Relationship between right cervical vagus nerve stimulation and atrial fibrillation inducibility: Therapeutic intensities do not increase arrhythmogenesis

AF inducibility by right cervical VNS is intensity dependent: strong VNS (producing ≥60% SCL prolongation) facilitates AF, while moderate VNS (producing ≤40% SCL prolongation) appears not to affect AF. The nonarrhythmogenic effect of therapeutic chronic VNS was further verified in conscious animals. We conclude that VNS with moderate intensities can be used to deliver therapeutic benefits without arrhythmogenic risk.