve stimulation is routinely used in the clinic to treat epilepsy and depression, despite our uncertainty about how this treatment works. For this study, the connections between the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and the higher brain regions were severed to learn more about their contribution to activity of these neurons during stimulation. Severing these brain connections reduced baseline activity as well as reducing stimulation-induced activation for NTS neurons receiving myelinated vagal input. Higher brain regions play a significant role in maintaining both normal activity in NTS and indirect mechanisms of enhancing NTS neuronal activity during vagus nerve stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coty M Cooper
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Ariana Q Farrand
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | | | - Eric Beaumont
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
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Verrier RL, Nearing BD, D'Avila A. Spectrum of clinical applications of interlead ECG heterogeneity assessment: From myocardial ischemia detection to sudden cardiac death risk stratification. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2021; 26:e12894. [PMID: 34592018 PMCID: PMC8588374 DOI: 10.1111/anec.12894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneity in depolarization and repolarization among regions of cardiac cells has long been recognized as a major factor in cardiac arrhythmogenesis. This fundamental principle has motivated development of noninvasive techniques for quantification of heterogeneity using the surface electrocardiogram (ECG). The initial approaches focused on interval analysis such as interlead QT dispersion and Tpeak -Tend difference. However, because of inherent difficulties in measuring the termination point of the T wave and commonly encountered irregularities in the apex of the T wave, additional techniques have been pursued. The newer methods incorporate assessment of the entire morphology of the T wave and in some cases of the R wave as well. This goal has been accomplished using a number of promising vectorial approaches with the resting 12-lead ECG. An important limitation of vectorcardiographic analyses is that they require exquisite stability of the recordings and are not inherently suitable for use in exercise tolerance testing (ETT) and/or ambulatory ECG monitoring for provocative stress testing or evaluation of the influence of daily activities on cardiac electrical instability. The objectives of the present review are to describe a technique that has been under clinical evaluation for nearly a decade, termed "interlead ECG heterogeneity." Preclinical testing data will be briefly reviewed. We will discuss the main clinical findings with regard to sudden cardiac death risk stratification, heart failure evaluation, and myocardial ischemia detection using standard recording platforms including resting 12-lead ECG, ambulatory ECG monitoring, ETT, and pharmacologic stress testing in conjunction with single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Verrier
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruce D Nearing
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andre D'Avila
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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11
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Hsieh CM, Lin WC, Peng HY, Chen HC, Ho YC, Li CJ, Wu XG, Chung JY, Lee SD, Lin TB. Shoulder transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation decreases heart rate via potentiating vagal tone. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19168. [PMID: 34580404 PMCID: PMC8476641 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98690-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
By enhancing vagal activity, auricle transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) is developed as a non-invasive therapy for heart failure. Nevertheless, though shoulder TENS used for treating adhesive capsulitis could affect vagal tone, its potential impact on heart functions remains unclear. In this study, electrocardiogram (ECG) and heart rate (HR) of subjects in response to sham, right-sided, or left-sided shoulder TENS (TENS-S, TENS-R, and TENS-L, respectively; 5 min) were recorded and analyzed. During the stimulation period, TENS-R constantly and TENS-L transiently decreased the HR of subjects; both TENS-R and TENS-L increased powers of the low- and high-frequency spectra. While TENS-R exhibiting no effect, TENS-L increased the ratio of low/high-frequency power spectrum indicating TENS-R decreased the HR through potentiating cardiac vagal tone. Collectively, these results suggest TENS could be an early and non-invasive therapy for heart failure patients before considering implant devices or devices are not feasible; moreover, therapists/physicians need to carefully monitor the potential adverse events during treatment for patient safety. Trial registration: The study protocol was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03982472; 11/06/2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ming Hsieh
- Division of Physical Therapy, St. Paul's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chen Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, No. 250, Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.,National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Yu Peng
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huang-Chung Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation, St. Paul's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Ho
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Jui Li
- Division of Physical Therapy, St. Paul's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Xi-Guan Wu
- Division of Physical Therapy, St. Paul's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Yi Chung
- Division of Physical Therapy, St. Paul's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Da Lee
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tzer-Bin Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, No. 250, Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan. .,Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Cell Physiology and Molecular Image Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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12
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Implantable vagus nerve stimulation system performance is not affected by internal or external defibrillation shocks. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2021; 63:555-560. [PMID: 34467496 PMCID: PMC9151504 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-021-01050-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Autonomic regulation therapy (ART) for heart failure (HF) is delivered using vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and has been associated with improvement in cardiac function and HF symptoms. VNS is delivered using an implantable pulse generator (IPG) and a lead placed around the cervical vagus nerve. Because HF patients may receive concomitant cardiac defibrillation therapy, testing was conducted to determine the effect of defibrillation (DF) on VNS system performance. Methods Normal swine (n = 4) with VNS system implants on the right cervical vagus nerve received sequential defibrillation shocks with three defibrillation systems: an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD), and an external cardioverter defibrillator (ECD). Each system delivered a series of bipolar high-energy shocks and reverse-polarity high-energy shocks. Results The specified cardiac defibrillation shocks were delivered successfully from each of the three defibrillation systems to all animals. After each shock series, interrogation of the IPG confirmed that software and data were unchanged from pre-programmed values. After all of the defibrillation shocks were delivered, the IPGs underwent and passed comprehensive electrical testing demonstrating proper system function. No shifts in IPG parameters or ART system failures were observed, and histologic evaluation of the vagus nerve revealed no anatomic changes. Conclusions Implantable VNS systems were tested in vivo for immunity to defibrillation via ICD, S-ICD, and ECD, and were found to be unaffected by a series of high-energy defibrillation shocks. These results confirm that ART systems are capable of continuing to function after defibrillation and the cervical vagus nerve is anatomically unaffected.
