First-in-human microelectrode recordings from the vagus nerve during clinical vagus nerve stimulation

Abstract

Introduction: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an effective treatment for people with drug-resistant epilepsy. However, its mechanisms of action are poorly understood, including which nerve fibers are activated in humans during VNS in typical clinical settings and which are required for clinical efficacy. In particular, there have been no intraneural recordings of vagus nerve fiber activation in awake humans undergoing chronic VNS. In this study, for the first time, we report recordings from the vagus nerve in this setting. Methods: The recordings were performed using a sterile tungsten microelectrode inserted percutaneously into the cervical vagus nerve under ultrasound guidance. The clinic..