October 28, 2010Open Access
View Full PaperChronic vagus nerve stimulation: a new and promising therapeutic approach for chronic heart failure
Structured PICO
Does chronic vagus nerve stimulation improve quality of life and LV function safely in patients with chronic heart failure and severe systolic dysfunction?
P
Population
Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and severe systolic dysfunction
I
Intervention
Chronic vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
O
Outcome
Safety, tolerability, quality of life, and left ventricular (LV) function
Chronic vagus nerve stimulation appears to be a safe and tolerable novel therapeutic approach that may improve quality of life and LV function in patients with severe systolic heart failure, warranting further controlled trials.
Abstract
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.