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Kulkarni K, Stavrakis S, Elkholey K, Singh JP, Parks KA, Armoundas AA. Microvolt T-Wave Alternans Is Modulated by Acute Low-Level Tragus Stimulation in Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure. Front Physiol 2021; 12:707724. [PMID: 34366894 PMCID: PMC8343129 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.707724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Microvolt T-wave alternans (TWA), an oscillation in T-wave morphology of the electrocardiogram (ECG), has been associated with increased susceptibility to ventricular tachy-arrhythmias, while vagus nerve stimulation has shown promising anti-arrhythmic effects in in vivo and ex vivo animal studies. We aimed to examine the effect of non-invasive, acute low-level tragus stimulation (LLTS) on TWA in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Methods: 26 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (left ventricular ejection fraction <35%) and chronic stable heart failure, previously implanted with an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) device with an atrial lead (dual chamber ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator), were enrolled in the study. Each patient sequentially received, (1) Sham LLTS (electrode on tragus, but no stimulation delivered) for 5 min; (2) Active LLTS at two different frequencies (5 and 20 Hz, 15 min each); and (3) Active LLTS, during concomitant atrial pacing at 100 bpm at two different frequencies (5 and 20 Hz, 15 min each). LLTS was delivered through a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device (pulse width 200 μs, frequency 5/20 Hz, amplitude 1 mA lower than the discomfort threshold). TWA burden was assessed using continuous ECG monitoring during sham and active LLTS in sinus rhythm, as well as during atrial pacing. Results: Right atrial pacing at 100 bpm led to significantly heightened TWA burden compared to sinus rhythm, with or without LLTS. Acute LLTS at both 5 and 20 Hz, during sinus rhythm led to a significant rise in TWA burden in the precordial leads (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Acute LLTS results in a heart-rate dependent increase in TWA burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Kulkarni
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stavros Stavrakis
- Heart Rhythm Institute, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Khaled Elkholey
- Heart Rhythm Institute, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Jagmeet P Singh
- Cardiology Division, Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kimberly A Parks
- Cardiology Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Antonis A Armoundas
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
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14
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Chatterjee NA, Singh JP. Autonomic modulation and cardiac arrhythmias: old insights and novel strategies. Europace 2021; 23:1708-1721. [PMID: 34050642 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a critical role in both health and states of cardiovascular disease. There has been a long-recognized role of the ANS in the pathogenesis of both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). This historical understanding has been expanded in the context of evolving insights into the anatomy and physiology of the ANS, including dysfunction of the ANS in cardiovascular disease such as heart failure and myocardial infarction. An expanding armamentarium of therapeutic strategies-both invasive and non-invasive-have brought the potential of ANS modulation to contemporary clinical practice. Here, we summarize the integrative neuro-cardiac anatomy underlying the ANS, review the physiological rationale for autonomic modulation in atrial and VAs, highlight strategies for autonomic modulation, and finally frame future challenges and opportunities for ANS therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal A Chatterjee
- Electrophysiology Section, Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jagmeet P Singh
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Cracchiolo M, Ottaviani MM, Panarese A, Strauss I, Vallone F, Mazzoni A, Micera S. Bioelectronic medicine for the autonomic nervous system: clinical applications and perspectives. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 33592597 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/abe6b9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bioelectronic medicine (BM) is an emerging new approach for developing novel neuromodulation therapies for pathologies that have been previously treated with pharmacological approaches. In this review, we will focus on the neuromodulation of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity with implantable devices, a field of BM that has already demonstrated the ability to treat a variety of conditions, from inflammation to metabolic and cognitive disorders. Recent discoveries about immune responses to ANS stimulation are the laying foundation for a new field holding great potential for medical advancement and therapies and involving an increasing number of research groups around the world, with funding from international public agencies and private investors. Here, we summarize the current achievements and future perspectives for clinical applications of neural decoding and stimulation of the ANS. First, we present the main clinical results achieved so far by different BM approaches and discuss the challenges encountered in fully exploiting the potential of neuromodulatory strategies. Then, we present current preclinical studies aimed at overcoming the present limitations by looking for optimal anatomical targets, developing novel neural interface technology, and conceiving more efficient signal processing strategies. Finally, we explore the prospects for translating these advancements into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Cracchiolo
- The BioRobotics Institute and Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Matteo Maria Ottaviani
- The BioRobotics Institute and Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Panarese
- The BioRobotics Institute and Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ivo Strauss
- The BioRobotics Institute and Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Vallone
- The BioRobotics Institute and Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alberto Mazzoni
- The BioRobotics Institute and Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvestro Micera
- The BioRobotics Institute and Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy.,Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Translational NeuroEngineering, Centre for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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16
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Verrier RL. Modified Moving Average T-wave alternans cutpoints. Indian Pacing Electrophysiol J 2021; 21:139. [PMID: 33503470 PMCID: PMC7952893 DOI: 10.1016/j.ipej.2021.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Verrier
- Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 99 Brookline Avenue, RN-301, Boston, MA, USA.
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17
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Nearing BD, Anand IS, Libbus I, Dicarlo LA, Kenknight BH, Verrier RL. Vagus Nerve Stimulation Provides Multiyear Improvements in Autonomic Function and Cardiac Electrical Stability in the ANTHEM-HF Study. J Card Fail 2020; 27:208-216. [PMID: 33049374 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HFrEF) experience long-term deterioration of autonomic function and cardiac electrical stability linked to increased mortality risk. The Autonomic Neural Regulation Therapy to Enhance Myocardial Function in Heart Failure (ANTHEM-HF) trial reported improved heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT) and reduced T-wave alternans (TWA) after 12 months of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). We investigated whether the benefits of chronic VNS persist in the long term. METHODS AND RESULTS Effects of chronic VNS on heart rate, HRV, HRT, TWA, R-wave and T-wave heterogeneity (RWH, TWH), and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) incidence were evaluated in all ANTHEM-HF patients with ambulatory ECG data at 24 and 36 months (n = 25). Autonomic markers improved significantly at 24 and 36 months compared to baseline [heart rate, square root of the mean squared differences of successive normal-to-normal intervals (rMSSD), standard deviation of the normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), HF-HRV, HRT slope, P < 0.05]. Peak TWA levels remained reduced at 24 and 36 months (P < 0.0001). Reductions in RWH and TWH at 6 and 12 months persisted at 24 and 36 months (P < 0.01). NSVT decreased at 12, 24, and 36 months (P < 0.025). No sudden cardiac deaths, ventricular fibrillation, or sustained ventricular tachycardia occurred. CONCLUSION In symptomatic patients with HFrEF, chronic VNS appears to confer wide-ranging, persistent improvements in autonomic tone (HRV), baroreceptor sensitivity (HRT), and cardiac electrical stability (TWA, RWH, TWH).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce D Nearing
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | - Richard L Verrier
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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18
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Verrier RL, Pang TD, Nearing BD, Schachter SC. Response to Letter to the Editor by Drs. Fialho and colleagues. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 108:107040. [PMID: 32451249 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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19
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Verrier RL, Pang TD, Nearing BD, Schachter SC. The Epileptic Heart: Concept and clinical evidence. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 105:106946. [PMID: 32109857 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.106946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is generally considered to result from a seizure, typically convulsive and usually but not always occurring during sleep, followed by a sequence of events in the postictal period starting with respiratory distress and progressing to eventual cardiac asystole and death. Yet, recent community-based studies indicate a 3-fold greater incidence of sudden cardiac death in patients with chronic epilepsy than in the general population, and that in 66% of cases, the cardiac arrest occurred during routine daily activity and without a temporal relationship with a typical seizure. To distinguish a primarily cardiac cause of death in patients with epilepsy from the above description of SUDEP, we propose the concept of the "Epileptic Heart" as "a heart and coronary vasculature damaged by chronic epilepsy as a result of repeated surges in catecholamines and hypoxemia leading to electrical and mechanical dysfunction." This review starts with an overview of the pathophysiological and other lines of evidence supporting the biological plausibility of the Epileptic Heart, followed by a description of tools that have been used to generate new electrocardiogram (EKG)-derived data in patients with epilepsy that strongly support the Epileptic Heart concept and its propensity to cause sudden cardiac death in patients with epilepsy independent of an immediately preceding seizure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Verrier
- Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Department of Neurology, Boston, MA United States of America.
