Non-invasive Low-level Tragus Stimulation in Cardiovascular Diseases

Yunqiu Jiang, Sunny S Po, Faris Amil, Tarun W Dasari, Yunqiu Jiang, Sunny S Po, Faris Amil, Tarun W Dasari

Abstract

Low-level tragus stimulation (LLTS) is a non-invasive approach of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation. LLTS has applications in diseases of multiple systems, including epilepsy, depression, headache and potentially several cardiovascular diseases. LLTS has shown promising results in suppressing AF, alleviating post-MI ventricular arrhythmias and ischaemia-reperfusion injury along with improving diastolic parameters in heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF). Preliminary pilot clinical studies in patients with paroxysmal AF, HFpEF, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and acute MI have demonstrated promising results. The beneficial effects are likely secondary to favourable alteration of the sympathovagal imbalance. On-going exploratory work focused on underlying mechanisms of LLTS in cardiovascular disease states and larger scale clinical trials will shed more light on the non-invasive modulation of the neuro-immune axis.

Keywords: Arrhythmia; autonomic nervous system; neuromodulation; tragus.

Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Copyright © 2020, Radcliffe Cardiology.

Figures

Figure 1:. Low-level Tragus Stimulation
Figure 1:. Low-level Tragus Stimulation
Figure 2:. Innervation of the Auricular Skin
Figure 2:. Innervation of the Auricular Skin

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