VNS Algorithm for Advanced Dosing

July 23, 2026 updated by: Fernando Vale

VNS Algorithm for Advanced Dosing: Example Guided Mode Titrations "The Augusta Way"

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the standard programming of the VNS device (Control) to a modified programming (Augusta Way) in adults with epilepsy. The main question it aims to answer is:

Does the modified programming of the VNS reduce seizures faster than the standard programming?

Participants in both groups will:

  1. Attend up to 3 study visits every 3 months for 2 years
  2. Answer questionnaires to assess quality of life and cognitive function
  3. Maintain a diary of seizure activity

Study Overview

Status

Recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

Little has changed in the last 10 years or more in regard to Vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) therapy programming parameters despite new technological advances. The goal of our study is to provide a comprehensive VNS dosing protocol which VNS programmers can refer to as the standard care of treatment escalation in patients with drug refectory epilepsy. Given the lack of newly published data regarding VNS system parameters, this study will allow epileptologists, general neurologists and neurosurgeons alike, access to an updated reference and model of VNS parameter escalation and treatment.

The investigators at Augusta University have developed a programming paradigm that appears to provide good clinical outcomes for VNS patients. The study will provide a comprehensive assessment of an experimental group ("the Augusta Way") programmed with a modified, more rapid titration paradigm developed at our site vs. "best clinical practice" (standard titration paradigm) control group of patients with VNS devices. The patients will be followed for at least 24 months post implantation. The study will assess safety of the new programming paradigm and will assess efficacy based upon seizure outcomes.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

80

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Locations

  • United States
    • Georgia
      • Augusta, Georgia, United States, 30912
        • Recruiting
        • Wellstar MCG Hospital
        • Contact:

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Subjects who are clinically determined to be candidates for VNS implantation for seizure control
  • Subject/legally authorized representative able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Subjects with VNS system treating pathologies other than drug refractory epilepsy or medical co-morbidities that prevent any surgical intervention

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Non-Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Augusta Way
Modified programming of VNS that provides rapid titration
Device: Rapid Titration VNS programming
Modified programming of VNS that provides rapid titration
Active Comparator: Control
Standard of care VNS programming
Device: Standard VNS programming
Standard of Care VNS programming

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Seizure Diary
Time Frame: From enrollment to end of participation at 2 years
A seizure diary is a personalized log used to record seizure activity, medication adherence, and potential triggers
From enrollment to end of participation at 2 years

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Fernando Vale

Collaborators

Augusta University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

August 1, 2025

Primary Completion (Estimated)

December 31, 2028

Study Completion (Estimated)

December 30, 2030

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

July 21, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 23, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

July 24, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

July 24, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 23, 2026

Last Verified

July 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • 2094518

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

Yes

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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