| | - Trudy D Pang
- Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Department of Neurology, Boston, MA United States of America
| | - Bruce D Nearing
- Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Department of Neurology, Boston, MA United States of America
| | - Steven C Schachter
- Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Department of Neurology, Boston, MA United States of America
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20
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Burger AM, D'Agostini M, Verkuil B, Van Diest I. Moving beyond belief: A narrative review of potential biomarkers for transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation. Psychophysiology 2020; 57:e13571. [PMID: 32202671 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a non-invasive neurostimulation technique that is currently being tested as a potential treatment for a myriad of neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, the working mechanisms underlying tVNS are poorly understood and it remains unclear whether stimulation activates the vagus nerve for every participant. Finding a biological marker of tVNS is imperative, as it can help guide research on clinical applications and can inform researchers on optimal stimulation sites and parameters to further optimize treatment efficacy. In this narrative review, we discuss five potential biomarkers for tVNS and review currently available evidence for these markers for both invasive and tVNS. While some of these biomarkers hold promise from a theoretical perspective, none of the potential biomarkers provide clear and definitive indications that tVNS increases the vagal activity or augments activity in the locus coeruleus-noradrenaline network. We conclude the review by providing several recommendations for how to tackle the challenges and opportunities when researching potential biomarkers for the effects of tVNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Michael Burger
- Health Psychology Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Biological Psychology Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martina D'Agostini
- Health Psychology Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Verkuil
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ilse Van Diest
- Health Psychology Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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21
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Pang TD, Nearing BD, Krishnamurthy KB, Olin B, Schachter SC, Verrier RL. Cardiac electrical instability in newly diagnosed/chronic epilepsy tracked by Holter and ECG patch. Neurology 2020; 93:450-458. [PMID: 31477610 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000008077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that cardiac electrical instability and abnormal autonomic tone result from cumulative cardiac injury sustained in recurrent seizures. We tested this hypothesis by comparing T-wave alternans (TWA) and heart rate variability (HRV), both established markers of sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk, in patients with chronic as compared to newly diagnosed epilepsy. METHODS In this prospective, observational cohort study, patients (newly diagnosed epilepsy, n = 6, age 41.8 ± 6.8 years; chronic epilepsy, n = 6, age 40.2 ± 5.6 years [p = 0.85]) were monitored either with Holter recorder alone or simultaneously with 14-day Zio XT extended continuous ECG patch monitor. TWA was assessed by Food and Drug Administration-cleared Modified Moving Average analysis; HRV was calculated by rMSSD. RESULTS TWA levels in chronic epilepsy were significantly higher than in newly diagnosed epilepsy (62 ± 5.4 vs 35 ± 1.3 μV, p < 0.002); the latter did not differ from healthy control adults. In all patients with chronic epilepsy, TWA exceeded the established ≥47-μV TWA cutpoint and rMSSD HRV was inversely related to TWA levels. Patients with chronic epilepsy exhibited elevated TWA levels equivalently on Holter and ECG patch recordings (p = 0.38) with a high correlation (r 2 = 0.99, p < 0.01) across 24 hours. CONCLUSION Based on the limited number of patients studied, it appears that chronic epilepsy, the common use of sodium channel antagonists, or other factors are associated with higher TWA levels and simultaneously with lower rMSSD HRV, which is suggestive of autonomic dysfunction or higher sympathetic tone. The ECG patch monitor used has equivalent accuracy to Holter monitoring for TWA and HRV and permits longer-term ECG sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trudy D Pang
- From Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (T.D.P., B.D.N., K.B.K., S.C.S., R.L.V.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and LivaNova PLC (B.O.), London, UK
| | - Bruce D Nearing
- From Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (T.D.P., B.D.N., K.B.K., S.C.S., R.L.V.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and LivaNova PLC (B.O.), London, UK
| | - Kaarkuzhali Babu Krishnamurthy
- From Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (T.D.P., B.D.N., K.B.K., S.C.S., R.L.V.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and LivaNova PLC (B.O.), London, UK
| | - Bryan Olin
- From Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (T.D.P., B.D.N., K.B.K., S.C.S., R.L.V.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and LivaNova PLC (B.O.), London, UK
| | - Steven C Schachter
- From Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (T.D.P., B.D.N., K.B.K., S.C.S., R.L.V.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and LivaNova PLC (B.O.), London, UK
| | - Richard L Verrier
- From Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (T.D.P., B.D.N., K.B.K., S.C.S., R.L.V.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and LivaNova PLC (B.O.), London, UK.
