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Giannino G, Braia V, Griffith Brookles C, Giacobbe F, D'Ascenzo F, Angelini F, Saglietto A, De Ferrari GM, Dusi V. The Intrinsic Cardiac Nervous System: From Pathophysiology to Therapeutic Implications. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:105. [PMID: 38392323 PMCID: PMC10887082 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The cardiac autonomic nervous system (CANS) plays a pivotal role in cardiac homeostasis as well as in cardiac pathology. The first level of cardiac autonomic control, the intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICNS), is located within the epicardial fat pads and is physically organized in ganglionated plexi (GPs). The ICNS system does not only contain parasympathetic cardiac efferent neurons, as long believed, but also afferent neurons and local circuit neurons. Thanks to its high degree of connectivity, combined with neuronal plasticity and memory capacity, the ICNS allows for a beat-to-beat control of all cardiac functions and responses as well as integration with extracardiac and higher centers for longer-term cardiovascular reflexes. The present review provides a detailed overview of the current knowledge of the bidirectional connection between the ICNS and the most studied cardiac pathologies/conditions (myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias and heart transplant) and the potential therapeutic implications. Indeed, GP modulation with efferent activity inhibition, differently achieved, has been studied for atrial fibrillation and functional bradyarrhythmias, while GP modulation with efferent activity stimulation has been evaluated for myocardial infarction, heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias. Electrical therapy has the unique potential to allow for both kinds of ICNS modulation while preserving the anatomical integrity of the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Giannino
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Valentina Braia
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Carola Griffith Brookles
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Federico Giacobbe
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Fabrizio D'Ascenzo
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Filippo Angelini
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Saglietto
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Gaetano Maria De Ferrari
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Veronica Dusi
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
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Rast J, Sohinki D, Warner A. Non-invasive Neuromodulation of Arrhythmias. J Innov Card Rhythm Manag 2024; 15:5757-5766. [PMID: 38444451 PMCID: PMC10911637 DOI: 10.19102/icrm.2024.15022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of the cardiac autonomic nervous system (CANS) is associated with various cardiac arrhythmias. Subsequently, invasive techniques have successfully targeted the CANS for the treatment of certain arrhythmias, such as sympathetic denervation for ventricular tachycardia storm. Non-invasive strategies capable of modulating the CANS for arrhythmia treatment have begun to gain interest due to their low-risk profile and applicability as an adjuvant therapy. This review provides an evidence-based overview of the currently studied technologies capable of non-invasively modulating CANS for the suppression of atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias.
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Zafeiropoulos S, Ahmed U, Bikou A, Mughrabi IT, Stavrakis S, Zanos S. Vagus nerve stimulation for cardiovascular diseases: Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Trends Cardiovasc Med 2023:S1050-1738(23)00064-6. [PMID: 37506989 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Autonomic dysfunction and chronic inflammation contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of several cardiovascular diseases (CVD), such as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, atherosclerotic CVD, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and atrial fibrillation. The vagus nerve provides parasympathetic innervation to the heart, vessels, and lungs, and is also implicated in the neural control of inflammation through a neuroimmune pathway involving the spleen. Stimulation of the vagus nerve (VNS) can in principle restore autonomic balance and suppress inflammation, with potential therapeutic benefits in these diseases. Although VNS ameliorated CVD in several animal models, early human studies have demonstrated variable efficacy. The purpose of this review is to discuss the rationale behind the use of VNS in the treatment of CVD, to critically review animal and human studies of VNS in CVD, and to propose possible means to overcome the challenges in the clinical translation of VNS in CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanos Zafeiropoulos
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine at Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Umair Ahmed
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Alexia Bikou
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Ibrahim T Mughrabi
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Stavros Stavrakis
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Stavros Zanos
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine at Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA.
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Sridharan A, Bradfield JS, Shivkumar K, Ajijola OA. Autonomic nervous system and arrhythmias in structural heart disease. Auton Neurosci 2022; 243:103037. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2022.103037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Barthelemy JC, Pichot V, Hupin D, Berger M, Celle S, Mouhli L, Bäck M, Lacour JR, Roche F. Targeting autonomic nervous system as a biomarker of well-ageing in the prevention of stroke. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:969352. [PMID: 36185479 PMCID: PMC9521604 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.969352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke prediction is a key health issue for preventive medicine. Atrial fibrillation (AF) detection is well established and the importance of obstructive sleep apneas (OSA) has emerged in recent years. Although autonomic nervous system (ANS) appears strongly implicated in stroke occurrence, this factor is more rarely considered. However, the consequences of decreased parasympathetic activity explored in large cohort studies through measurement of ANS activity indicate that an ability to improve its activity level and equilibrium may prevent stroke. In support of these observations, a compensatory neurostimulation has already proved beneficial on endothelium function. The available data on stroke predictions from ANS is based on many long-term stroke cohorts. These data underline the need of repeated ANS evaluation for the general population, in a medical environment, and remotely by emerging telemedicine digital tools. This would help uncovering the reasons behind the ANS imbalance that would need to be medically adjusted to decrease the risk of stroke. This ANS unbalance help to draw attention on clinical or non-clinical evidence, disclosing the vascular risk, as ANS activity integrates the cumulated risk from many factors of which most are modifiable, such as metabolic inadaptation in diabetes and obesity, sleep ventilatory disorders, hypertension, inflammation, and lack of physical activity. Treating these factors may determine ANS recovery through the appropriate management of these conditions. Natural aging also decreases ANS activity. ANS recovery will decrease global circulating inflammation, which will reinforce endothelial function and thus protect the vessels and the associated organs. ANS is the whistle-blower of vascular risk and the actor of vascular health. Such as, ANS should be regularly checked to help draw attention on vascular risk and help follow the improvements in response to our interventions. While today prediction of stroke relies on classical cardiovascular risk factors, adding autonomic biomarkers as HRV parameters may significantly increase the prediction of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Claude Barthelemy
- Physical Exercise and Clinical Physiology Department, CHU Nord, Saint-Étienne, France
- INSERM U1059 Santé Ingénierie Biologie, Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Étienne, France
- *Correspondence: Jean-Claude Barthelemy,
| | - Vincent Pichot
- Physical Exercise and Clinical Physiology Department, CHU Nord, Saint-Étienne, France
- INSERM U1059 Santé Ingénierie Biologie, Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - David Hupin
- Physical Exercise and Clinical Physiology Department, CHU Nord, Saint-Étienne, France
- INSERM U1059 Santé Ingénierie Biologie, Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Étienne, France
- Section of Translational Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mathieu Berger
- Physical Exercise and Clinical Physiology Department, CHU Nord, Saint-Étienne, France
- INSERM U1059 Santé Ingénierie Biologie, Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Étienne, France
- Centre d’Investigation et de Recherche sur le Sommeil, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Celle
- Physical Exercise and Clinical Physiology Department, CHU Nord, Saint-Étienne, France
- INSERM U1059 Santé Ingénierie Biologie, Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - Lytissia Mouhli
- Physical Exercise and Clinical Physiology Department, CHU Nord, Saint-Étienne, France
- Département de Neurologie, Hôpital Universitaire Nord, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - Magnus Bäck
- Section of Translational Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jean-René Lacour
- Laboratoire de Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine Lyon-Sud, Oullins, France
| | - Frederic Roche
- Physical Exercise and Clinical Physiology Department, CHU Nord, Saint-Étienne, France
- INSERM U1059 Santé Ingénierie Biologie, Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Étienne, France
