Method and system for providing electrical pulses to the gastric wall of a
patient to provide therapy for obesity/eating disorders comprises
implantable and external components. The implantable components are a
lead and rechargeable implantable pulse generator, comprising
rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-ion polymer battery. The external
components are a programmer and an external recharger. In one embodiment,
the implanted pulse generator may also comprise stimulus-receiver means,
and a pulse generator means with rechargeable battery. The rechargeable
implanted pulse generator of this embodiment is also adapted to work in
conjunction with an external stimulator. In another embodiment, the
implanted pulse generator is adapted to be rechargeable, utilizing
inductive coupling with an external recharger. Existing gastric
stimulators may also be adapted to be used with rechargeable power
sources as disclosed herein. The implanted system may also use a lead
with two or more electrodes, for selective stimulation and/or blocking.
In another embodiment, the external stimulator and/or programmer may
comprise an optional telemetry unit. The addition of the telemetry unit
to the external stimulator and/or programmer provides the ability to
remotely interrogate and change stimulation programs over a wide area
network, as well as other networking capabilities.
