Investigating how vagal nerve stimulation can improve heart failure treatment

Afferent Mechanisms of Vagal Neuromodulation Therapy

NIH-funded research East Tennessee State University · NIH-11141910

This study is looking into how vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy can help improve heart failure by figuring out how it activates certain brain cells, with the goal of finding better ways to treat heart failure for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEast Tennessee State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Johnson City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11141910 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the mechanisms behind vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy, which is already approved for certain central nervous system disorders. The study aims to understand how VNS can activate specific neurons in the brain that may help improve heart failure outcomes. By examining the activation of these neurons and their pathways, the researchers hope to identify optimal conditions for VNS therapy. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatment protocols for heart failure.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from heart failure who may benefit from novel therapeutic approaches.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiovascular conditions or those who do not have heart failure may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with heart failure through enhanced vagal nerve stimulation techniques.

How similar studies have performed: While VNS therapy has shown promise in preclinical studies, large patient trials have had mixed results, indicating that this research could provide new insights into an area that has not yet achieved consistent success.

Where this research is happening

Johnson City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.