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Allen E, Pongpaopattanakul P, Chauhan RA, Brack KE, Ng GA. The Effects of Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Ventricular Electrophysiology and Nitric Oxide Release in the Rabbit Heart. Front Physiol 2022; 13:867705. [PMID: 35755432 PMCID: PMC9213784 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.867705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Abnormal autonomic activity including impaired parasympathetic control is a known hallmark of heart failure (HF). Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been shown to reduce the susceptibility of the heart to ventricular fibrillation, however the precise underlying mechanisms are not well understood and the detailed stimulation parameters needed to improve patient outcomes clinically are currently inconclusive. Objective: To investigate NO release and cardiac electrophysiological effects of electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve at varying parameters using the isolated innervated rabbit heart preparation. Methods: The right cervical vagus nerve was electrically stimulated in the innervated isolated rabbit heart preparation (n = 30). Heart rate (HR), effective refractory period (ERP), ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT) and electrical restitution were measured as well as NO release from the left ventricle. Results: High voltage with low frequency VNS resulted in the most significant reduction in HR (by −20.6 ± 3.3%, −25.7 ± 3.0% and −30.5 ± 3.0% at 0.1, 1 and 2 ms pulse widths, with minimal increase in NO release. Low voltage and high frequency VNS significantly altered NO release in the left ventricle, whilst significantly flattening the slope of restitution and significantly increasing VFT. HR changes however using low voltage, high frequency VNS were minimal at 20Hz (to 138.5 ± 7.7 bpm (−7.3 ± 2.0%) at 1 ms pulse width and 141.1 ± 6.6 bpm (−4.4 ± 1.1%) at 2 ms pulse width). Conclusion: The protective effects of the VNS are independent of HR reductions demonstrating the likelihood of such effects being as a result of the modulation of more than one molecular pathway. Altering the parameters of VNS impacts neural fibre recruitment in the ventricle; influencing changes in ventricular electrophysiology, the protective effect of VNS against VF and the release of NO from the left ventricle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Allen
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,NIHR Leicester BRC, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Pott Pongpaopattanakul
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,NIHR Leicester BRC, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Reshma A Chauhan
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,NIHR Leicester BRC, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Kieran E Brack
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,NIHR Leicester BRC, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - G André Ng
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,NIHR Leicester BRC, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, United Kingdom
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Kharbanda RK, van der Does WFB, van Staveren LN, Taverne YJHJ, Bogers AJJC, de Groot NMS. Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Atrial Fibrillation: Revealing the Paradox. Neuromodulation 2022; 25:356-365. [PMID: 35190246 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The cardiac autonomic nervous system (CANS) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF). Cardiovascular disease can cause an imbalance within the CANS, which may contribute to the initiation and maintenance of AF. Increased understanding of neuromodulation of the CANS has resulted in novel emerging therapies to treat cardiac arrhythmias by targeting different circuits of the CANS. Regarding AF, neuromodulation therapies targeting the vagus nerve have yielded promising outcomes. However, targeting the vagus nerve can be both pro-arrhythmogenic and anti-arrhythmogenic. Currently, these opposing effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) have not been clearly described. The aim of this review is therefore to discuss both pro-arrhythmogenic and anti-arrhythmogenic effects of VNS and recent advances in clinical practice and to provide future perspectives for VNS to treat AF. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive review of current literature on VNS and its pro-arrhythmogenic and anti-arrhythmogenic effects on atrial tissue was performed. Both experimental and clinical studies are reviewed and discussed separately. RESULTS VNS exhibits both pro-arrhythmogenic and anti-arrhythmogenic effects. The anatomical site and stimulation settings during VNS play a crucial role in determining its effect on cardiac electrophysiology. Since the last decade, there is accumulating evidence from experimental studies and randomized clinical studies that low-level VNS (LLVNS), below the bradycardia threshold, is an effective treatment for AF. CONCLUSION LLVNS is a promising novel therapeutic modality to treat AF and further research will further elucidate the underlying anti-arrhythmogenic mechanisms, optimal stimulation settings, and site to apply LLVNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit K Kharbanda
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Yannick J H J Taverne
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ad J J C Bogers
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Carandina A, Rodrigues GD, Di Francesco P, Filtz A, Bellocchi C, Furlan L, Carugo S, Montano N, Tobaldini E. Effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on cardiovascular autonomic control in health and disease. Auton Neurosci 2021; 236:102893. [PMID: 34649119 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction is a well-known feature of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Studies on heart rate variability (HRV), a non-invasive method useful in investigating the status of cardiovascular autonomic control, have shown that a predominance of sympathetic modulation not only contributes to the progression of CVDs but has a pivotal role in their onset. Current therapies focus more on inhibition of sympathetic activity, but the presence of drug-resistant conditions and the invasiveness of some surgical procedures are an obstacle to complete therapeutic success. On the other hand, targeting the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system through invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has shown interesting results as alternative therapeutic approach for CVDs. However, the invasiveness and cost of the surgical procedure limit the clinical applicability of VNS and hinder the research on the physiological pathway involved. Transcutaneous stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (tVNS) seems to represent an important non-invasive alternative with effects comparable to those of VNS with surgical implant. Thus, in the present narrative review, we illustrate the main studies on tVNS performed in healthy subjects and in three key examples of CVDs, namely heart failure, hypertension and atrial fibrillation, highlighting the neuromodulatory effects of this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Carandina
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriel Dias Rodrigues
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Di Francesco
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Filtz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bellocchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovico Furlan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Carugo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Montano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Tobaldini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Stavrakis S, Kulkarni K, Singh JP, Katritsis DG, Armoundas AA. Autonomic Modulation of Cardiac Arrhythmias: Methods to Assess Treatment and Outcomes. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2021; 6:467-483. [PMID: 32439031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2020.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system plays a central role in the pathogenesis of multiple cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. As such, autonomic modulation represents an attractive therapeutic approach in these conditions. Notably, autonomic modulation exploits the plasticity of the neural tissue to induce neural remodeling and thus obtain therapeutic benefit. Different forms of autonomic modulation include vagus nerve stimulation, tragus stimulation, renal denervation, baroreceptor activation therapy, and cardiac sympathetic denervation. This review seeks to highlight these autonomic modulation therapeutic modalities, which have shown promise in early preclinical and clinical trials and represent exciting alternatives to standard arrhythmia treatment. We also present an overview of the various methods used to assess autonomic tone, including heart rate variability, skin sympathetic nerve activity, and alternans, which can be used as surrogate markers and predictors of the treatment effect. Although the use of autonomic modulation to treat cardiac arrhythmias is supported by strong preclinical data and preliminary studies in humans, in light of the disappointing results of a number of recent randomized clinical trials of autonomic modulation therapies in heart failure, the need for optimization of the stimulation parameters and rigorous patient selection based on appropriate biomarkers cannot be overemphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros Stavrakis
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
| | - Kanchan Kulkarni
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jagmeet P Singh
- Cardiology Division, Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Antonis A Armoundas
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
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Liu F, Sun W, Li Y, Sun Y, Yu X, Yin X, Xia Y. Low-Level Stimulation and Ethanol Ablation of the Vein of Marshall Prevent the Vagal-Mediated AF. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:675485. [PMID: 34026877 PMCID: PMC8131864 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.675485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The mechanisms for the vein of Marshall (VOM) mediated atrial fibrillation (AF) are not completely understood. We sought to evaluate the contribution of the intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system in VOM mediated AF. Method: Seven mongrel dogs were administered propranolol and continuously exposed to left superior ganglionated plexi (LSGP) stimulation, LSGP + low-level VOM stimulation, LSGP + atropine administration, LSGP + VOM filling with ethanol separately. The effective refractory period (ERP) and window of vulnerability (WOV) at the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV), left inferior pulmonary vein (LIPV) and left atrial appendage (LAA) were measured. Result: LSGP stimulation significantly shortens the ERP and prolonged the ERP dispersion and WOV in LSPV, LIPV, and LAA. Interestingly, low-level VOM stimulation, atropine administration, or VOM filling with ethanol were able to attenuate the effects of LSGP in all sites. Conclusion: VOM as an inter-communication pathway of ganglionated plexis plays an important role in the development of vagal-related AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Liu
