Chronic vagus nerve stimulation: a new and promising therapeutic approach for chronic heart failure

Eur Heart J. 2011 Apr;32(7):847-55. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehq391. Epub 2010 Oct 28.

Abstract

Aims: In chronic heart failure (CHF), reduced vagal activity correlates with increased mortality and acute decompensation. Experimentally, chronic vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) improved left ventricular (LV) function and survival; clinically, it is used for the treatment of drug-refractory epilepsy. We assessed safety and tolerability of chronic VNS in symptomatic CHF patients, using a novel implantable nerve stimulation system. The secondary goal was to obtain preliminary data on clinical efficacy.

Methods and results: This multi-centre, open-label phase II, two-staged study (8-patient feasibility phase plus 24-patient safety and tolerability phase) enrolled 32 New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II-IV patients [age 56 ± 11 years, LV ejection fraction (LVEF) 23 ± 8%]. Right cervical VNS with CardioFit (BioControl Medical) implantable system started 2-4 weeks after implant, slowly raising intensity; patients were followed 3 and 6 months thereafter with optional 1-year follow-up. Overall, 26 serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred in 13 of 32 patients (40.6%), including three deaths and two clearly device-related AEs (post-operative pulmonary oedema, need of surgical revision). Expected non-serious device-related AEs (cough, dysphonia, and stimulation-related pain) occurred early but were reduced and disappeared after stimulation intensity adjustment. There were significant improvements (P < 0.001) in NYHA class quality of life, 6-minute walk test (from 411 ± 76 to 471 ± 111 m), LVEF (from 22 ± 7 to 29 ± 8%), and LV systolic volumes (P = 0.02). These improvements were maintained at 1 year.

Conclusions: This open-label study shows that chronic VNS in CHF patients with severe systolic dysfunction may be safe and tolerable and may improve quality of life and LV function. A controlled clinical trial appears warranted.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00461019.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Chronic Disease
  • Exercise Test
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology
  • Heart Failure / therapy*
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Implantable Neurostimulators
  • Length of Stay
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prosthesis Implantation / methods
  • Stroke Volume
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation / adverse effects
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation / methods*

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT00461019