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Abstract

The heart rate of a patient with conditions such as chronic heart failure, ischemia, or acute myocardial infarction is reduced by electrically stimulating the right vagus nerve of the patient. A lead is implanted with electrodes in electrical communication with tissue proximate to the vagus nerve. A stimulator in electrical communication with the electrodes delivers electrical energy that stimulates the release of acetylcholine from the vagus nerve. The amount of energy may be determined in accordance with a difference between the patient's actual heart rate and a maximum target heart rate for the patient. Delivery of energy to the lead electrodes is preferably synchronized with the detection of a P-wave. Automatic adjustment of the target heart rate may be based on current day and/or time of day information, and patient physical activity. The voltage, pulse width, or number of pulses in the stimulation may be controlled.

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First Claim