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuanjun Sun
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaohong Yu
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaomeng Yin
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yunlong Xia
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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11
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Sandler B, Kim MY, Sikkel MB, Malcolme-Lawes L, Koa-Wing M, Whinnett ZI, Coyle C, Linton NWF, Lim PB, Kanagaratnam P. Targeting the ectopy-triggering ganglionated plexuses without pulmonary vein isolation prevents atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2021; 32:235-244. [PMID: 33421265 PMCID: PMC8611799 DOI: 10.1111/jce.14870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ganglionated plexuses (GPs) are implicated in atrial fibrillation (AF). Endocardial high-frequency stimulation (HFS) delivered within the local atrial refractory period can trigger ectopy and AF from specific GP sites (ET-GP). The aim of this study was to understand the role of ET-GP ablation in the treatment of AF. METHODS Patients with paroxysmal AF indicated for ablation were recruited. HFS mapping was performed globally around the left atrium to identify ET-GP. ET-GP was defined as atrial ectopy or atrial arrhythmia triggered by HFS. All ET-GP were ablated, and PVs were left electrically connected. Outcomes were compared with a control group receiving pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Patients were followed-up for 12 months with multiple 48-h Holter ECGs. Primary endpoint was ≥30 s AF/atrial tachycardia in ECGs. RESULTS In total, 67 patients were recruited and randomized to ET-GP ablation (n = 39) or PVI (n = 28). In the ET-GP ablation group, 103 ± 28 HFS sites were tested per patient, identifying 21 ± 10 (20%) GPs. ET-GP ablation used 23.3 ± 4.1 kWs total radiofrequency (RF) energy per patient, compared with 55.7 ± 22.7 kWs in PVI (p = <.0001). Duration of procedure was 3.7 ± 1.0 and 3.3 ± 0.7 h in ET-GP ablation group and PVI, respectively (p = .07). Follow-up at 12 months showed that 61% and 49% were free from ≥30 s of AF/AT with PVI and ET-GP ablation respectively (log-rank p = .27). CONCLUSIONS It is feasible to perform detailed global functional mapping with HFS and ablate ET-GP to prevent AF. This provides direct evidence that ET-GPs are part of the AF mechanism. The lower RF requirement implies that ET-GP targets the AF pathway more specifically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Sandler
- Myocardial Function Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Min-Young Kim
- Myocardial Function Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Markus B Sikkel
- Myocardial Function Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Louisa Malcolme-Lawes
- Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Michael Koa-Wing
- Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Zachary I Whinnett
- Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Clare Coyle
- Myocardial Function Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Nick W F Linton
- Myocardial Function Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Phang B Lim
- Myocardial Function Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Prapa Kanagaratnam
- Myocardial Function Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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12
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Costa MD, Redline S, Soliman EZ, Goldberger AL, Heckbert SR. Fragmented sinoatrial dynamics in the prediction of atrial fibrillation: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 320:H256-H271. [PMID: 32986961 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00421.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Heart rate fragmentation (HRF), a marker of abnormal sinoatrial dynamics, was shown to be associated with incident cardiovascular events in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Here, we test the hypothesis that HRF is also associated with incident atrial fibrillation (AF) in the MESA cohort of participants who underwent in-home polysomnography (PSG) and in two high-risk subgroups: those ≥70 yr taking antihypertensive medication and those with serum concentrations of NH2-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) >125 pg/ml (top quartile). Heart rate time series (n = 1,858) derived from the ECG channel of the PSG were analyzed using newly developed HRF metrics, traditional heart rate variability (HRV) indices and two widely used nonlinear measures. Eighty-three participants developed AF over a mean follow-up period of 3.83 ± 0.87 yr. A one-standard deviation increase in HRF was associated with a 31% (95% CI: 3-66%) increase in risk of incident AF, in Cox models adjusted for age, height, NT-proBNP, and frequent premature supraventricular complexes. Furthermore, HRF added value to the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE)-AF models. Traditional HRV and nonlinear indices were not significantly associated with incident AF. In the two high-risk subgroups defined above, HRF was also significantly associated with incident AF in unadjusted and adjusted models. These findings support the translational utility of HRF metrics for short-term (∼4-yr) prediction of AF. In addition, they support broadening the concept of atrial remodeling to include electrodynamical remodeling, a term used to refer to pathophysiological alterations in sinus interbeat interval dynamics.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first demonstration that heart rate fragmentation (HRF), a marker of anomalous sinoatrial dynamics, is an independent predictor of atrial fibrillation (AF). Traditional measures of heart rate variability and two widely used nonlinear measures were not associated with incident AF in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Fragmentation measures added value to the strongest contemporary predictors of AF, including ECG-derived parameters, coronary calcification score, serum concentrations of NH2-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide, and supraventricular ectopy. The computational algorithms for quantification of HRF could be readily incorporated into wearable ECG monitoring devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalena D Costa
- Margret and H. A. Rey Institute for Nonlinear Dynamics in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Susan Redline
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elsayed Z Soliman
- Epidemiological Cardiology Research Center, Department of Epidemiology and Prevention and Department of Medicine, Cardiology Section, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Ary L Goldberger
- Margret and H. A. Rey Institute for Nonlinear Dynamics in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Susan R Heckbert
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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13
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Liu C, Jiang H, Yu L, S Po S. Vagal Stimulation and Arrhythmias. J Atr Fibrillation 2020; 13:2398. [PMID: 33024499 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.2398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
I mbalance of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems is probably the most prevalent autonomic mechanism underlying many a rrhythmias . Recently, vagus nerve stimulation ( VNS has emerged as a novel therapeutic modality to treat arrhythmias through its anti adrenergic and anti inflammatory actions . C linical trials applying VNS to the cervical vagus nerve in heart failure pati en ts yielded conflicting results, possibly due to limited understanding of the optimal stimulation parameters for the targeted cardiovascular diseases. Transcutaneous VNS by stimulating the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, has attracted great attention d ue to its noninvasiveness. In this r eview, we summarize current knowledge about the complex relationship between VNS and cardiac arrhythmias and discuss recent advances in using VNS , particularly transcutaneous VNS , to treat arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhe Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System Research Center of Wuhan Univer s ity, Wuhan, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System Research Center of Wuhan Univer s ity, Wuhan, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lilei Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System Research Center of Wuhan Univer s ity, Wuhan, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sunny S Po
- Heart Rhythm Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, O K USA
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14
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Laucius O, Jucevičiūtė N, Vaitkus A, Balnytė R, Rastenytė D, Petrikonis K. Evaluating the functional and structural changes in the vagus nerve: Should the vagus nerve be tested in patients with atrial fibrillation? Med Hypotheses 2020; 138:109608. [PMID: 32044542 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
One of the multiple factors believed to contribute to the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF) is altered activity of the autonomic nervous system. Debate continues about the role of the vagus nerve (CNX) in AF since its effect depends on the level of its activation as well as on simultaneous sympathetic activation. Surplus either vagal or sympathetic activity may rarely induce the development of AF; however, typically loss of balance between the both systems mediates the induction and maintenance of AF. Vagal stimulation has been proposed as a novel treatment approach for AF because the anti-arrhythmic effects of low-level vagus nerve stimulation have been shown both in patients and animal models. We hypothesize that in typical cases of AF without any clear trigger by either autonomic nervous system, significant changes in vagus somatosensory evoked potentials and a smaller cross-sectional area of CNX could be detected, representing functional and structural changes in CNX, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovidijus Laucius
- Department of Neurology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Neringa Jucevičiūtė
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Antanas Vaitkus
- Department of Neurology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Renata Balnytė
- Department of Neurology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Daiva Rastenytė
- Department of Neurology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Kęstutis Petrikonis
- Department of Neurology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.
