title: Vagus Nerve Modulation Using Focused Pulsed Ultrasound: Potential Applications and Preliminary Observations in a Rat.
abstract: The use of focused ultrasonic waves to modulate neural structures has gained recent interest due to its potential in treating neurological disorders non-invasively. While several papers have focused on the use of ultrasound neuromodulation on peripheral nerves, none of these studies have been performed on the vagus nerve. We present preliminary observations on the effects of focused pulsed ultrasound (FPUS) on the conduction of the left cervical vagus nerve of a Long Evans rat. Ultrasound energy was applied at a frequency of 1.1 MHz, and at spatial-peak, temporal average intensities that ranged from 13.6 to 93.4 W/cm2. Vagus nerve inhibition was observed in most cases. Results of this preliminary study suggested that there is a proportional relationship between acoustic intensity and the level of nerve inhibition.
authors.affiliation: Electrical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.
authors.forename: Eduardo J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Juan
authors.affiliation: Electrical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: González
authors.affiliation: Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.
authors.forename: Gabriel
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Albors
authors.affiliation: Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.
authors.forename: Matthew P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.affiliation: Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Irazoqui
keywords: acoustic neuromodulation; focused ultrasound; nerve modulation; vagus nerve