Vagal nerve stimulator

Last revised by Frank Gaillard on 12 Oct 2024

Vagal nerve stimulators, or vagus nerve stimulators (VNS), are implantable devices used to treat a number of conditions, although the mechanism of action has not been completely elucidated.

Vagal nerve stimulators are indicated in patients with 1-3:

The internal pulse generator is typically inserted below the left clavicle and the leads traverse towards the vagus nerve, typically the left, in the lower neck.

  • hoarse voice

  • throat pain

  • coughing

  • shortness of breath

  • muscle pain and/or paresthesias in areas supplied by the vagus nerve 

The differential is that of other implantable devices in the chest (however the lead course should be obvious) such as:

Cases and figures

  • Case 1
  • Case 2
  • Case 3
  • Case 4
  • Case 5
  • Case 6

Imaging differential diagnosis

  • Biventricular pacemaker
  • Automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD)
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