Auricular Stimulation Reduces Cardiac Postoperative AF Risk
By HospiMedica International staff writers Posted on 06 Nov 2019 |
Image: Graphical abstract of the study (Photo courtesy of Martin Andreas / MedUniWien).
A new study reveals that postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) complications could be halved by non-invasive electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve directly on the ear.
Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna (MedUniWien; Austria) conducted a randomized 1:1 study to examine the antiarrhythmic and anti-inflammatory effects of noninvasive low-level transcutaneous electrical stimulation (LLTS) of the greater auricular nerve in 40 patients slated for cardiac surgery. Following surgery, electrical stimulation electrodes were applied in the triangular fossa of the ear for up to two weeks. Heart rhythm was recorded continuously via Holter electrocardiogram (ECG), and C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 plasma concentrations were measured.
The results revealed that the patients receiving LLTS (amplitude one mA, frequency 1 Hz for 40 minutes, followed by a 20 minutes break) had a significantly reduced occurrence of POAF (4 of 20 events) when compared with the control group (11 of 20 events) during a similar mean Holter ECG recording period. The median duration of POAF was comparable between the treatment and the control group, and no effect of the LLTS application on CRP or IL-6 levels was detectable. The study was published on October 10, 2019, in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology.
“Electrical stimulation of the ear and the vagus nerve that sits on the surface there has a calming effect, in that we are stimulating the largest nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system and hence the corresponding antagonists,” said lead author Martin Andreas, MD, PhD, of the department of surgery. “This stimulation is given continuously in the first five days after an operation, when the risk of POAF is at its highest, and is then stopped, if everything goes well. The innovative product, from an Austrian company from Mauerbach, has already been successfully used for vascular occlusions.”
POAF occurs in up to 40% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Conventional viewpoints suggest that it is less likely to affect the survival of patients when compared with chronic AF, although it does slightly prolong the duration of hospital stay. However, newer reports suggest that POAF is also associated with a significantly higher incidence of various complications, including cardiovascular events, renal failure, infection, and cerebral infarction.
Related Links:
Medical University of Vienna
Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna (MedUniWien; Austria) conducted a randomized 1:1 study to examine the antiarrhythmic and anti-inflammatory effects of noninvasive low-level transcutaneous electrical stimulation (LLTS) of the greater auricular nerve in 40 patients slated for cardiac surgery. Following surgery, electrical stimulation electrodes were applied in the triangular fossa of the ear for up to two weeks. Heart rhythm was recorded continuously via Holter electrocardiogram (ECG), and C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 plasma concentrations were measured.
The results revealed that the patients receiving LLTS (amplitude one mA, frequency 1 Hz for 40 minutes, followed by a 20 minutes break) had a significantly reduced occurrence of POAF (4 of 20 events) when compared with the control group (11 of 20 events) during a similar mean Holter ECG recording period. The median duration of POAF was comparable between the treatment and the control group, and no effect of the LLTS application on CRP or IL-6 levels was detectable. The study was published on October 10, 2019, in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology.
“Electrical stimulation of the ear and the vagus nerve that sits on the surface there has a calming effect, in that we are stimulating the largest nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system and hence the corresponding antagonists,” said lead author Martin Andreas, MD, PhD, of the department of surgery. “This stimulation is given continuously in the first five days after an operation, when the risk of POAF is at its highest, and is then stopped, if everything goes well. The innovative product, from an Austrian company from Mauerbach, has already been successfully used for vascular occlusions.”
POAF occurs in up to 40% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Conventional viewpoints suggest that it is less likely to affect the survival of patients when compared with chronic AF, although it does slightly prolong the duration of hospital stay. However, newer reports suggest that POAF is also associated with a significantly higher incidence of various complications, including cardiovascular events, renal failure, infection, and cerebral infarction.
Related Links:
Medical University of Vienna
Latest Surgical Techniques News
- Miniaturized Implantable Multi-Sensors Device to Monitor Vessels Health
- Tiny Robots Made Out Of Carbon Could Conduct Colonoscopy, Pelvic Exam or Blood Test
- Miniaturized Ultrasonic Scalpel Enables Faster and Safer Robotic-Assisted Surgery
- AI Assisted Reading Tool for Small Bowel Video Capsule Endoscopy Detects More Lesions
- First-Ever Contact Force Pulsed Field Ablation System to Transform Treatment of Ventricular Arrhythmias
- Caterpillar Robot with Built-In Steering System Crawls Easily Through Loops and Bends
- Tiny Wraparound Electronic Implants to Revolutionize Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Small, Implantable Cardiac Pump to Help Children Awaiting Heart Transplant
- Gastrointestinal Imaging Capsule a Game-Changer in Esophagus Surveillance and Treatment
- World’s Smallest Laser Probe for Brain Procedures Facilitates Ablation of Full Range of Targets
- Artificial Intelligence Broadens Diagnostic Abilities of Conventional Coronary Angiography
- AI-Powered Surgical Visualization Tool Supports Surgeons' Visual Recognition in Real Time
- Cutting-Edge Robotic Bronchial Endoscopic System Provides Prompt Intervention during Emergencies
- Handheld Device for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery a Game Changer for Removal of High-Grade Glioma Brain Tumors
- Porous Gel Sponge Facilitates Rapid Hemostasis and Wound Healing
- Novel Rigid Endoscope System Enables Deep Tissue Imaging During Surgery