Researchers at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research have unveiled a novel method for vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) that enhances control over nerve fibre activation.
The breakthrough, published in Nature Communications, could lead to more effective and personalised treatments for chronic diseases.
The study, led by Dr. Stavros Zanos, introduces intermittent, interferential sinusoidal current stimulation (i2CS).
The new technique employs short bursts of high-frequency electrical currents to selectively activate specific nerve fibres within the vagus nerve.
The research was conducted in collaboration with imec, a hub for innovation in nanoelectronics and digital technologies.
The i2CS method precisely targets specific fibre populations using temporal interference, where two different high-frequency currents are delivered through separate contacts.
The research also included anatomical studies and computational modelling of the vagus nerve, revealing its complex fascicular organisation.
Dr. Zanos leads a team at the Feinstein Institutes mapping the microscopic anatomy of 60 human vagus nerves.
Zanos said: “This is a significant step towards personalized bioelectronic medicine.
“This i2CS treatment gives us the ability to fine-tune nerve stimulation, activating fibres that produce desired therapeutic effects from selected organs, while minimizing the activation of those fibres responsible for side effects.
“This could lead to new and more effective treatments, with fewer side effects for patients.”
The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research is a leader in bioelectronic medicine, which integrates molecular medicine, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering.
Researchers there are developing device-based therapies to treat diseases and injuries by targeting neural pathways.
Building on the research, Feinstein Institutes’ researchers have identified neural targets for neuromodulation devices to control immune responses and inflammation.
Effective inflammation control could improve treatment for diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.
In addition to inflammation, Feinstein Institutes’ researchers are developing brain-computer interfaces to help people with paralysis regain sensation and limb use.
Feinstein Institutes Karches Family Distinguished Chair in Medical Research president and CEO Kevin Tracey said: “Dr. Zanos and his team are at the forefront of pioneering techniques like i2CS to precisely activate vagus nerve fibres.
“This level of precision opens up new opportunities for VNS systems to maximise their therapeutic potential.”
