Apparatus and method for adjunct (add-on) therapy for pain syndromes utilizing an implantable lead and an external stimulator

摘要

An apparatus and method for adjunct (add-on) therapy of painful syndromes comprises an implantable lead-receiver, an external stimulator having controlling circuitry and a power source, and an coil to inductively couple the stimulator to the lead-receiver. The external patch contains means for compensating for the change in axis of external transmitting and internal receiving coils. The external stimulator emits electrical pulses to stimulate a cranial nerve such as the left vagus nerve according to a predetermined program. The pre-determined programs include both short term and long term stimulation.