Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing electrical stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract. The apparatus features an implantable pulse generator which may be coupled to the gastric system through one or more medical electrical leads. In the preferred embodiment the leads couple to the circular layer of the stomach. The pulse generator preferably features sensors for sensing gastric electrical activity, and in particular, whether peristaltic contractions as occurring. One embodiment particularly solves the problem of accurately detecting gastric arrhythmias by periodically reverting into a sensed intrinsic gastric rhythm mode. In this mode the output of electrical stimulation is adjusted to only occur at an exceedingly slow rate. This slow rate of stimulation thus permits the gastrointestinal tissues to undergo an intrinsic depolarization so that the underlying intrinsic slow wave rate may be detected.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead for establishing an electrical connection with a tissue of the body, the lead having a lead body and a semi-cylindrical cuff. In the preferred embodiment the semi-cylindrical cuff features one or more electrodes. The semi-cylindrical cuff having a long flap which wraps about the cuff and a short flap which wraps about the long flap. The semi-cylindrical cuff is relatively stiff as compared to the short flap. The short flap, in turn, is relatively the same stiffness as the long flap. The stiffness of each flap may be varied, however, so that one is more or less than the other, and in turn, than the cuff. Through such a multi-flap construction the electrodes may be positioned proximal to a nerve in such a manner that the mechanically induced damage may be minimized or even entirely eliminated. Finally, a method of implanting such an electrode is also disclosed.