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22
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Kulkarni K, Merchant FM, Kassab MB, Sana F, Moazzami K, Sayadi O, Singh JP, Heist EK, Armoundas AA. Cardiac Alternans: Mechanisms and Clinical Utility in Arrhythmia Prevention. J Am Heart Assoc 2019; 8:e013750. [PMID: 31617437 PMCID: PMC6898836 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.013750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Kulkarni
- Cardiovascular Research CenterMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMA
| | | | - Mohamad B. Kassab
- Cardiovascular Research CenterMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMA
| | - Furrukh Sana
- Cardiovascular Research CenterMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMA
| | - Kasra Moazzami
- Cardiovascular Research CenterMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMA
| | - Omid Sayadi
- Cardiovascular Research CenterMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMA
| | - Jagmeet P. Singh
- Cardiology DivisionCardiac Arrhythmia ServiceMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMA
| | - E. Kevin Heist
- Cardiology DivisionCardiac Arrhythmia ServiceMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMA
| | - Antonis A. Armoundas
- Cardiovascular Research CenterMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and ScienceMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA
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23
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The autonomic nervous system and cardiac arrhythmias: current concepts and emerging therapies. Nat Rev Cardiol 2019; 16:707-726. [DOI: 10.1038/s41569-019-0221-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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24
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Takasugi N, Takasugi M, Goto H, Kuwahara T, Kawasaki M, Verrier RL. Effect of beta-blockade on quantitative microvolt T-wave alternans in 24-hour continuous 12-lead ECG recordings in patients with long QT syndrome. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2019; 24:e12640. [PMID: 30729628 DOI: 10.1111/anec.12640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of study was to investigate effects of beta-blockade on microvolt T-wave alternans (TWA), a precursor of lethal arrhythmia, in patients with long QT syndrome (LQTS). METHODS Eleven consecutive LQTS patients, types 1 (n = 6), 3 (n = 2), and "non-1, non-2, non-3" (n = 3) were enrolled. All patients underwent 24-hr continuous 12-lead ECG monitoring before and after initiation of beta-blockade therapy. TWA was measured using the modified moving average method. RESULTS Seven (63.6%) of the 11 patients studied were symptomatic, with history of cardiac arrest or documented Torsade de Pointes (TdP) in 4 and syncope in three patients. After a median follow-up of 34 months, beta-blockade reduced the number of symptomatic patients to 1 with TdP (p < 0.02), in whom TdP frequency decreased from 25 events/60 months (0.42 event/month) to seven events/69 months (0.1 event/month). In association with this reduction in symptoms, peak TWA decreased by 47% in the cohort after a median of eight months of beta-blockade therapy [from 95 (74-130) to 50 (39.5-64.5) µV, p = 0.01]. All patients exhibited TWA ≥42 µV before beta-blockade therapy, which eliminated these episodes in four patients. Daily frequency of TWA ≥42 µV episodes decreased by 87% [from 15 (6-26) to 2 (0-5) episodes/day, p = 0.009]. CONCLUSIONS This study is limited by the small sample size and is mainly hypothesis generating. TWA monitoring deserves further evaluation as a risk marker and a guide to therapy in LQTS patients in future large-scale studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hiroko Goto
- Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, Gifu, Japan
| | | | | | - Richard L Verrier
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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25
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Bojić T. Editorial: Neurocardiovascular Diseases: New Aspects of the Old Issues. Front Neurosci 2019; 12:1032. [PMID: 30686991 PMCID: PMC6336917 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.01032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Bojić
- Laboratory of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinča, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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26
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Saw EL, Kakinuma Y, Fronius M, Katare R. The non-neuronal cholinergic system in the heart: A comprehensive review. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2018; 125:129-139. [PMID: 30343172 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2018.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The autonomic influences on the heart have a ying-yang nature, albeit oversimplified, the interplay between the sympathetic and parasympathetic system (known as the cholinergic system) is often complex and remain poorly understood. Recently, the heart has been recognized to consist of neuronal and non-neuronal cholinergic system (NNCS). The existence of cardiac NNCS has been confirmed by the presence of cholinergic markers in the cardiomyocytes, which are crucial for synthesis (choline acetyltransferase, ChAT), storage (vesicular acetylcholine transporter, VAChT), reuptake of choline for synthesis (high-affinity choline transporter, CHT1) and degradation (acetylcholinesterase, AChE) of acetylcholine (ACh). The non-neuronal ACh released from cardiomyocytes is believed to locally regulate some of the key physiological functions of the heart, such as regulation of heart rate, offsetting hypertrophic signals, maintenance of action potential propagation as well as modulation of cardiac energy metabolism via the muscarinic ACh receptor in an auto/paracrine manner. Apart from this, several studies have also provided evidence for the beneficial role of ACh released from cardiomyocytes against cardiovascular diseases such as sympathetic hyperactivity-induced cardiac remodeling and dysfunction as well as myocardial infarction, confirming the important role of NNCS in disease prevention. In this review, we aim to provide a fundamental overview of cardiac NNCS, and information about its physiological role, regulatory factors as well as its cardioprotective effects. Finally, we propose the different approaches to target cardiac NNCS as an adjunctive treatment to specifically address the withdrawal of neuronal cholinergic system in cardiovascular disease such as heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eng Leng Saw
- Department of Physiology-HeartOtago, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, New Zealand
| | - Yoshihiko Kakinuma
- Department of Physiology (Bioregulatory Science), Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Martin Fronius
- Department of Physiology-HeartOtago, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, New Zealand.
| | - Rajesh Katare
- Department of Physiology-HeartOtago, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, New Zealand.
