Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been shown to be beneficial in multiple studies including heart failure. The goal of this clinical investigation is to gain additional information about how vagus nerve stimulation relates to abnormal heart rhythms. The outcomes of this study will help researchers design new therapies for patients that have complex and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
This study is a non-randomized, prospective study in 6 patients with scar mediated ventricular arrhythmias who are scheduled to undergo a catheter ablation procedure. The study will last up to 30 minutes in the cardiac electrophysiology lab. Cervical VNS is performed percutaneously through the internal jugular vein during the patient's routine ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation procedure.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
5
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) will be performed percutaneously through the internal jugular vein during the patient's routine VT ablation procedure. The nerve will be stimulated using standard pacing systems used for clinical purposes. A series of stimulation frequencies and pulse widths will be used to define optimal effects and 'dosing'. Activation recovery interval (ARI) will be measured from the unipolar electrograms. In addition, heart rate and blood pressure responses will be continuously recorded.
UCLA Health
Los Angeles, California, United States
The change in ventricular action potential duration during stimulation compared to baseline in msec
Time frame: Up to 30 minutes or completion of the vagus nerve stimulation
The change in blood pressure during stimulation compared to baseline in mmHg.
Time frame: Up to 30 minutes or completion of the vagus nerve stimulation
The change in heart rate during stimulation compared to baseline in beats per minute
Time frame: Up to 30 minutes or completion of the vagus nerve stimulation
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