Effect of Vagal Nerve Stimulation on Gastric Motor Functions

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Depression; Epilepsy

• Registration Number: NCT06038929
• Lead Sponsor: Mayo Clinic

Brief Summary

The specific aim of this study is to compare simultaneous assessment of gastric emptying and gastric accommodation in response to a caloric meal In patients who have previously undergone activation of left cervical VNS for the treatment of medication-resistant depression. Our hypothesis is that cervical VNS increases gastric accommodation and accelerates gastric emptying compared to a bank of healthy control data.

Detailed Description

Objectives To compare simultaneous assessment of gastric emptying and gastric accommodation in response to the same caloric meal in patients who have undergone activation of left cervical Vagal Nerve Stimulation.

Design and Outcomes Single cohort study in 12 Vagus Nerve Stimulant-implanted subjects with drug-resistant depression, aged 18 years or older who were consented for the main VESPA REVEAL Common Study Protocol.

There is only 1 visit needed, with an average time commitment of 4.5 hours. Participants will have completed their planned VESPA REVEAL study visits Interventions and Duration In this single cohort study in 12 Vagus Nerve Stimulant-implanted subjects, each participant will undergo combined gastric emptying/accommodation test after completing the Visits required in CSP

Sample Size and Population

Sample size assessment. This will be based on results of the primary endpoints in our Mayo Clinic lab. We expect 80% power, α=0.05, assuming unpaired t-test analysis with n=12 in patients receiving VNS compared to the healthy control data (n=300 for both gastric emptying and gastric volume . Demonstrable differences (Table 1) will be based on the variation (SD) observed from our Mayo Clinic prior studies.

Table 1A. Effect size demonstrable for primary endpoints of interest, based on 80% power at α=0.05 (for n=12 with p-VNS): PRIMARY ANALYSIS

Response Meal SD Effect size detectable \[absolute (% of mean)\]

Fasting gastric volume, mL 273 57 471mL (17.3%)

Postmeal gastric volume, mL 848 111 92mL (10.8%)

GE of solids T1/2, min 122 29.8 24.7 min (20.2%)

In addition, these effect sizes are feasible in response to vagal intervention, whether it turns out to be stimulatory or inhibitory, and a 26-minute difference in GE T1/2 is clinically significant, as documented in a published meta-regression from our research team.

Human subjects. Participants will be recruited primarily from the University of Minnesota (90-minute drive away). With only limited added burden on participants, who will previously have undergone placement of vagal nerve stimulator. There is only 1 total visits needed, with an average time commitment of 4.5 hours.

The patients will have undergone placement of the VNS for clinical indications.

The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of this treatment on gastric functions, rather than any therapeutic intent, or the development of a new indication to be submitted to regulatory agencies for an additional therapeutic indication. Therefore, it is perceived that an application for an investigational device exemption (IDE) is not required.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2023-09-10
• Study First Submitted QC: 2023-09-14
• Study First Posted: 2023-09-15
• Status Verified: 2025-07
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-07-03
• Last Update Posted: 2025-07-09
• Study Start: 2025-09-01
• Primary Completion: 2027-07-31
• Study Completion: 2027-12-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 16

