Reese S. Terry

The implantable neurocybernetic prosthesis system.

The neurocybernetic prosthesis system (NCP) is an implantable, multiprogrammable pulse generator that delivers constant current electrical signals to the vagus nerve for the purpose of reducing the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures. The signals are delivered on a predetermined schedule, or may be initiated by the patient with an external magnet. The device is implanted in a subcutaneous pocket in the chest just below the clavicle, similar to pacemaker placement. The stimulation signal is transmitted from the prosthesis to the vagus nerve through a lead connected to an electrode which is a multi‐turn silicone helix, with a platinum band on the inner turn of one helix. The prosthesis can be programmed with any IBM‐ compatible personal computer using NCP software and a programming wand.

An implantable neurocybernetic prosthesis system

Summary: The neurocybernetic prosthesis (Cyberonics, Inc.) is an implantable, multiprogrammable pulse generator that delivers constant current electrical signals to the vagus nerve for the purpose of reducing the frequency and/or severity of epileptic seizures. The device is implanted in a subcutaneous chest pocket just below the clavicle, similar to cardiac pacemaker placement. The stimulation signal is transmitted from the prosthesis to the vagus nerve through a stimulation lead. The prosthesis can be programmed using any IBM‐compatible personal computer with programming software and a programming wand. The electrodes used in the first group of patients were found to break at an unacceptable rate. Design modifications appear to have resolved this problem.