Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Heart Failure

概要

論文の詳細を見る
Despite significant progress in heart failure (HF) therapeutics in the past quarter century, HF remains a major cause of illness and death. And the disease prevalence is rising with the rapidly aging of the population. Thus, new treatments are needed to halt and reverse the devastating consequences of HF. Autonomic imbalance, characterized by sympathetic activation and vagal withdrawal, is involved in the development and progression of HF. Previous clinical studies indicate that diminished cardiac vagal activity and increased heart rate predict a high mortality rate in patients with HF. Experimental and clinical studies support the use of pharmacologic agents that inhibit sympathetic activity as effective lomg-term therapy for patients with HF. In contrast, modulation of vagal activity as potential therapy for HF has received only limited attention over the years. In 2004, we have reported the effects of VNS on HF in rats. Rats developed HF after myocardial infarction and were randomized to VNS and sham stimulated groups. A significant improvement of left ventricular function and survival rate from 50% to 86% compared to sham stimulated animals was observed after 140 days. In this presentation, we will review the results of recent experimental studies that support for the possibility of VNS as a long-term therapy for HF. We will also discuss present challenges and future directions of VNS therapy for HF.
日本不整脈学会の論文