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

GENERAL criteria

1. Participant has a prior implantable stimulation device other than a VNS device for the clinical indication of refractory focal Epilepsy or for depression.
2. Participant currently uses or during the study is expected to use short-wave diathermy, microwave, diathermy, or therapeutic ultrasound diathermy.
3. Participant has a diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder as defined by DSM-5 without sustained remission of 12 months or longer.
4. Patient participated in another drug or device trial within the preceding 30 days (other than REVEAL studies).
5. Participant has been hospitalized for a psychiatric condition within the preceding 6 months or has had a history of psychosis within the preceding two years (excluding post-ictal psychosis).
6. Participant has experienced unprovoked status epilepticus in the preceding year.
7. Participant is not able or willing to use their dominant arm, or either upper arm circumference is greater than 50 cm.
8. Any other clinical reasons deemed by the investigators of the study for which the participant would not be an appropriate candidate for the study, such as peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud's phenomenon, orthostatic hypotension (OH), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), uncontrolled obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or uncontrolled diabetes or pregnancy
9. Participant with vocal cord paralysis
10. Participant cannot speak and read English.
11. Participant is pregnant.
12. Prohibited Therapy During Study Period: We will exclude patients on immunosuppressants, beta blockers, anticholinergics, and clonidine. Consultation with primary providers and amending some of these therapies may be allowed only if clinically indicated. In that case, participants will have to be stable on their new medication for at least one month prior to implant.
13. A body weight of over 350 pounds or 159 kilograms due to equipment limitations used in the measurements of gastric accommodation and emptying.
14. An inability to eat eggs whether due to an allergy, intolerance, or strong dislike. The gastric emptying test meal contains eggs that are labeled with radioisotope. Other food substitutions for the toast, butter and milk may be made only if prior approval is given by Dr. Camilleri.
15. Any other factor that may impact participant safety or compliance as per PI.

Since participants with pVNS will be recruited from the CSP study at U Minnesota, it is important to specify the inclusion and exclusion criteria for participants with drug-resistant epilepsy or drug-resistant depression who entered the CSP study:

Inclusion Criteria for Participants With Major Depressive Disorder That Have a Previously Implanted VNS Device

1. Participant must be at least 18 years old.
2. Participant must have the capacity to provide written informed consent and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) authorization.
3. Participant must be enrolled in an active health insurance plan that will cover the costs associated with standard health care services and injuries.
4. Participant must have been previously implanted with a VNS device for the clinical indication of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
5. Participant must have a score on the baseline administration of the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) of ≥ 22.
6. Participant must be able and willing to complete the evaluations and procedures described in the study protocol.
7. Participant must be able and willing to follow the stipulations regarding concomitant medications and excluded medications described in section 5.3 of the study protocol.
8. Participant that is of childbearing potential must be adequately protected from conception or willing to use an acceptable method of birth control over the entire study duration (acceptable birth control includes abstinence, barrier methods, hormonal methods, sterilization and fertility awareness).

Exclusion Criteria for Participants With Major Depressive Disorder That Have a Previously Implanted VNS Device

1. Participant has a prior implantable stimulation device, other than a VNS device for the clinical indication of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
2. Participant currently uses or is expected during the study to use short-wave diathermy, microwave, diathermy, or therapeutic ultrasound diathermy.
3. Participant is judged by the investigator to be acutely suicidal (e.g. has made specific plans or preparations to commit suicide or as indicated by the Sheehan Suicidality Tracking Scale) within the last 30 days prior to study enrollment.
4. Participant has made a suicide attempt within the previous 6 months from study enrollment.
5. Participant has a history of one or more schizophrenia-spectrum or other psychotic disorders including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, or a current or lifetime major depressive episode that includes psychotic features (commonly referred to as psychotic depression) according to the MINI criteria.
6. Participant has a history of significant borderline or severe personality disorder as determined by clinical judgment.
7. Participant has an active primary diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive, eating, or post-traumatic stress disorder based on the MINI criteria.
8. Participant has a diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder as defined by DSM-5 without sustained remission of 12 months or longer.
9. Participant has a presence of any type of dementia, major neurocognitive disorder, or cognitive or psychiatric deficit as determined by clinical judgment.
10. Participant has a history of rapid cycling bipolar disorder I or II.
11. Participant currently receives treatment with another investigational device or investigational drug other than the REVEAL study (or a REVEAL ancillary project or sub-study) or has participated in another drug or device trial within the preceding 30 days before enrollment.
12. Participant is not able or willing to use their dominant arm, or either upper arm circumference is greater than 50 cm.
13. Participant does not speak English.
14. Participant is pregnant.
15. Any other clinical reasons deemed by the investigators of the study for which the participant would not be an appropriate candidate for the study, such as peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud's phenomenon, orthostatic hypotension (OH), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), uncontrolled obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or uncontrolled diabetes.

