Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Patients Undergoing Electrophysiological Study

Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Patients Undergoing Electrophysiological Study (VNS-EPS)

The Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Patients Undergoing Electrophysiological Study is a single center, pilot, prospective study that aims at evaluating the effects of auricular vagus nerve stimulation (aVNS) on the human cardiac conduction system.

The Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Patients Undergoing Electrophysiological Study is a single center, pilot, prospective study that aims at evaluating the effects of auricular vagus nerve stimulation (aVNS) on the human cardiac conduction system. In this study, we will enroll 10 healthy individuals presenting to the electrophysiology laboratory for an electrophysiological study (EPS). Patients will undergo a standard EPS with 4 catheters (coronary sinus catheter, His catheter, right ventricular catheter, and right atrial catheter). Following the standard EPS, patients will be hooked up a Parasym device to provide transcutaneous electrical stimulation to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Primary indication for EPS for the evaluation of cardiac conduction system or supraventricular tachycardia.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous EPS with ablation
• Previous failed ablation
• Known conduction system disease, right or left bundle branch block on EKG
• Pregnant women
• History of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
• Patients who have had prior cervical vagotomy
• Patients with skin on the tragus that is broken or cracked
• Patients with a history of baseline cardiac disease or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including congestive heart failure (CHF), known severe coronary artery disease or recent myocardial infarction (within 5 years) and patients diagnosed with narrowing of the arteries (carotid atherosclerosis)
• Patients with an active implantable medical device, such as a cardiac pacemaker, hearing aid implant, or any implanted metallic, implanted vagus nerve stimulator or electronic device.