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27
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Verrier RL. Assessing risk for rehospitalization and cardiac death in patients with heart failure: Can the dynamic duo of heart rate turbulence and T-wave alternans help? J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2018; 29:1265-1267. [PMID: 29882377 DOI: 10.1111/jce.13660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Verrier
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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28
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Yamada S, Yoshihisa A, Sato Y, Sato T, Kamioka M, Kaneshiro T, Oikawa M, Kobayashi A, Suzuki H, Ishida T, Takeishi Y. Utility of heart rate turbulence and T-wave alternans to assess risk for readmission and cardiac death in hospitalized heart failure patients. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2018; 29:1257-1264. [PMID: 29777559 DOI: 10.1111/jce.13639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure (HF) patients have a higher risk of recurrent HF and cardiac death, and electrical remodeling is considered to be an important factor for HF progression. The present study aimed to validate the utility of electrocardiogram and Holter monitoring for the risk stratification of HF patients. METHODS Our study comprised 215 patients (144 males, mean age 62 years) who had been hospitalized due to acute decompensated HF. Electrocardiogram (QRS duration and QTc interval) and 24-hour Holter monitoring (heart rate variability, heart rate turbulence, and T-wave alternans [TWA]) were performed in stable condition before discharge. The clinical characteristics and outcomes were then investigated. RESULTS During a median follow-up period of 2.7 years, there were 83 (38.6%) cardiac events (rehospitalization due to worsening HF [n = 51] or cardiac death [n = 32]). The patients with cardiac events had a lower turbulence slope (TS) and higher TWA compared to those without cardiac events (TS, 3.0 ± 5.5 ms/RR vs. 5.3 ± 5.6 ms/RR, P = 0.001; TWA, 66.1 ± 19.6 μV vs. 54.7 ± 15.1 μV, P < 0.001). Univariable analysis showed that TS, TWA, QRS duration, and QTc interval were associated with cardiac events (P = 0.004, P < 0.001, P = 0.037, and P = 0.024, respectively), while the multivariable analysis after the adjustment of multiple confounders showed that TS and TWA were independent predictive factors of cardiac events with a hazard ratio of 0.936 and 1.015 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.860-0.974, P = 0.006; and 95% CI: 1.003-1.027, P = 0.016), respectively. CONCLUSION The measurement of TS and TWA is useful for assessing risk for rehospitalization and cardiac death in HF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Yamada
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Akiomi Yoshihisa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Advanced Cardiac Therapeutics, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yu Sato
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Takamasa Sato
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masashi Kamioka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Takashi Kaneshiro
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Arrhythmia and Cardiac Pacing, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Oikawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kobayashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Suzuki
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Takafumi Ishida
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yasuchika Takeishi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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29
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Nuntaphum W, Pongkan W, Wongjaikam S, Thummasorn S, Tanajak P, Khamseekaew J, Intachai K, Chattipakorn SC, Chattipakorn N, Shinlapawittayatorn K. Vagus nerve stimulation exerts cardioprotection against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury predominantly through its efferent vagal fibers. Basic Res Cardiol 2018; 113:22. [PMID: 29744667 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-018-0683-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been shown to exert cardioprotection against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, whether the cardioprotection of VNS is mainly due to direct activation through its ipsilateral efferent fibers (motor) rather than indirect effects mediated by the afferent fibers (sensory) have not been clearly understood. We hypothesized that VNS exerts cardioprotection predominantly through its efferent vagal fibers. Thirty swine (30-35 kg) were randomized into five groups: I/R no VNS (I/R), and left mid-cervical VNS with both vagal trunks intact (LC-VNS), with left vagus nerve transection (LtVNX), with right vagus nerve transection (RtVNX) and with atropine pretreatment (Atropine), respectively. VNS was applied at the onset of ischemia (60 min) and continued until the end of reperfusion (120 min). Cardiac function, infarct size, arrhythmia score, myocardial connexin43 expression, apoptotic markers, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-10) and cardiac mitochondrial function, dynamics and fatty acid oxidation (MFN2, OPA1, DRP1, PGC1α and CPT1) were determined. LC-VNS exerted cardioprotection against myocardial I/R injury via improvement of mitochondrial function and dynamics and shifted cardiac fatty acid metabolism toward beta oxidation. However, LC-VNS and LtVNX, both efferent vagal fibers are intact, produced more profound cardioprotection, particularly infarct size reduction, decreased arrhythmia score, oxidative stress and apoptosis and attenuated mitochondrial dysfunction compared to RtVNX. These beneficial effects of VNS were abolished by atropine. Our findings suggest that selective efferent VNS may potentially be effective in attenuating myocardial I/R injury. Moreover, VNS required the contralateral efferent vagal activities to fully provide its cardioprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Watthana Nuntaphum
- Faculty of Medicine, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Wanpitak Pongkan
- Faculty of Medicine, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Suwakon Wongjaikam
- Faculty of Medicine, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Savitree Thummasorn
- Faculty of Medicine, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Pongpan Tanajak
- Faculty of Medicine, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Juthamas Khamseekaew
- Faculty of Medicine, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Kannaporn Intachai
- Faculty of Medicine, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Siriporn C Chattipakorn
- Faculty of Medicine, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Nipon Chattipakorn
- Faculty of Medicine, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Krekwit Shinlapawittayatorn
- Faculty of Medicine, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand. .,Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand. .,Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
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30
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Lee SW, Kulkarni K, Annoni EM, Libbus I, KenKnight BH, Tolkacheva EG. Stochastic vagus nerve stimulation affects acute heart rate dynamics in rats. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194910. [PMID: 29590213 PMCID: PMC5874066 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an approved therapy for treatment of epilepsy and depression. While also shown to be promising in several preclinical and clinical studies to treat cardiovascular diseases, optimal therapeutic stimulation paradigms are still under investigation. Traditionally, parameters such as frequency, current, and duty cycle are used to adjust the efficacy of VNS therapy. This study explored the effect of novel stochastic VNS (S-VNS) on acute heart rate (HR) dynamics. The effect of S-VNS was evaluated in Sprague Dawley rats by comparing the acute HR and HR variability (HRV) responses to standard, periodic VNS (P-VNS) across different frequencies (FREQs, 10-30 Hz). Our results demonstrate that both S-VNS and P-VNS produced negative chronotropic effects in a FREQ-dependent manner with S-VNS inducing a significantly smaller drop in HR at 10 Hz and 20 Hz compared to P-VNS (p<0.05). S-VNS demonstrated a FREQ-dependent drop in the SD1/SD2 ratio, a measure of HRV, which was absent in P-VNS, suggesting that S-VNS may acutely modulate the nonlinear relationship between short- and long-term HRV. In conclusion, S-VNS is a novel stimulation procedure that may provide different physiological outcomes from standard P-VNS, as indicated by our analysis of HR dynamics. Our study provides a rationale for further detailed investigations into the therapeutic potential of S-VNS as a novel neuromodulation technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven W Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Kanchan Kulkarni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth M Annoni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Imad Libbus
- LivaNova, PLC (Cyberonics, Inc.), Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Bruce H KenKnight
- LivaNova, PLC (Cyberonics, Inc.), Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Elena G Tolkacheva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
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31
