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Abstract

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.

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First Claim