Center for Pain and Stress Research today announced that its Dolphin vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device has received breakthrough approval from Health Canada—making it Canada’s first VNS therapy specifically intended for treating COVID-19.
As per the Health Canada authorisation letter, Dolphin Neurostim applied as a vagal nerve stimulator is authorised for emergency use in the acute treatment of adult patients with known or suspected COVID-19. More specifically, it is intended for those:
- Who are experiencing exacerbation of asthma-related dyspnoea and reduced airflow
- In whom approved drug therapies are not tolerated or provide insufficient symptom relief as assessed by their healthcare provider
Using non-invasive VNS applied to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN) during the COVID-19 pandemic can help with symptom relief.
According to Center for Pain and Stress Research, applications of the Dolphin VNS device include prevention, acute respiratory distress, and long-haul recovery from COVID-19. The Dolphin VNS kit comes with the Dolphin device, Vagal Up protocol manual, and instructions for at-home or clinical usage.
“There are no safety or effectiveness issues with regards to this expanded use,” the Health Canada authorisation letter notes.