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15
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TREAT AF (Transcutaneous Electrical Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Suppress Atrial Fibrillation): A Randomized Clinical Trial. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2020; 6:282-291. [PMID: 32192678 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2019.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was a sham-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial to examine the effect of chronic low level tragus stimulation (LLTS) in patients with paroxysmal AF. BACKGROUND Low-level transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve at the tragus (LLTS) acutely suppresses atrial fibrillation (AF) in humans, but the chronic effect remains unknown. METHODS LLTS (20 Hz, 1 mA below the discomfort threshold) was delivered using an ear clip attached to the tragus (active arm) (n = 26) or the ear lobe (sham control arm) (n = 27) for 1 h daily over 6 months. AF burden over 2-week periods was assessed by noninvasive continuous electrocardiogram monitoring at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Five-minute electrocardiography and serum were obtained at each visit to measure heart rate variability and inflammatory cytokines, respectively. RESULTS Baseline characteristics were balanced between the 2 groups. Adherence to the stimulation protocol (≤4 sessions lost per month) was 75% in the active arm and 83% in the control arm (p > 0.05). At 6 months, the median AF burden was 85% lower in the active arm compared with the control arm (ratio of medians: 0.15; 95% confidence interval: 0.03 to 0.65; p = 0.011). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha was significantly decreased by 23% in the active group relative to the control group (ratio of medians: 0.77; 95% confidence interval: 0.63 to 0.94; p = 0.0093). Frequency domain indices of heart rate variability were significantly altered with active versus control stimulation (p < 0.01). No device-related side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS Chronic, intermittent LLTS resulted in lower AF burden than did sham control stimulation, supporting its use to treat paroxysmal AF in selected patients. (Transcutaneous Electrical Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Suppress Atrial Fibrillation [TREAT-AF]; NCT02548754).
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16
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Neuromodulation for Ventricular Tachycardia and Atrial Fibrillation: A Clinical Scenario-Based Review. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2019; 5:881-896. [PMID: 31439288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2019.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Autonomic dysregulation in cardiovascular disease plays a major role in the pathogenesis of arrhythmias. Cardiac neural control relies on complex feedback loops consisting of efferent and afferent limbs, which carry sympathetic and parasympathetic signals from the brain to the heart and sensory signals from the heart to the brain. Cardiac disease leads to neural remodeling and sympathovagal imbalances with arrhythmogenic effects. Preclinical studies of modulation at central and peripheral levels of the cardiac autonomic nervous system have yielded promising results, leading to early stage clinical studies of these techniques in atrial fibrillation and refractory ventricular arrhythmias, particularly in patients with inherited primary arrhythmia syndromes and structural heart disease. However, significant knowledge gaps in basic cardiac neurophysiology limit the success of these neuromodulatory therapies. This review discusses the recent advances in neuromodulation for cardiac arrhythmia management, with a clinical scenario-based approach aimed at bringing neurocardiology closer to the realm of the clinical electrophysiologist.
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17
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Wang Y, Po SS, Scherlag BJ, Yu L, Jiang H. The role of low-level vagus nerve stimulation in cardiac therapy. Expert Rev Med Devices 2019; 16:675-682. [PMID: 31306049 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2019.1643234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are accompanied by autonomic nervous system (ANS) imbalance which is characterized by decreased vagal tone. Preclinical and clinical studies have revealed that increasing vagal activity via vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) could protect the heart. Based on these studies, VNS has emerged as a potential non-pharmaceutical treatment strategy. Although it's still difficult to find the optimal stimulus parameters, however, in arrhythmia model, it is reported that low-level VNS (LL-VNS) exacts paradoxical effects from the high-level VNS. Thus, the concept of LL-VNS is introduced. Areas covered: Animal and human studies have discussed the safety and efficacy of VNS and LL-VNS, and this review will discuss the research data in cardiovascular diseases, including atrial arrhythmia, ventricular arrhythmia, ischemia/reperfusion injury, heart failure, and hypertension. Expert opinion: In this regard, various clinical studies have been performed to verify the safety and efficacy of VNS. It is shown that VNS is well-tolerated and safe, but the results of its efficacy are conflicting, which may well block the translational process of VNS. The appearance of LL-VNS brings new idea and inspiration, suggesting an important role of subthreshold stimulation. A better understanding of the LL-VNS will contribute to translational research of VNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Wang
- a Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology , Wuhan , Hubei , China.,b Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University , Harbin , China
| | - Sunny S Po
- c Heart Rhythm Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City , OK , USA
| | - Benjamin J Scherlag
- c Heart Rhythm Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City , OK , USA
| | - Lilei Yu
- a Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology , Wuhan , Hubei , China
| | - Hong Jiang
- a Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology , Wuhan , Hubei , China
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18
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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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19
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Abstract
The vagus nerve is a major component of the autonomic nervous system and plays a critical role in many body functions including for example, speech, swallowing, heart rate and respiratory control, gastric secretion, and intestinal motility. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) refers to any technique that stimulates the vagus nerve, with electrical stimulation being the most important. Implantable devices for VNS are approved therapy for refractory epilepsy and for treatment-resistant depression. In the case of heart disease applications, implantable VNS has been shown to be beneficial for treating heart failure in both preclinical and clinical studies. Adverse effects of implantable VNS therapy systems are generally associated with the implantation procedure or continuous on-off stimulation. The most serious implantation-associated adverse effect is infection. The effectiveness of non-invasive transcutaneous VNS for epilepsy, depression, primary headaches, heart failure, and other conditions remains under investigation. VNS merits further study for its potentially favorable effects on cardiovascular disease, especially heart failure.
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20
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Time-dependent cervical vagus nerve stimulation and frequency-dependent right atrial pacing mediates induction of atrial fibrillation. Anatol J Cardiol 2018; 20:206-212. [PMID: 30297578 PMCID: PMC6249522 DOI: 10.14744/anatoljcardiol.2018.73558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of right cervical vagus trunk simulation (RVTS) and/or right atrial pacing (RAP) on the induction of atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Twenty-four healthy adult dogs were randomly divided into four groups: RAP groups comprising RAP500 (RAP with 500 beats/min) and RAP1000 (RAP with 1000 beats/min) and RVTS groups comprising RVTS and RAP500+RVTS. All dogs underwent 12-h intermittent RAP and/or RVTS once every 2 h. The AF induction rate, AF duration, atrial effective refractory period (ERP), and dispersion of ERP (dERP) were compared after every 2 h of RAP or/and RVTS. Results: All groups had successful AF induction. The RAP1000 group had the highest AF induction rate and the longest AF duration. The RAP1000 group also had a shortened ERP in comparison to the other groups as well as the maximum dERP. Compared to the RAP500 group, RAP500+RVTS had an increased capacity to induce AF as measured by the AF induction rates, AF duration, ERP, and dERP. Conclusion: Increased tension in the vagus nerve and the intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system plays an important role in AF induction through different potential mechanisms. Interventions involving the vagus nerve and/or intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system can be a future potential therapy for AF.
