OS 11-06 The effect of vagus nerve stimulation on arterial hypertension using active implantable device

Objective: The goal of this paper was to present the effects of the vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on a blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in arterial hypertension patient. Design and Method: The pilot study (SPM-005) was designed to evaluate the eficiancy and safety profile of the neurostimulation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathways using the active implantable device for the vagus nerve stimulation in rheumatoid arthritis patient. We investigated the VNS on the BP and HR in 68 years old female patient with a long-standing arterial hypertension and the lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide in a therapy. Her BMI was 25.4 This device that is surgically implantated under the skin provides the electrical impulses to the vagus nerve of the left side of the body. Results: The basic value of arterial hypertension under medication was within normal range. BP was 120/80 mmHg before implantation and HR was 72/min. Following immediate VNS, the BP raised to 140/90 mmHg and HR was 70/min. The 4 hours after VNS, BP was 130/70 mmHg and HR was 86/min. After 24 hours, BP was 160/100 mmHg and HR 80/min. On a day 7, BP was 130/80 mmHg and HR 74/min. Day 21, BP was 135/84 mmHg, and HR 83/min. Day 28, BP was 135/85 mmHg, and HR was 87/min. After 3 months, BP was 160/100 mmHg and HR 82/min. The Amlodipine 5 mg and Doxazosin 2 mg was added to ACE inhibitor and diuretics. After 6 months, BP was still high with a values of 170/95 mmHg and HR of 70/min. Doxazosin dosage was increased to 4 mm daily. One year after, BP was 130/80 mmHg and HR 72/min. Conclusions: There was a slight increase in a blood pressure following the first VNS, but not in a heart rate. No significant correlation betwen BP and HR was observed.