How is a vagus nerve stimulation device installed?

Vagus nerve stimulation surgery is relatively simple and minimally invasive. Because it's not open-cranial surgery, the risks and complications are relatively lower.

 

Currently, everyone has a left and right vagus nerve. The right vagus nerve may have a greater impact on heart rate. Generally, vagus nerve stimulation is performed primarily on the left cervical vagus nerve. Therefore, the surgery typically involves two incisions: one in the neck, where the positive and negative electrodes of the vagus nerve electrode are attached and fixed to the cervical vagus nerve.

 

An electronic pulse generator, connected to a battery, is usually installed on the left side of the chest, below the clavicle, or in some cases, along the anterior axillary line. The electronic pulse generator is connected to the stimulation electrodes via a subcutaneous tunnel. After installation, it's usually activated via remote control about one to two weeks post-surgery, allowing the vagus nerve stimulator to begin normal operation.