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21
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Aging-Induced Biological Changes and Cardiovascular Diseases. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:7156435. [PMID: 29984246 PMCID: PMC6015721 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7156435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aging is characterized by functional decline in homeostatic regulation and vital cellular events. This process can be linked with the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In this review, we discussed aging-induced biological alterations that are associated with CVDs through the following aspects: (i) structural, biochemical, and functional modifications; (ii) autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation; (iii) epigenetic alterations; and (iv) atherosclerosis and stroke development. Aging-mediated structural and biochemical modifications coupled with gradual loss of ANS regulation, vascular stiffening, and deposition of collagen and calcium often disrupt cardiovascular system homeostasis. The structural and biochemical adjustments have been consistently implicated in the progressive increase in mechanical burden and functional breakdown of the heart and vessels. In addition, cardiomyocyte loss in this process often reduces adaptive capacity and cardiovascular function. The accumulation of epigenetic changes also plays important roles in the development of CVDs. In summary, the understanding of the aging-mediated changes remains promising towards effective diagnosis, discovery of new drug targets, and development of new therapies for the treatment of CVDs.
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22
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Jamali HK, Waqar F, Gerson MC. Cardiac autonomic innervation. J Nucl Cardiol 2017; 24:1558-1570. [PMID: 27844333 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-016-0725-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system plays a key role in regulating changes in the cardiovascular system and its adaptation to various human body functions. The sympathetic arm of the autonomic nervous system is associated with the fight and flight response, while the parasympathetic division is responsible for the restorative effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and contractility. Disorders involving these two divisions can lead to, and are seen as, a manifestation of most common cardiovascular disorders. Over the last few decades, extensive research has been performed establishing imaging techniques to quantify the autonomic dysfunction associated with various cardiovascular disorders. Additionally, several techniques have been tested with variable success in modulating the cardiac autonomic nervous system as treatment for these disorders. In this review, we summarize basic anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the cardiac autonomic nervous system including adrenergic receptors. We have also discussed several imaging modalities available to aid in diagnosis of cardiac autonomic dysfunction and autonomic modulation techniques, including pharmacologic and device-based therapies, that have been or are being tested currently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina K Jamali
- Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, P.O. Box 670542, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Fahad Waqar
- Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, P.O. Box 670542, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Myron C Gerson
- Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, P.O. Box 670542, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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23
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Obstructive sleep and atrial fibrillation: Pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Int J Cardiol 2017; 230:293-300. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.12.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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24
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He B, Lu Z, He W, Huang B, Jiang H. Autonomic Modulation by Electrical Stimulation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System: An Emerging Intervention for Cardiovascular Diseases. Cardiovasc Ther 2017; 34:167-71. [PMID: 26914959 DOI: 10.1111/1755-5922.12179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The cardiac autonomic nervous system has been known to play an important role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Autonomic modulation by electrical stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which increases the parasympathetic activity and suppresses the sympathetic activity, is emerging as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Here, we review the recent literature on autonomic modulation by electrical stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, including vagus nerve stimulation, transcutaneous auricular vagal stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, and ganglionated plexi stimulation, in the treatment of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo He
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhibing Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenbo He
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bing Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
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25
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Chen X, Yu L, Shi S, Jiang H, Huang C, Desai M, Li Y, Barajas-Martinez H, Hu D. Neuronal Nav1.8 Channels as a Novel Therapeutic Target of Acute Atrial Fibrillation Prevention. J Am Heart Assoc 2016; 5:e004050. [PMID: 27806967 PMCID: PMC5210368 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.116.004050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ganglionated plexus have been developed as additional ablation targets to improve the outcome of atrial fibrillation (AF) besides pulmonary vein isolation. Recent studies implicated an intimate relationship between neuronal sodium channel Nav1.8 (encoded by SCN10A) and AF. The underlying mechanism between Nav1.8 and AF remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the role of Nav1.8 in cardiac electrophysiology in an acute AF model and explore possible therapeutic targets. METHODS AND RESULTS Immunohistochemical study was used on canine cardiac ganglionated plexus. Both Nav1.5 and Nav1.8 were expressed in ganglionated plexus with canonical neuronal markers. Sixteen canines were randomly administered either saline or the Nav1.8 blocker A-803467. Electrophysiological study was compared between the 2 groups before and after 6-hour rapid atrial pacing. Compared with the control group, administration of A-803467 decreased the incidence of AF (87.5% versus 25.0%, P<0.05), shortened AF duration, and prolonged AF cycle length. A-803467 also significantly suppressed the decrease in the effective refractory period and the increase in effective refractory period dispersion and cumulative window of vulnerability caused by rapid atrial pacing in all recording sites. Patch clamp study was performed under 100 nmol/L A-803467 in TSA201 cells cotransfected with SCN10A-WT, SCN5A-WT, and SCN3B-WT. INa,P was reduced by 45.34% at -35 mV, and INa,L by 68.57% at -20 mV. Evident fast inactivation, slow recovery, and use-dependent block were also discovered after applying the drug. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that Nav1.8 could exert its effect on electrophysiological characteristics through cardiac ganglionated plexus. It indicates that Nav1.8 is a novel target in understanding cardiac electrophysiology and SCN10A-related arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- XiaoMeng Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - LiLei Yu
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - ShaoBo Shi
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - CongXin Huang
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | | | - YiGang Li
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Dan Hu
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Masonic Medical Research Laboratory, Utica, NY
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26
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Linz D. Electrical baroreflex stimulation to treat atrial fibrillation: More complex than expected. Heart Rhythm 2016; 13:2213-2214. [PMID: 27546813 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2016.08.031] [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: 08/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Linz
- Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
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27
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Czick ME, Shapter CL, Silverman DI. Atrial Fibrillation: The Science behind Its Defiance. Aging Dis 2016; 7:635-656. [PMID: 27699086 PMCID: PMC5036958 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2016.0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent arrhythmia in the world, due both to its tenacious treatment resistance, and to the tremendous number of risk factors that set the stage for the atria to fibrillate. Cardiopulmonary, behavioral, and psychological risk factors generate electrical and structural alterations of the atria that promote reentry and wavebreak. These culminate in fibrillation once atrial ectopic beats set the arrhythmia process in motion. There is growing evidence that chronic stress can physically alter the emotion centers of the limbic system, changing their input to the hypothalamic-limbic-autonomic network that regulates autonomic outflow. This leads to imbalance of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, most often in favor of sympathetic overactivation. Autonomic imbalance acts as a driving force behind the atrial ectopy and reentry that promote AF. Careful study of AF pathophysiology can illuminate the means that enable AF to elude both pharmacological control and surgical cure, by revealing ways in which antiarrhythmic drugs and surgical and ablation procedures may paradoxically promote fibrillation. Understanding AF pathophysiology can also help clarify the mechanisms by which emerging modalities aiming to correct autonomic imbalance, such as renal sympathetic denervation, may offer potential to better control this arrhythmia. Finally, growing evidence supports lifestyle modification approaches as adjuncts to improve AF control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David I. Silverman
- Echocardiography Laboratory, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT 06106, USA.
