Abstract: A method of treating a medical condition in a patient using an implantable medical device, comprising providing an electrical signal generator; providing at least a first electrode operatively coupled to the electrical signal generator and to a vagus nerve of the patient; sensing cardiac data of the patient; determining at least a first cardiac parameter based upon said cardiac data; setting at least a first value; declaring an unstable brain state of a patient from said at least a first cardiac parameter and said at least a first value; and adjusting the at least a first value. Also, a computer readable program storage device encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, performs the method. In addition, the implantable medical device used in the method.

Abstract: We disclose an electrode assembly comprising a ribbon electrode having a first surface and a second surface; a plurality of bosses disposed on the second surface of the ribbon electrode, wherein each boss has a third surface substantially not in contact with the second surface of the ribbon electrode and at least one boss is electrically conducting; and an insulator contacting substantially the entire second surface of the ribbon electrode and substantially the entire third surface of each boss; wherein the insulator is substantially not in contact with the first surface of the ribbon electrode. We also disclose an implantable medical device system comprising an implantable medical device for generating an electrical signal; an electrode assembly as described; and a lead wire electrically coupled to both the implantable medical device and at least one electrically conducting boss of the electrode assembly.