Electric stimulation of the vagus nerve stimulation is a powerful emerging technique for managing a number of conditions, including chronic inflammatory diseases. Yet, while targeting biophysical mechanisms involved in inflammation, one can stimulate others that manifest in unpredictable side effects.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have invented a way of delivering electrical stimulation in a more targeted way, using an additional electrode that prevents some nerve activity while letting the stimulating electrode do its thing. The result is few side effects while achieving maximum therapy.
“We use an electrode with a kilohertz frequency that blocks unwanted nerve conduction in addition to the electrode that stimulates nerve activity,” explained study lead Robert Butera, a professor at Georgia Tech’s School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, in a press release. “We’ve arranged the two near each other, so the blocking electrode forces the stimulation from the stimulating electrode to only go in one direction.”
The technique doesn’t require much additional technology nor subjects the patient to more trauma, and the researchers believe can be easily integrated into existing surgical procedures. It has so far been tested on lab mice with positive results and due to its limited risk may soon be trialed on human patients.
Study in Scientific Reports: Kilohertz frequency nerve block enhances anti-inflammatory effects of vagus nerve stimulation…
Via: Georgia Tech…