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Tse G, Yan BP. Traditional and novel electrocardiographic conduction and repolarization markers of sudden cardiac death. Europace 2018; 19:712-721. [PMID: 27702850 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euw280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death, frequently due to ventricular arrhythmias, is a significant problem globally. Most affected individuals do not arrive at hospital in time for medical treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify the most-at-risk patients for insertion of prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Clinical risk markers derived from electrocardiography are important for this purpose. They can be based on repolarization, including corrected QT (QTc) interval, QT dispersion (QTD), interval from the peak to the end of the T-wave (Tpeak - Tend), (Tpeak - Tend)/QT, T-wave alternans (TWA), and microvolt TWA. Abnormal repolarization properties can increase the risk of triggered activity and re-entrant arrhythmias. Other risk markers are based solely on conduction, such as QRS duration (QRSd), which is a surrogate marker of conduction velocity (CV) and QRS dispersion (QRSD) reflecting CV dispersion. Conduction abnormalities in the form of reduced CV, unidirectional block, together with a functional or a structural obstacle, are conditions required for circus-type or spiral wave re-entry. Conduction and repolarization can be represented by a single parameter, excitation wavelength (λ = CV × effective refractory period). λ is an important determinant of arrhythmogenesis in different settings. Novel conduction-repolarization markers incorporating λ include Lu et al.' index of cardiac electrophysiological balance (iCEB: QT/QRSd), [QRSD× (Tpeak - Tend)/QRSd] and [QRSD × (Tpeak - Tend)/(QRSd × QT)] recently proposed by Tse and Yan. The aim of this review is to provide up to date information on traditional and novel markers and discuss their utility and downfalls for risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Tse
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Bryan P Yan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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32
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Antiarrhythmic effects of vagal nerve stimulation after cardiac sympathetic denervation in the setting of chronic myocardial infarction. Heart Rhythm 2018. [PMID: 29530832 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2018.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuraxial modulation with cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD) can potentially reduce burden of ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VT). However, despite catheter ablation and CSD, VT can recur in patients with cardiomyopathy and the role of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) in this setting is unclear. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the electrophysiological effects of VNS after CSD in normal and infarcted hearts. METHODS In 10 normal and 6 infarcted pigs, electrophysiological and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated before and during intermittent VNS pre-CSD (bilateral stellectomy and T2-T4 thoracic ganglia removal) as well as post-CSD. The effect of VNS during isoproterenol was also assessed pre- and post-CSD. Multielectrode ventricular activation recovery interval (ARI) recordings, a surrogate of action potential duration, were obtained. VT inducibility was tested during isoproterenol infusion after CSD with and without VNS. RESULTS VNS increased the global ARI by 4% ± 4% pre-CSD and by 5% ± 6% post-CSD, with enhanced effects observed during isoproterenol infusion (10% ± 8% pre-CSD and 12% ± 9% post-CSD) in normal animals. In infarcted animals pre-CSD, VNS increased ARI by 6% ± 7% before and by 13% ± 8% during isoproterenol infusion. Post-CSD, VNS increased ARI by 6% ± 5% before and by 11% ± 7% during isoproterenol infusion. VT was inducible in all infarcted animals post-CSD during isoproterenol infusion; this inducibility was reduced by 67% with VNS (P = .01). In all animals, the hemodynamic effects of VNS remained after CSD. CONCLUSION After CSD, the beneficial electrophysiological effects of VNS remain. Furthermore, VNS can reduce VT inducibility beyond CSD in the setting of circulating catecholamines, suggesting a role for additional parasympathetic modulation in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias.
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33
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Garamendi-Ruiz I, Gómez-Esteban JC. Cardiovascular autonomic effects of vagus nerve stimulation. Clin Auton Res 2017; 29:183-194. [DOI: 10.1007/s10286-017-0477-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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34
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Gancheva S, Bierwagen A, Markgraf DF, Bönhof GJ, Murphy KG, Hatziagelaki E, Lundbom J, Ziegler D, Roden M. Constant hepatic ATP concentrations during prolonged fasting and absence of effects of Cerbomed Nemos ® on parasympathetic tone and hepatic energy metabolism. Mol Metab 2017; 7:71-79. [PMID: 29122559 PMCID: PMC5784324 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Brain insulin-induced improvement in glucose homeostasis has been proposed to be mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system. Non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) activating afferent branches of the vagus nerve may prevent hyperglycemia in diabetes models. We examined the effects of 14-min taVNS vs sham stimulation by Cerbomed Nemos® on glucose metabolism, lipids, and hepatic energy homeostasis in fasted healthy humans (n = 10, age 51 ± 6 yrs, BMI 25.5 ± 2.7 kg/m2). Methods Heart rate variability (HRV), reflecting sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve activity, was measured before, during and after taVNS or sham stimulation. Endogenous glucose production was determined using [6,6-2H2]glucose, and hepatic concentrations of triglycerides (HCL), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and inorganic phosphate (Pi) were quantified from 1H/31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy at baseline and for 180 min following stimulation. Results taVNS did not affect circulating glucose, free fatty acids, insulin, glucagon, or pancreatic polypeptide. Rates of endogenous glucose production (P = 0.79), hepatic HCL, ATP, and Pi were also not different (P = 0.91, P = 0.48 and P = 0.24) between taVNS or sham stimulation. Hepatic HCL, ATP, and Pi remained constant during prolonged fasting for 3 h. No changes in heart rate or shift in cardiac autonomic function from HRV towards sympathetic or parasympathetic predominance were detected. Conclusion Non-invasive vagus stimulation by Cerbomed Nemos® does not acutely modulate the autonomic tone to the visceral organs and thereby does not affect hepatic glucose and energy metabolism. This technique is therefore unable to mimic brain insulin-mediated effects on peripheral homeostasis in humans. Constant hepatic energy metabolism during prolonged fasting. Vagus stimulation with Cerbomed Nemos® does not alter parasympathetic tone. Cerbomed Nemos® does not modulate hepatic glucose and energy metabolism in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofiya Gancheva
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center of Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), München-Neuherberg, Germany; Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alessandra Bierwagen
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center of Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Daniel F Markgraf
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center of Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Gidon J Bönhof
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center of Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kevin G Murphy
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erifili Hatziagelaki
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Research Institute and Diabetes Center, Athens University, "Attikon" University General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Jesper Lundbom
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center of Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Dan Ziegler
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center of Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), München-Neuherberg, Germany; Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Roden
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center of Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), München-Neuherberg, Germany; Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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van Bilsen M, Patel HC, Bauersachs J, Böhm M, Borggrefe M, Brutsaert D, Coats AJS, de Boer RA, de Keulenaer GW, Filippatos GS, Floras J, Grassi G, Jankowska EA, Kornet L, Lunde IG, Maack C, Mahfoud F, Pollesello P, Ponikowski P, Ruschitzka F, Sabbah HN, Schultz HD, Seferovic P, Slart RHJA, Taggart P, Tocchetti CG, Van Laake LW, Zannad F, Heymans S, Lyon AR. The autonomic nervous system as a therapeutic target in heart failure: a scientific position statement from the Translational Research Committee of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology. Eur J Heart Fail 2017; 19:1361-1378. [PMID: 28949064 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite improvements in medical therapy and device-based treatment, heart failure (HF) continues to impose enormous burdens on patients and health care systems worldwide. Alterations in autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity contribute to cardiac disease progression, and the recent development of invasive techniques and electrical stimulation devices has opened new avenues for specific targeting of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS. The Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology recently organized an expert workshop which brought together clinicians, trialists and basic scientists to discuss the ANS as a therapeutic target in HF. The questions addressed were: (i) What are the abnormalities of ANS in HF patients? (ii) What methods are available to measure autonomic dysfunction? (iii) What therapeutic interventions are available to target the ANS in patients with HF, and what are their specific strengths and weaknesses? (iv) What have we learned from previous ANS trials? (v) How should we proceed in the future?
