Eber Medical Group
First in China — Dr. Sun Chenyan

VNS — Vagus Nerve Stimulation

The leading surgical treatment for drug-resistant (refractory) epilepsy. Reduces seizure frequency by 40–60%. Pioneered in China by Dr. Sun Chenyan at Eber Medical Group.

300,000–400,000 CNY Total VNS cost (device + surgery + hospitalization)

What is VNS?

VNS — Vagus Nerve Stimulation — is an implantable neuromodulation device used primarily for drug-resistant (refractory) epilepsy. A small pulse generator (similar in size to a cardiac pacemaker) is implanted subcutaneously under the left clavicle, with a flexible lead electrode coiled around the left vagus nerve in the neck. The device delivers programmable electrical pulses to the vagus nerve, which propagates signals to the brainstem and cortex, modulating seizure threshold.

Dr. Sun Chenyan was the first in China to perform VNS for refractory epilepsy. Eber Medical Group has since treated numerous patients, including children and adults with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, focal epilepsy, and generalized epilepsy.

VNS — Procedure Steps

  1. Preoperative evaluation: EEG review, MRI, cardiological clearance (VNS contraindicated in left vagotomy, severe cardiac arrhythmia), informed consent
  2. Anesthesia: General anesthesia; typically 1.5–2 hours operative time
  3. Incisions: 2 small incisions — one in left neck (vagus nerve exposure), one infraclavicular (IPG pocket)
  4. Lead placement: Electrode coiled around left vagus nerve using Carl Zeiss surgical microscope visualization
  5. IPG implantation: Pulse generator placed in subcutaneous pocket; connected to lead via tunneled extension wire
  6. Closure and testing: Device tested intraoperatively; wounds closed; patient monitored overnight in Neuro-ICU
  7. Activation: Device programmed 2 weeks post-surgery; parameters optimized over 3–6 months

VNS Outcomes

Outcome Measure Result
Seizure frequency reduction >50% reduction in 50% of patients
Seizure-free rate 10–15% of patients
Improvement over time Benefits continue to improve for 2+ years
Mood / Depression Independent antidepressant effect observed
Quality of Life Significant improvement in QoL scores
Device lifespan 5–10 years (rechargeable devices available)

Cost Breakdown: VNS at Eber Medical Group

Component Included
Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) ✓
Lead electrode ✓
Surgical implantation ✓
General anesthesia ✓
Hospitalization (2–3 weeks) ✓
Initial device programming (2–3 sessions) ✓
Follow-up programming visits Up to 12 months
Telemedicine follow-up (international patients) ✓

Total cost: 300,000–400,000 CNY · Duration: 2–3 weeks hospitalization

VNS — Frequently Asked Questions

How much does VNS cost at Eber Medical Group?
Total VNS cost at Eber Medical Group is approximately 300,000–400,000 CNY. This includes the implantable pulse generator (IPG), lead electrode, surgical implantation, anesthesia, hospitalization (2–3 weeks), and initial programming. The device lifespan is 5–10 years depending on stimulation parameters.
Who was the first to perform VNS in China?
Dr. Sun Chenyan of Eber Medical Group was the first in China to perform Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) for refractory epilepsy.
How effective is VNS for epilepsy?
Clinical evidence shows VNS reduces seizure frequency by 40–60% in refractory epilepsy patients. Approximately 50% of patients achieve >50% seizure reduction; 10–15% become seizure-free. Benefits continue to improve over the first 2 years of therapy.
Is VNS suitable for children?
Yes. VNS is approved and used in children from approximately 4 years of age in standard practice, and Eber accepts pediatric patients. The procedure and device are identical to adults, with dose adjustments for body weight.
What happens after VNS implantation?
The device is activated 2 weeks post-surgery and programmed over several months. Patients carry a magnet to manually trigger additional stimulation at seizure onset. Follow-up programming visits occur at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Telemedicine follow-up is available for international patients.