In the context of heart failure, there is an autonomic imbalance characterized by increased sympathetic activity and decreased parasympathetic activity. This autonomic imbalance may contribute to the progression of heart failure symptoms. Preclinical studies showed benefits with vagal stimulation. The aim of this work was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the therapy system Cyberonics for vagal stimulation in patients with symptomatic heart failure. The primary end point was ventricular function at 6 months determined by the end-systolic volume, the end-systolic diameter, and ejection fraction. The vagal stimulation device was easy to implant, low complication and well tolerated, so the safety objective was achieved. Both left and right VNS were associated with improved cardiac function, improved functional class, and 6-minute walk. Controlled studies are needed to verify these results.
Inder Anand
2014-09-01
Original title: Autonomic regulation therapy for the improvement of left ventricular function and heart failure symptoms: The ANTHEM-HF Study.
