A method and system of providing electrical pulses to vagal nerve(s) using
rechargeable implantable pulse generator for stimulation and/or blocking
to provide therapy for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders
comprises implantable and external components. These disorders include
(but are not limited to) epilepsy, partial complex epilepsy, generalized
epilepsy, and involuntary movement disorders such as in Parkinson's
disease, depression, bipolar depression, schizophrenia, anxiety
disorders, neurogenic/psycogenic pain, compulsive eating disorders,
obesity, obsessive compulsive disorders, dementia including Alzheimer's
disease, sleep disorders, learning difficulties, migraines and cardiac
disorders such as atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure (CHF).
The implantable components are a lead and an 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 implanted stimulus-receiver is 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 vagal nerve
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 vagus nerve(s) modulation with selective
stimulation and/or blocking.
