At SIU Medicine, our researchers perform clinical trials and research studies with the aim of translating findings into new, more effective treatments.
The primary objective of this study is to determine whether active VNS Therapy treatment is superior to a no stimulation control in producing at least a 50% reduction in baseline depressive symptom severity, based on Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score, at 12 months from randomization.
The RECOVER study is a nationwide clinical trial that has been approved by Medicare to provide additional evidence for the benefits of Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Therapy. Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy is an FDA-approved device for treating patients with TRD (Treatment Resistant Depression). It is implanted in the left chest area during a short outpatient procedure. The device delivers mild, intermittently pulsed signals to the vagus nerve in the neck that activate various parts of the brain.