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Shivkumar K, Ajijola OA, Anand I, Armour JA, Chen PS, Esler M, De Ferrari GM, Fishbein MC, Goldberger JJ, Harper RM, Joyner MJ, Khalsa SS, Kumar R, Lane R, Mahajan A, Po S, Schwartz PJ, Somers VK, Valderrabano M, Vaseghi M, Zipes DP. Clinical neurocardiology defining the value of neuroscience-based cardiovascular therapeutics. J Physiol 2016; 594:3911-54. [PMID: 27114333 PMCID: PMC4945719 DOI: 10.1113/jp271870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system regulates all aspects of normal cardiac function, and is recognized to play a critical role in the pathophysiology of many cardiovascular diseases. As such, the value of neuroscience-based cardiovascular therapeutics is increasingly evident. This White Paper reviews the current state of understanding of human cardiac neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, pathophysiology in specific disease conditions, autonomic testing, risk stratification, and neuromodulatory strategies to mitigate the progression of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyanam Shivkumar
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Olujimi A Ajijola
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Inder Anand
- Department of Cardiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - J Andrew Armour
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peng-Sheng Chen
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Murray Esler
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Michael C Fishbein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Goldberger
- Division of Cardiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ronald M Harper
- Department of Neurobiology and the Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael J Joyner
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Rajesh Kumar
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Richard Lane
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Aman Mahajan
- Department of Anesthesia, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sunny Po
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- University of Tulsa Oxley College of Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Peter J Schwartz
- Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin, IRCCS Instituto Auxologico Italiano, c/o Centro Diagnostico e di Ricerrca San Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Virend K Somers
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Miguel Valderrabano
- Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center and Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marmar Vaseghi
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Douglas P Zipes
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Guiraud D, Andreu D, Bonnet S, Carrault G, Couderc P, Hagège A, Henry C, Hernandez A, Karam N, Le Rolle V, Mabo P, Maciejasz P, Malbert CH, Marijon E, Maubert S, Picq C, Rossel O, Bonnet JL. Vagus nerve stimulation: state of the art of stimulation and recording strategies to address autonomic function neuromodulation. J Neural Eng 2016; 13:041002. [PMID: 27351347 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2560/13/4/041002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neural signals along the vagus nerve (VN) drive many somatic and autonomic functions. The clinical interest of VN stimulation (VNS) is thus potentially huge and has already been demonstrated in epilepsy. However, side effects are often elicited, in addition to the targeted neuromodulation. APPROACH This review examines the state of the art of VNS applied to two emerging modulations of autonomic function: heart failure and obesity, especially morbid obesity. MAIN RESULTS We report that VNS may benefit from improved stimulation delivery using very advanced technologies. However, most of the results from fundamental animal studies still need to be demonstrated in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Guiraud
- Inria, DEMAR, Montpellier, France. University of Montpellier, DEMAR, Montpellier, France
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30
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Chang HY, Lo LW, Chou YH, Lin WL, Lin YJ, Yamada S, Chen SA. Effect of vagotomy on the activity of cardiac autonomic ganglia: Insight from left atrial high density frequency mapping. Int J Cardiol 2016; 220:435-9. [PMID: 27390967 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.06.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both extrinsic and intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous systems are important for initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to evaluate the effect of vagotomy on the activity of cardiac autonomic ganglionated plexi (GP) and the change of dominant frequency (DF) distribution in the left atrium (LA) during AF. METHODS A mid-sternal thoracotomy was performed in 6 dogs. High frequency stimulation was applied to locate the GPs. There were four major LA GPs, which were located near the pulmonary vein ostia, and a superior vena cava-aorta (SVC-Ao) GP that was located near the superior vena cava-right atrial junction. Acetylcholine patch was applied on GPs to induce intrinsic vagal response. Vagal denervation was performed thereafter. An Ensite Array was deployed in the LA to record atrial signals before and after vagotomy during induced AF. RESULTS The LA mean DF values (8.2±0.1 vs. 7.6±0.1Hz, p=0.002) were higher during GP activation before than after vagotomy. The maximal DF distribution was located at the primary GPs and the nearby secondary GPs during LA GPs activation and at the LA septum and right superior pulmonary vein during SVC-Ao GP activation before vagotomy. After vagotomy, the maximal DF distribution shifted to non-GP LA sites during activation of the GPs. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest the important role of the extrinsic neural input in the activation and interaction of the intrinsic cardiac autonomic activity during cholinergic AF, whereas the non-GP LA sites were responsible for the AF induced without the physiological extrinsic neural input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Yu Chang
- Division of Cardiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Cardiology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Wei Lo
- Division of Cardiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Hui Chou
- Division of Cardiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lun Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yenn-Jiang Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shinya Yamada
- Division of Cardiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ann Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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31
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LINZ DOMINIK, HOHL MATHIAS, KHOSHKISH SHAYAN, MAHFOUD FELIX, UKENA CHRISTIAN, NEUBERGER HANSRUPRECHT, WIRTH KLAUS, BÖHM MICHAEL. Low-Level But Not High-Level Baroreceptor Stimulation Inhibits Atrial Fibrillation in a Pig Model of Sleep Apnea. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2016; 27:1086-92. [DOI: 10.1111/jce.13020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- DOMINIK LINZ
- Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes; Klinik für Innere Medizin III; Homburg Saar Germany
| | - MATHIAS HOHL
- Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes; Klinik für Innere Medizin III; Homburg Saar Germany
| | - SHAYAN KHOSHKISH
- Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes; Klinik für Innere Medizin III; Homburg Saar Germany
| | - FELIX MAHFOUD
- Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes; Klinik für Innere Medizin III; Homburg Saar Germany
| | - CHRISTIAN UKENA
- Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes; Klinik für Innere Medizin III; Homburg Saar Germany
| | | | - KLAUS WIRTH
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH; R&D; Frankfurt Germany
| | - MICHAEL BÖHM
- Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes; Klinik für Innere Medizin III; Homburg Saar Germany
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Leftheriotis D, Flevari P, Kossyvakis C, Katsaras D, Batistaki C, Arvaniti C, Giannopoulos G, Deftereos S, Kostopanagiotou G, Lekakis J. Acute effects of unilateral temporary stellate ganglion block on human atrial electrophysiological properties and atrial fibrillation inducibility. Heart Rhythm 2016; 13:2111-2117. [PMID: 27353237 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2016.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In experimental models, stellate ganglion block (SGB) reduces the induction of atrial fibrillation (AF), while data in humans are limited. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the effect of unilateral SGB on atrial electrophysiological properties and AF induction in patients with paroxysmal AF. METHODS Thirty-six patients with paroxysmal AF were randomized in a 2:1 order to temporary, transcutaneous, pharmaceutical SGB with lidocaine or placebo before pulmonary vein isolation. Lidocaine was 1:1 randomly infused to the right or left ganglion. Before and after randomization, atrial effective refractory period (ERP) of each atrium, difference between right and left atrial ERP, intra- and interatrial conduction time, AF inducibility, and AF duration were assessed. RESULTS After SGB, right atrial ERP was prolonged from a median (1st-3rd quartile) of 240 (220-268) ms to 260 (240-300) ms (P < .01) and left atrial ERP from 235 (220-260) ms to 245 (240-280) ms (P < .01). AF was induced by atrial pacing in all 24 patients before SGB, but only in 13 patients (54%) after the intervention (P < .01). AF duration was shorter after SGB: 1.5 (0.0-5.8) minutes from 5.5 (3.0-12.0) minutes (P < .01). Intra- and interatrial conduction time was not significantly prolonged. No significant differences were observed between right and left SGB. No changes were observed in the placebo group. CONCLUSION Unilateral temporary SGB prolonged atrial ERP, reduced AF inducibility, and decreased AF duration. An equivalent effect of right and left SGB on both atria was observed. These findings may have a clinical implication in the prevention of drug refractory and postsurgery AF and deserve further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Panayota Flevari
- Department of Cardiology, Attikon University Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalampos Kossyvakis
- Department of Cardiology, Georgios Genimmatas General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Katsaras
- Department of Cardiology, Attikon University Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Chrysanthi Batistaki
