The vagus nerve stimulator (SetPoint System) is still very new — it only received FDA approval recently and is just beginning to roll out in select U.S. cities in 2025, with wider availability expected in 2026. So firsthand member experiences are not yet widely available to share.
Here's what is known from clinical trials so Show Full Answer
The vagus nerve stimulator (SetPoint System) is still very new — it only received FDA approval recently and is just beginning to roll out in select U.S. cities in 2025, with wider availability expected in 2026. So firsthand member experiences are not yet widely available to share.
Here's what is known from clinical trials so far:
- The implant is about the size of a vitamin tablet
- It's placed on the left vagus nerve in the neck through a small incision in an outpatient procedure
- It delivers just 60 seconds of gentle electrical stimulation once per day
- Nearly half of trial participants achieved low disease activity or remission after 12 months
- 75% were able to stay off a biologic or targeted DMARD for a full year As for side effects, around 5% of trial participants experienced hoarseness, and just under 2% had serious side effects, mostly in the first three months. These included risks typical of nerve surgery, like pain or infection at the implant site.
It's designed for people with moderate-to-severe RA who haven't responded well to biologics or JAK inhibitors. If this sounds like it could be an option, it's worth bringing up with a rheumatologist!
2 days ago
Join
Your Privacy Choices