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc van Bilsen
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Hospital, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Hitesh C Patel
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.,National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Johann Bauersachs
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Böhm
- Clinic for Internal Medicine III, Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Internal Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | - Martin Borggrefe
- First Department of Medicine, Cardiology Division, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dirk Brutsaert
- Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Andrew J S Coats
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Rudolf A de Boer
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Gerasimos S Filippatos
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens University Hospital Attikon, Athens, Greece
| | - John Floras
- University Health Network and Sinai Health System Division of Cardiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General and Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institutes, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Guido Grassi
- Clinica Medica, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Multimedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Ewa A Jankowska
- Department of Heart Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.,Centre for Heart Diseases, Military Hospital, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Lilian Kornet
- Medtronic, Inc., Bakken Research Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ida G Lunde
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christoph Maack
- Clinic for Internal Medicine III, Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Internal Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | - Felix Mahfoud
- Clinic for Internal Medicine III, Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Internal Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | | | - Piotr Ponikowski
- Department of Heart Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.,Centre for Heart Diseases, Military Hospital, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Frank Ruschitzka
- University Heart Centre, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hani N Sabbah
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Harold D Schultz
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska College of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Petar Seferovic
- Department of Cardiology, Belgrade University Medical Centre, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Riemer H J A Slart
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.,Department of Biomedical Photonic Imaging, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Taggart
- Department of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, Barts Heart Centre, London, UK
| | - Carlo G Tocchetti
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Linda W Van Laake
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Lungs Division, and Regenerative Medicine Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Faiez Zannad
- INSERM, Centre for Clinical Investigation 9501, Unit 961, University Hospital Centre, Nancy, France.,Department of Cardiology, Nancy University, University of the Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Stephane Heymans
- Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexander R Lyon
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.,National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Carlson GM, Libbus I, Amurthur B, KenKnight BH, Verrier RL. Novel method to assess intrinsic heart rate recovery in ambulatory ECG recordings tracks cardioprotective effects of chronic autonomic regulation therapy in patients enrolled in the ANTHEM-HF study. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2017; 22:e12436. [PMID: 28213914 PMCID: PMC6931843 DOI: 10.1111/anec.12436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postexercise heart rate recovery (HRR) is a powerful and independent predictor of mortality. Autonomic regulation therapy (ART) with chronic vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been shown to improve ventricular function in patients with chronic heart failure. However, the effect of ART on HRR in patients with heart failure remains unknown. METHODS A new measure involving quantification of intrinsic HRR was developed for 24-hr ambulatory ECG (AECG) recordings based on spontaneous heart rate changes observed during daily activity in patients with symptomatic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Intrinsic HRR values were compared in 21 patients enrolled in the ANTHEM-HF study (NCT01823887) before and after 12 months of chronic ART (10 Hz, 250 μs pulse width, 18% duty cycle, maximum tolerable current amplitude after 10 weeks of titration) and to values from normal subjects (PhysioNet database, n = 54). RESULTS With chronic ART, average intrinsic HRR was improved as indicated by a shortening of the rate-recovery time constant by 8.9% (from 12.3 ± 0.1 at baseline to 11.2 ± 0.1 s, p < .0001) among patients receiving high-intensity stimuli (≥2 mA). In addition, mean heart rate decreased by 8.5 bpm (from 75.9 ± 2.6 to 67.4 ± 2.9 bpm, p = .005) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased by 4.7% (from 32.6 ± 2.0% to 37.3 ± 1.9%, p < .005). CONCLUSION Using a new technique adapted for 24-hr AECG recordings, intrinsic HRR was found to be impaired in patients with symptomatic HF compared to normal subjects. Chronic ART significantly improved intrinsic HRR, indicating an improvement in autonomic function.
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Libbus I, Nearing BD, Amurthur B, KenKnight BH, Verrier RL. Quantitative evaluation of heartbeat interval time series using Poincaré analysis reveals distinct patterns of heart rate dynamics during cycles of vagus nerve stimulation in patients with heart failure. J Electrocardiol 2017. [PMID: 28625397 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimization of stimulation parameters is essential to maximizing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects. METHODS The ANTHEM-HF study enrolled patients with heart failure who received chronic autonomic regulation therapy (ART) with an implantable vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) system on either the right (n=30) or left side (n=29). Acute effects of continuously cycling VNS on R-R interval dynamics were evaluated using post hoc Poincaré analysis of ECG recordings collected during multiple titration sessions over an 8-12week period. During each titration session, VNS intensity associated with maximum tolerable dose was determined. Poincaré plots of R-R interval time series were created for epochs when VNS cycled from OFF to ON at varying intensity levels. RESULTS VNS produced an immediate, relatively small change in beat-to-beat distribution of R-R intervals during the 14-sec ON time, which was correlated with stimulation current amplitude (r=0.85, p=0.05). During titration of right-sided stimulation, there was a strong correlation (r=0.91, p=0.01) between stimulus intensity and the Poincaré parameter of standard deviation, SD1, which is associated with high-frequency heart rate variability. The effect of VNS on instantaneous heart rate was indicated by a shift in the centroid of the beat-to-beat cloud distribution demarcated by the encircling ellipse. As anticipated, left-sided stimulation did not alter any Poincaré parameter except at high stimulation intensities (≥2mA). CONCLUSION Quantitative Poincaré analysis reveals a tight coupling in beat-to-beat dynamics during VNS ON cycles that is directly related to stimulation intensity, providing a useful measurement for confirming autonomic engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruce D Nearing
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Richard L Verrier
