- Vagus nerve stimulation, originally used to reduce seizures in epilepsy patients, is now under investigation for treatment-resistant depression.
- A device used for vagus nerve stimulation, the NeuroCybernetic Prosthesis (NCP) System, recently received Health Canada approval for use in treatment-resistant depression. It is still considered to be an 'investigational' device for this purpose by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- Only the results of a small, uncontrolled study have as yet been published in full. Results of a randomized, multi-centre trial should be available early in 2002.
- It is not yet clear which patients with major depression will respond to vagus nerve stimulation therapy and whether those who do so will sustain their response.
- The cost of the device and the disposable equipment used for implantation are estimated at 15,000 Canadian Dollars. Surgical and follow-up costs will incur additional expenses.