Auricular Vagal Neuromodulation and its Application in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Background: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) imbalance in heart failure (HF) creates a vicious cycle, excess sympathetic activity, and decreased vagal activity contributing to the worsening of HF. Low-intensity transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (taVNS) is well tolerated and opens new therapeutic possibilities.

Objectives: To hypothesize the applicability and benefit of taVNS in HF through intergroup comparison of echocardiography parameters, 6-minute walk test, Holter heart rate variability (SDNN and rMSSD), Minnesota quality of life questionnaire, and functional class by the New York Heart Association.

Auriculotherapy for Chronic Cervical Pain.

: Chronic cervical pain is a common and recurrent complaint. Auriculotherapy (AT) or ear acupuncture is an effective complementary method used for pain control, but only a few studies have evaluated this treatment for chronic cervical pain. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of AT to control chronic cervical pain and improve functional capacity.

Vagal Neuromodulation in Chronic Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of invasive vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Heart failure is characterized by autonomic nervous system imbalance and electrical events that can lead to sudden death. The effects of parasympathetic (vagal) stimulation in patients with HF are not well-established.