Patent ID: 6341236
Filing Date: 2002-01-22
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
A method of controlling or preventing epileptic seizures comprising the steps of:(a) implanting a signal generator in a body; (b) implanting at least one electrode to be in communication with a vagus nerve of said body, including the step of implanting a first pair of electrodes, wherein the first pair includes an anode and a cathode, and wherein the anode is proximal to the heart relative to the cathode; (c) coupling said at least one electrode to said signal generator; (d) operating said signal generator to provide stimulation pulses to the vagus nerve via said at least one electrode; (e) generating a sensor signal indicative of a characteristic of a heart; and (f) regulating said stimulation pulses in response to said sensor signal, whereby epilepsy is treated.