- Department of Anesthesiology, Attikon University Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Chrysa Arvaniti
- Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Spyridon Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, Attikon University Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - John Lekakis
- Department of Cardiology, Attikon University Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
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33
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Verrier RL. Editorial commentary: Critical neurocircuitry mediating cardiovascular diseases and strategies for intervention. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2016; 26:258-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2015.07.005] [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: 07/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Wang Z, Yu L, Huang B, Wang S, Liao K, Saren G, Zhou X, Jiang H. Low-level transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the auricular branch of vagus nerve ameliorates left ventricular remodeling and dysfunction by downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and transforming growth factor β1. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2016; 65:342-8. [PMID: 25502306 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation improves left ventricular (LV) remodeling by downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1). Our previous study found that low-level transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (LL-TS) could be substituted for vagus nerve stimulation to reverse cardiac remodeling. So, we hypothesize that LL-TS could ameliorate LV remodeling by regulation of MMP-9 and TGF-β1 after myocardial infarction (MI). Twenty-two beagle dogs were randomly divided into a control group (MI was induced by permanent ligation of the left coronary artery, n = 8), an LL-TS group (MI with long-term intermittent LL-TS, n = 8), and a normal group (sham ligation without stimulation, n = 6). At the end of 6 weeks follow-up, LL-TS significantly reduced LV end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions, improved ejection fraction and ratio of early (E) to late (A) peak mitral inflow velocity. LL-TS attenuated interstitial fibrosis and collagen degradation in the noninfarcted myocardium compared with the control group. Elevated level of MMP-9 and TGF-β1 in LV tissue and peripheral plasma were diminished in the LL-TS treated dogs. LL-TS improves cardiac function and prevents cardiac remodeling in the late stages after MI by downregulation of MMP-9 and TGF-β1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Ripplinger CM, Noujaim SF, Linz D. The nervous heart. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 120:199-209. [PMID: 26780507 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2015.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Many cardiac electrophysiological abnormalities are accompanied by autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Here, we review mechanisms by which the cardiac nervous system controls normal and abnormal excitability and may contribute to atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Moreover, we explore the potential antiarrhythmic and/or arrhythmogenic effects of modulating the autonomic nervous system by several strategies, including ganglionated plexi ablation, vagal and spinal cord stimulations, and renal sympathetic denervation as therapies for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal M Ripplinger
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Sami F Noujaim
- Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Dominik Linz
- Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany.
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Sheng X, Chen M, Huang B, Liu J, Zhou L, Bao M, Li S. Cardioprotective effects of low-level carotid baroreceptor stimulation against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in canine model. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2016; 45:131-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s10840-015-0094-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Pellman J, Sheikh F. Atrial fibrillation: mechanisms, therapeutics, and future directions. Compr Physiol 2016; 5:649-65. [PMID: 25880508 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c140047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, affecting 1% to 2% of the general population. It is characterized by rapid and disorganized atrial activation leading to impaired atrial function, which can be diagnosed on an EKG by lack of a P-wave and irregular QRS complexes. AF is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and is a risk factor for embolic stroke and worsening heart failure. Current research on AF support and explore the hypothesis that initiation and maintenance of AF require pathophysiological remodeling of the atria, either specifically as in lone AF or secondary to other heart disease as in heart failure-associated AF. Remodeling in AF can be grouped into three categories that include: (i) electrical remodeling, which includes modulation of L-type Ca(2+) current, various K(+) currents and gap junction function; (ii) structural remodeling, which includes changes in tissues properties, size, and ultrastructure; and (iii) autonomic remodeling, including altered sympathovagal activity and hyperinnervation. Electrical, structural, and autonomic remodeling all contribute to creating an AF-prone substrate which is able to produce AF-associated electrical phenomena including a rapidly firing focus, complex multiple reentrant circuit or rotors. Although various remodeling events occur in AF, current AF therapies focus on ventricular rate and rhythm control strategies using pharmacotherapy and surgical interventions. Recent progress in the field has started to focus on the underlying substrate that drives and maintains AF (termed upstream therapies); however, much work is needed in this area. Here, we review current knowledge of AF mechanisms, therapies, and new areas of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Pellman
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Zhang L, Lu Y, Sun J, Zhou X, Tang B. Subthreshold vagal stimulation suppresses ventricular arrhythmia and inflammatory response in a canine model of acute cardiac ischaemia and reperfusion. Exp Physiol 2015; 101:41-9. [PMID: 26553757 DOI: 10.1113/ep085518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital; Xinjiang Medical University; Urumqi 830054 China
| | - Yanmei Lu
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital; Xinjiang Medical University; Urumqi 830054 China
| | - Juan Sun
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital; Xinjiang Medical University; Urumqi 830054 China
| | - Xianhui Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital; Xinjiang Medical University; Urumqi 830054 China
| | - Baopeng Tang
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital; Xinjiang Medical University; Urumqi 830054 China
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Left-sided Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation Suppresses Atrial Fibrillation by Upregulating Atrial Gap Junctions in Canines. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2015; 66:593-9. [DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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41
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Wang HT, Xu M, Fan B, Liu XT, Su FF, Zeng D, Ren J, Zheng QS. Low-Level Electrical Stimulation of Aortic Root Ventricular Ganglionated Plexi Attenuates Autonomic Nervous System–Mediated Atrial Fibrillation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2015; 1:390-397. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Konecny T, Geske JB, Ludka O, Orban M, Brady PA, Abudiab MM, Albuquerque FN, Placek A, Kara T, Sahakyan KR, Gersh BJ, Tajik AJ, Allison TG, Ommen SR, Somers VK. Decreased exercise capacity and sleep-disordered breathing in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Chest 2015; 147:1574-1581. [PMID: 25633371 DOI: 10.1378/chest.14-1498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanisms of decreased exercise capacity in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are not well understood. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a highly prevalent but treatable disorder in patients with HCM. The role of comorbid SDB in the attenuated exercise capacity in HCM has not been studied previously. METHODS Overnight oximetry, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and echocardiographic studies were performed in consecutive patients with HCM seen at the Mayo Clinic. SDB was considered present if the oxygen desaturation index (number of ≥ 4% desaturations/h) was ≥ 10. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) (the most reproducible and prognostic measure of cardiovascular fitness) was then correlated with the presence and severity of SDB. RESULTS A total of 198 patients with HCM were studied (age, 53 ± 16 years; 122 men), of whom 32% met the criteria for the SDB diagnosis. Patients with SDB had decreased VO2 peak compared with those without SDB (16 mL O2/kg/min vs 21 mL O2/kg/min, P < .001). SDB remained significantly associated with VO2 peak after accounting for confounding clinical variables (P < .001) including age, sex, BMI, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease. CONCLUSIONS In patients with HCM, the presence of SDB is associated with decreased VO2 peak. SDB may represent an important and potentially modifiable contributor to impaired exercise tolerance in this unique population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Konecny
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; St. Anne's University Hospital, International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Ondrej Ludka
- St. Anne's University Hospital, International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic; Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Orban
- St. Anne's University Hospital, International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), Brno, Czech Republic; Center for Cardiovascular and Transplant Surgery (CKTCH), Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | - Alexander Placek
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Tomas Kara
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic; Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Virend K Somers
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; St. Anne's University Hospital, International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), Brno, Czech Republic.
