Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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This study introduces EMPATIC (Electro-Modulation of PAncreaTic Islet Cells), a miniaturized intraneural device designed for transversal insertion into small nerves with a mean diameter of 400 μm. EMPATIC aims to modulate glucose tolerance through intraneural vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in rats. ⋯ EMPATIC treatment is effective in hyperglycemic conditions after glucose intake. No significant effects were observed when VNS was applied under fasting conditions. This study indicated the suitability of applying thin-film intrafascicular electrodes for transversal insertion into small nerves (mean diameter of 400 μm), which, to the best of our knowledge, represents an advancement over the state of the art. It also establishes the feasibility of investigating neural pathways related to glucose homeostasis using invasive intraneural electrodes in the right cervical vagus nerve of rats.
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Cochlear implants are an established and proved method for auditory rehabilitation. In addition, neuromodulation systems for treating severe movement and pain disorders are gaining importance. To date, there is limited information regarding the concurrent use of the various implanted systems and potential electromagnetic interferences. In this case series, we assess the simultaneous use of cochlear implants and neuromodulation systems such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) and peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) on the basis of three retrospectively investigated case reports from our clinic. ⋯ This case series shows that the simultaneous use of cochlear implants and other neuromodulation systems seems possible without complications and disruptive interactions.
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This study aimed to characterize the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) motor response provoked during sacral neuromodulation (SNM) programming, determining its utility in improving therapy delivery. ⋯ A clear correlation was found between therapy efficacy and PFM motor response elicited by unilateral sacral spinal nerve stimulation, linking lead placement and SNM outcome. Responders presented with lower MTs, lower MT-STs, higher compound muscle action potentials, and higher continuous activation of their PFM at subsensory stimulation levels than did nonresponders.
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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) relieves motor symptoms, including levodopa-responsive gait disorders in Parkinson's disease (PD). Traditionally, STN-DBS is not indicated to treat severe, clinically resistant axial symptoms. In this scenario, field H1 of Forel (FF) stimulation (FF-DBS) is likely a feasible option, given it improves motor symptoms, including freezing of gait (FOG), as shown by a short-term study. However, no data are available about the long-term effects of this therapy. Finally, no study has compared the long-term effects of FF and STN-DBS. ⋯ Both FF-DBS and STN-DBS relieved motor symptoms and improved quality of life over a long-term period. Patients with FF-DBS had a higher reduction in both FOG and in LED than did those with STN-DBS. These data support our hypothesis that FF-DBS is a safe and efficient option for treating motor symptoms in PD, including FOG in advanced stages.
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Transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) is a novel, noninvasive neuromodulation technique to modulate deep brain neural activity. Despite its potential, direct electrophysiological evidence of tTIS effects remains limited. This study investigates the impact of tTIS on local field potentials (LFPs) in the deep brain using minipigs implanted with deep brain electrodes. ⋯ These findings indicate that tTIS can regulate LFP changes in the deep brain, highlighting its potential as a promising tool for future noninvasive neuromodulation applications.