VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION SCREENING TEST

摘要

A diagnostic screening test can be used to identify candidates for implantable vagus nerve stimulation devices. An analyte, such as a cytokine or inflammatory molecule, can be measured both before and after vagus nerve stimulation in order to determine the responsiveness of the patient. VNS can be delivered noninvasively or minimally invasively using short term electrical or mechanical stimulation.

主权项

1. A method for screening a patient for responsiveness to vagus nerve stimulation, the method comprising:
measuring a baseline level of an analyte; stimulating the vagus nerve after the step of measuring the baseline level of the analyte; measuring a post stimulation level of the analyte; comparing the post stimulation level of the analyte to the baseline level of the analyte; and determining whether the patient is a suitable candidate for an implantable vagus nerve stimulation device based on the step of comparing the post stimulation level of the analyte to the baseline level of the analyte.