A method and system for providing electrical pulses to splanchnic nerve(s)
and/or around celiac ganglion for selective sympathetic stimulation of a
patient, to provide therapy for obesity or to induce weight loss
comprises implantable and external components. 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. The implanted system may also use a lead with one or more
electrode(s), for sympathetic nerve(s) modulation with 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.
