Importance

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Abstract

Method and system to provide therapy for obesity and gastrointestinal disorders such as FGIDs, gastroparesis, gastro-esophageal reflex disease (GERD), pancreatitis and ileus comprises vagal blocking and/or vagal stimulation, utilizing implanted and external components. Vagal blocking may be in the afferent or efferent direction, and may be with or without selective stimulation. Blocking may be provided by one of a number of different electrical blocking techniques. The implantable components are a lead and an implantable pulse generator (IPG), comprising re-chargeable 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. In another embodiment, the implanted pulse generator is adapted to be rechargeable, utilizing inductive coupling with an external recharger. Existing nerve stimulators may also be adapted to be used with rechargeable power sources as disclosed herein. The implanted system comprises a lead with two or more electrodes, for vagus 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.

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First Claim