Inclusion Criteria for Participants With Drug Resistant Epilepsy That Have a Previously Implanted VNS Device

1. Participant must be at least 18 years old.
2. Participant must have the capacity to provide written informed consent and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) authorization.
3. Participant must be enrolled in an active health insurance plan that will cover the costs associated with standard health care services and injuries.
4. Participant must have been previously implanted with a VNS device for the clinical indication of drug resistant epilepsy.
5. Participant has not had demonstrable benefit from the implanted VNS device in terms of epilepsy (seizure frequency or seizure severity) or related epilepsy comorbidities (mood, cognition, quality of life), with no definite improvement or suboptimal improvement in seizure control.
6. Apart from epilepsy, the participant should be medically and neurologically stable.
7. Participant must be able and willing to complete the evaluations and procedures described in the study protocol.
8. Participant must be able and willing to follow the stipulations regarding concomitant medications and excluded medications described in section 5.3 of the study protocol.
9. Participant that is of childbearing potential must be adequately protected from conception or willing to use an acceptable method of birth control over the entire study duration (acceptable birth control includes abstinence, barrier methods, hormonal methods, sterilization and fertility awareness).

Exclusion Criteria for Participants With Drug Resistant Epilepsy That Have a Previously Implanted VNS Device

1. Participant has demonstrable benefit from implanted VNS device in terms of epilepsy (seizure frequency or seizure severity) or epilepsy comorbidity (mood, cognition, or quality of life), with seizure freedom or clinical benefit.
2. Participant has a prior implantable stimulation device, other than a VNS device for the clinical indication of refractory focal Epilepsy.
3. Participant currently uses or is expected during the study to use short-wave diathermy, microwave, diathermy, or therapeutic ultrasound diathermy.
4. Participant has been hospitalized for a psychiatric condition within the preceding 6 months or has had a history of psychosis within the preceding two years (excluding postictal psychosis).
5. Participant has experienced unprovoked status epilepticus in the preceding year.
6. Participant has a diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder as defined by DSM-5 without sustained remission of 12 months or longer.
7. Participant currently receives treatment with another investigational device or investigational drug other than the REVEAL study (or a REVEAL ancillary project or sub-study) or has participated in another drug or device trial within the preceding 30 days before enrollment.
8. Participant is not able or willing to use their dominant arm, or either upper arm circumference is greater than 50 cm.
9. Participant does not speak English.
10. Participant is pregnant.
11. Any other clinical reasons deemed by the investigators of the study for which the participant would not be an appropriate candidate for the study, such as peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud's phenomenon, orthostatic hypotension (OH), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), uncontrolled obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or uncontrolled diabetes.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Gastric emptying T1/2	during 4 hour gastric emptying test	time to empty 50% of the whole stomach contents
Gastric accommodation	during first 1 hour of gastric emptying test	gastric delta volume (postprandial minus fasting) for the whole stomach

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Fasting whole volume volume	baseline	volume of whole stomach before ingestion of meal
Gastric emptying 25%	1 day (during gastric emptying test)	time to empty 25% of the whole stomach
Gastric emptying at 2 hours	2 hours (during gastric emptying test)	% emptied from the whole stomach at 2h
Gastric emptying lag time	1 day (during gastric emptying test)	time to empty 10% of the whole stomach
Gastric emptying at 4 hours	4 hours (during gastric emptying test)	% emptied from the whole stomach at 4h
Fasting proximal gastric volume	baseline	volume of proximal half of stomach before ingestion of meal
Postprandial whole gastric volume	10-30 minutes after meal ingestion	volume of whole stomach 10-30 minutes after ingestion of meal
Postprandial proximal gastric volume	10-30 minutes after meal ingestion	volume of proximal half of stomach 10-30 minutes after ingestion of meal

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

University of Minnesota; 🇺🇸 Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Mayo Clinic in Rochester; 🇺🇸 Rochester, Minnesota, United States