Has anyone ever heard of a vagal nerve stimulator for treatment resistant depression?

Yes: Vns may be used to treat seizures or depression. Insurance only covers its exorbitant cost for treatment of seizures ($30k). The vagus nerve seems to have connections throughout the brain so by stimulating it, you may in turn stimulate many different brain areas. It's thought this relieves depression. About 1/3 of the most severe cases of depression get better w/ this treatment.

VNS for dep: Yes. I've heard of it, been to a conference on it, and heard dinner programs about it. It is exorbitantly expensive and was considered the end of the line treatment for depression a few years back. In my opinion, tms and some of the newer agents may work just as well.