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Spinal cord stimulation suppresses focal rapid firing-induced atrial fibrillation by inhibiting atrial ganglionated plexus activity. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2015; 64:554-9. [PMID: 25165998 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was designed to demonstrate that spinal cord stimulation (SCS) could suppress high-frequency stimulation (HFS)-induced focal atrial fibrillation (AF) at atrial and pulmonary vein (PV) sites by inhibiting atrial ganglionated plexus (GP) activity. METHODS Multielectrode catheters were attached to atria and all PV sites. SCS was performed at the T1-T5 spinal region for 1 hour. At the baseline state and the end of 1 hour of SCS, 40 milliseconds of HFS was delivered 2 milliseconds after atrial pacing to determine the AF threshold at each site. One electrode was attached to the superior left GP so that HFS to this site induced sinus rate slowing. Microelectrodes inserted into the anterior right GP recorded neural firing. RESULTS SCS induced a significant increase in AF threshold at all sites (all P < 0.05). The sinus rate slowing response induced by superior left GP stimulation was blunted by SCS (17% ± 3.6% vs. 39% ± 3.8%, P < 0.05). The frequency (32 ± 4 vs. 87 ± 6 impulses per minute, P < 0.05) and amplitude (0.16 ± 0.02 vs. 0.42 ± 0.04 mv, P < 0.05) of the neural activity recorded from the anterior right GP were markedly inhibited by SCS. CONCLUSIONS SCS may prevent episodic AF caused by rapid PV and non-PV firing through modulating GP activity.
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Chen M, Yu L, Liu Q, Jiang H, Zhou S. Vagus nerve stimulation: A spear role or a shield role in atrial fibrillation? Int J Cardiol 2015; 198:115-6. [PMID: 26184434 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.06.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mingxian Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lilei Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qiming Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shenghua Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Matene E, Vinet A, Jacquemet V. Dynamics of atrial arrhythmias modulated by time-dependent acetylcholine concentration: a simulation study. Europace 2015; 16 Suppl 4:iv11-iv20. [PMID: 25362160 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euu255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The autonomic nervous system modulates atrial activity, notably through acetylcholine (ACh) release. This time-dependent action may alter the dynamics of atrial arrhythmia. Our aim is to investigate in a computer model the changes induced by ACh release and degradation on the dynamical regime of a reentry. METHODS AND RESULTS A functional reentry was simulated in a 10 × 5 cm(2) two-dimensional tissue with canine atrial membrane kinetics including an ACh-dependent K(+) current. The local ACh concentration was altered over time in a circular region following a predefined spatiotemporal profile (ACh release and degradation) characterized by its maximum ACh level, time constant of release/degradation, and diameter of the region. Phase singularities were tracked to monitor the complexity of the dynamics. Four scenarios were identified: (i) the original reentry remained stable; (ii) repolarization gradients induced by ACh release caused wavebreaks, resulting in a transient complex dynamics that spontaneously converted to a single stable reentry; (iii) the reentry self-terminated through wavebreaks and wavefront interactions; (4) wavebreaks led to a complex dynamics that converted to two or three reentries that remained stable after ACh degradation. Higher ACh level, short ACh release time constant, larger heterogeneous region, and short distance between the heterogeneous region and the spiral tip were associated with higher occurrence of ACh-induced wavebreaks. CONCLUSION Variation of ACh concentration over time may modulate the complexity of atrial arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elhacene Matene
- Centre de Recherche, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, 5400, boul. Gouin Ouest, Montreal, QC, Canada H4J 1C5 Département de Physiologie Moléculaire et Intégrative, Institut de Génie Biomédical, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada H3T 1J4
| | - Alain Vinet
- Centre de Recherche, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, 5400, boul. Gouin Ouest, Montreal, QC, Canada H4J 1C5 Département de Physiologie Moléculaire et Intégrative, Institut de Génie Biomédical, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada H3T 1J4
| | - Vincent Jacquemet
- Centre de Recherche, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, 5400, boul. Gouin Ouest, Montreal, QC, Canada H4J 1C5 Département de Physiologie Moléculaire et Intégrative, Institut de Génie Biomédical, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada H3T 1J4
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Stavrakis S, Humphrey MB, Scherlag BJ, Hu Y, Jackman WM, Nakagawa H, Lockwood D, Lazzara R, Po SS. Low-level transcutaneous electrical vagus nerve stimulation suppresses atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol 2015; 65:867-75. [PMID: 25744003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2014.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Revised: 12/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcutaneous low-level tragus electrical stimulation (LLTS) suppresses atrial fibrillation (AF) in canines. OBJECTIVES This study examined the antiarrhythmic and anti-inflammatory effects of LLTS in humans. METHODS Patients with paroxysmal AF who presented for AF ablation were randomized to either 1 h of LLTS (n = 20) or sham control (n = 20). Attaching a flat metal clip onto the tragus produced LLTS (20 Hz) in the right ear (50% lower than the voltage slowing the sinus rate). Under general anesthesia, AF was induced by burst atrial pacing at baseline and after 1 h of LLTS or sham treatment. Blood samples from the coronary sinus and the femoral vein were collected at those time points and then analyzed for inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha and C-reactive protein, using a multiplex immunoassay. RESULTS There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. Pacing-induced AF duration decreased significantly by 6.3 ± 1.9 min compared with baseline in the LLTS group, but not in the control subjects (p = 0.002 for comparison between groups). AF cycle length increased significantly from baseline by 28.8 ± 6.5 ms in the LLTS group, but not in control subjects (p = 0.0002 for comparison between groups). Systemic (femoral vein) but not coronary sinus tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and C-reactive protein levels decreased significantly only in the LLTS group. CONCLUSIONS LLTS suppresses AF and decreases inflammatory cytokines in patients with paroxysmal AF. Our results support the emerging paradigm of neuromodulation to treat AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros Stavrakis
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Mary Beth Humphrey
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Benjamin J Scherlag
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Yanqing Hu
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Warren M Jackman
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Hiroshi Nakagawa
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Deborah Lockwood
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Ralph Lazzara
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Sunny S Po
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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Huang WA, Shivkumar K, Vaseghi M. Device-based autonomic modulation in arrhythmia patients: the role of vagal nerve stimulation. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2015; 17:379. [PMID: 25894588 DOI: 10.1007/s11936-015-0379-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) has shown promise as an adjunctive therapy for management of cardiac arrhythmias by targeting the cardiac parasympathetic nervous system. VNS has been evaluated in the setting of ischemia-driven ventricular arrhythmias and atrial arrhythmias, as well as a treatment option for heart failure. As better understanding of the complexities of the cardiac autonomic nervous system is obtained, vagal nerve stimulation will likely become a powerful tool in the current cardiovascular therapeutic armamentarium.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Huang
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, University of California, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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Dai M, Bao M, Liao J, Yu L, Tang Y, Huang H, Wang X, Huang C. Effects of low-level carotid baroreflex stimulation on atrial electrophysiology. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2015; 43:111-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s10840-015-9976-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Li S, Zhou X, Yu L, Jiang H. Low level non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation: A novel feasible therapeutic approach for atrial fibrillation. Int J Cardiol 2015; 182:189-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.12.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Kapa S, Callans DJ. Looking Beyond the Ablation Shore, Treating Atrial Fibrillation From Afar. J Am Coll Cardiol 2015; 65:876-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2014.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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