Systematic Evaluation of VNS Parameters

This study will recruit adult participants with epilepsy who are undergoing planned surgery either for an initial implant of a vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device or for replacement of their VNS implanted pulse generator (IPG) due to battery depletion. The primary study goals are to measure the activation of the vagus nerve and the side effects of vagus nerve stimulation (neck muscle contractions, changes in heart rate) across a range of stimulation parameters typically used in VNS therapy for epilepsy. This mapping of the parameter space may inform future device programming to improve electrical activation of the vagus nerve and/or to reduce side effects. All study participants will be assigned to a single study group and will complete the same study procedures.

The research study will take place during VNS surgery. For participants undergoing a first VNS implant surgery, once the vagus nerve is exposed and before placing the VNS electrodes, the investigators may image the nerve with ultrasound. Mapping of the parameter space will then occur after placement of the cuff electrodes around the cervical vagus nerve for participants undergoing a first VNS implant surgery or removal of the IPG with the depleted battery for patients undergoing IPG replacement surgery. Temporary sterile extension wires will connect the implanted VNS electrode to the research stimulation system. Research procedures will involve stimulating the vagus nerve through the standard implanted clinical VNS electrodes over a range of stimulation parameters. At the same time, the investigators will record how changes in stimulation affect the activity of the vagus nerve (measured by electroneurogram (ENG)), the response of the neck and throat muscles (by electromyogram (EMG)) and the heart rate (by electrocardiogram (EKG)). Several stimulation trials will be conducted with different VNS parameters (pulse duration, pulse amplitude, and pulse repetition rate) delivered in randomized order. Stimulation parameters will be within the ranges used for clinical therapy and will not exceed those that produce a 25% reduction in heart rate. Measurements will be made during 10 to 60 second trials, in which stimulation will be off for the first section (baseline), on for the second section (responses to stimulation), and off for the final section (recovery). The stimulus waveform will be a charge-balanced biphasic pulse, with values of charge density (D) limited to values below the nondamaging limits that are well-established in literature.

Inclusion criteria

• adult epilepsy patients undergoing VNS electrode implantation or implanted pulse generator (IPG) replacement surgery
• in good health
• neurologically stable aside from epilepsy
• able to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• patients with another implanted electrical device (besides VNS)
• a history of heart conditions that the surgeon considers a contraindication to study participation