Treating heart failure by targeting the vagus nerve

Figures

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  Fig. 1. Heart rate variability in a healthy individual vs. a patient with chronic heart failure. As shown in the RR series, the patient with chronic heart failure (CHF) showed a significant reduction in either circadian or beat-to-beat heart rate variability (HRV)

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  Fig. 2. Clinical and prognostic significance of baroreflex sensitivity in patients with chronic heart failure. Abnormal baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is frequently (36%) observed in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) patients (n = 267), in which it is associated with functional impairment, lower heart rate variability, and a higher risk of cardiac death [9]

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  Fig. 3. Microneurography recording of the vagus nerve. A tungsten microelectrode is inserted into the dorsolateral cervical region (A). Ultrasound guidance allows for the identification of the vagus nerve among muscular and vascular cervical structures (B). Direct visualization of the microelectrode through the probe allows for its precise direction toward the vagus nerve area, while avoiding vascular structures. CCA common carotid artery, ICA internal carotid artery, IJV internal jugular vein

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  Fig. 4. Vagal dysfunction as a therapeutic target in patients with chronic heart failure. Although different approaches have been already tested to improve vagal cardiovascular control in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), no specific treatment has entered the clinical scenario so far. BRS baroreflex sensitivity, HRV heart rate variability, LVEF left ventricular ejection fraction, NT-proBNP N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, NYHA New York Health Association. Created with BioRender.com