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Beaumont E, Campbell RP, Andresen MC, Scofield S, Singh K, Libbus I, KenKnight BH, Snyder L, Cantrell N. Cervical vagus nerve stimulation augments spontaneous discharge in second- and higher-order sensory neurons in the rat nucleus of the solitary tract. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2017; 313:H354-H367. [PMID: 28476920 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00070.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) currently treats patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, depression, and heart failure. The mild intensities used in chronic VNS suggest that primary visceral afferents and central nervous system activation are involved. Here, we measured the activity of neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) in anesthetized rats using clinically styled VNS. Our chief findings indicate that VNS at threshold bradycardic intensity activated NTS neuron discharge in one-third of NTS neurons. This VNS directly activated only myelinated vagal afferents projecting to second-order NTS neurons. Most VNS-induced activity in NTS, however, was unsynchronized to vagal stimuli. Thus, VNS activated unsynchronized activity in NTS neurons that were second order to vagal afferent C-fibers as well as higher-order NTS neurons only polysynaptically activated by the vagus. Overall, cardiovascular-sensitive and -insensitive NTS neurons were similarly activated by VNS: 3/4 neurons with monosynaptic vagal A-fiber afferents, 6/42 neurons with monosynaptic vagal C-fiber afferents, and 16/21 polysynaptic NTS neurons. Provocatively, vagal A-fibers indirectly activated C-fiber neurons during VNS. Elevated spontaneous spiking was quantitatively much higher than synchronized activity and extended well into the periods of nonstimulation. Surprisingly, many polysynaptic NTS neurons responded to half the bradycardic intensity used in clinical studies, indicating that a subset of myelinated vagal afferents is sufficient to evoke VNS indirect activation. Our study uncovered a myelinated vagal afferent drive that indirectly activates NTS neurons and thus central pathways beyond NTS and support reconsideration of brain contributions of vagal afferents underpinning of therapeutic impacts.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Acute vagus nerve stimulation elevated activity in neurons located in the medial nucleus of the solitary tract. Such stimuli directly activated only myelinated vagal afferents but indirectly activated a subpopulation of second- and higher-order neurons, suggesting that afferent mechanisms and central neuron activation may be responsible for vagus nerve stimulation efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Beaumont
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee;
| | - Regenia P Campbell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee
| | | | - Stephanie Scofield
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee
| | - Krishna Singh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee.,James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Johnson City, Tennessee; and
| | | | | | - Logan Snyder
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee
| | - Nathan Cantrell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee
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Park SJ, Hwang GS, Nam GB, Park HW, Chung JW, Shin SY, Kim SM, Kim JH, Lee YS, Park YM, Kim JY, Kim DH, Kim DK, Namgung J, Shin DH, Choi JH, Park HS, Choi JI, Kim JS, Cha TJ, Park SW, Uhm JS, Kim NH, Ahn, M, Shin DG, Jang N, Park M, Kim JS. Design of Korean Noninvasive Risk Evaluation Study for Sudden Cardiac Death from Infarction or Heart Failure - Heart failure study of K-REDEFINE registry -. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARRHYTHMIA 2016. [DOI: 10.18501/arrhythmia.2016.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Verrier RL, Nearing BD, Olin B, Boon P, Schachter SC. Baseline elevation and reduction in cardiac electrical instability assessed by quantitative T-wave alternans in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy treated with vagus nerve stimulation in the AspireSR E-36 trial. Epilepsy Behav 2016; 62:85-9. [PMID: 27450311 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Reports of cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac pathology at postmortem examination of patients with epilepsy suggest a possible cardiac component of risk for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). T-wave alternans (TWA) is an established marker of cardiac electrical instability and risk for sudden death in patients with cardiovascular disease. We determined the TWA level before vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) system implantation and subsequently the effect of VNS on TWA in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. METHODS Patients (n=28) from the Seizure Detection and Automatic Magnet Mode Performance Study (E-36), a clinical trial of the AspireSR® VNS Therapy System® (NCT01325623), were monitored with ambulatory electrocardiograms (ECGs) ~2weeks before de novo VNS system implantation and following 2- to 4-week VNS titration during a protocol-specified 3- to 5-day epilepsy monitoring unit stay with concurrent EEG/ECG recordings. The TWA level was assessed interictally by the Modified Moving Average (MMA) method. RESULTS At preimplantation baseline, TWA was elevated above the 47-μV abnormality cutpoint in 23 (82%) patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. In 16 (70%) patients, TWA level was reduced during VNS treatment to <47μV, thereby converting positive TWA test results to negative. Peak TWA level in all 28 patients improved (group mean, 43%, from 72±4.3 to 41±2.3μV; p<0.0001). Vagus nerve stimulation was not associated with reduced heart rate (77±1.4 to 75±1.4beats/min; p=0.18). Heart rate variability was unchanged. SIGNIFICANCE These findings suggest significant interictal cardiac electrical instability in this population of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and suggest that VNS may be a novel approach to reducing risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Verrier
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Bruce D Nearing
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Bryan Olin
- LivaNova PLC, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Paul Boon
- On Behalf of the E-36 Study Group, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven C Schachter
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Massachusetts General Hospital and Center for Integration of Medicine and Innovative Technology, Boston, MA, United States
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NEARING BRUCED, LIBBUS IMAD, AMURTHUR BADRI, KENKNIGHT BRUCEH, VERRIER RICHARDL. Acute Autonomic Engagement Assessed by Heart Rate Dynamics During Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Patients With Heart Failure in the ANTHEM‐HF Trial. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2016; 27:1072-7. [DOI: 10.1111/jce.13017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- BRUCE D. NEARING
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | | | | | | | - RICHARD L. VERRIER
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
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Quantitative T-wave alternans analysis for sudden cardiac death risk assessment and guiding therapy: answered and unanswered questions. J Electrocardiol 2016; 49:429-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2016.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Libbus I, Nearing BD, Amurthur B, KenKnight BH, Verrier RL. Letter to the Editor—Can reducing quantitative T-wave alternans save lives? Heart Rhythm 2016; 13:e89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2015.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Rodríguez-Mañero M, Valderrábano M. Reply to the Editor--Treat the patient, not the T wave. Heart Rhythm 2016; 13:e89-90. [PMID: 26744094 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2015.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Moisés Rodríguez-Mañero
- Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center Methodist Hospital Research Institute The Methodist Hospital Houston, Texas
| | - Miguel Valderrábano
- Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center Methodist Hospital Research Institute The Methodist Hospital Houston, Texas.
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Vagal stimulation to suppress alternans: Are we saving lives or simply masking surrogate markers? Heart Rhythm 2015; 13:729-30. [PMID: 26632640 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2015.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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