Abstract: A method for regulating hormone production comprises placing at least one electrode in a gastrointestinal tract of a patient and recording an electrical signal during a preselected event produced by the gastrointestinal tract. The method further involves the steps of storing the electrical signal, and playing back the electrical signal by activating the electrode during the absence of the preselected event.

Abstract: The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of nocturnal GERD. Individuals with nocturnal GERD may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements.

Abstract: At least one of a plurality of gastrointestinal disorders is treated by stimulating an enteric nervous system of a patient to enhance a functional tone of the enteric nervous system. A treatment includes electrically stimulating a vagus nerve of the patient at a stimulation site proximal to at least one site of vagal innervation of a gastrointestinal organ. The electrical stimulation includes applying a stimulation signal at the stimulation site. An optional proximal electrical blocking signal is applied to the vagus nerve at a proximal blocking site proximal to the stimulation site. The proximal blocking signal is selected to at least partially block nerve impulses at the proximal blocking site.

Abstract: Lumen-traveling biological interface devices and associated methods and systems are described. Lumen-traveling biological interface devices capable of traveling within a body lumen may include a propelling mechanism to produce movement of the lumen-traveling device within the lumen, electrodes or other electromagnetic transducers for detecting biological signals and electrodes, coils or other electromagnetic transducers for delivering electromagnetic stimuli to stimulus responsive tissues. Lumen-traveling biological interface devices may also include additional components such as sensors, an active portion, and/or control circuitry.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for lessening the effect of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by inducing increased urine flow and bladder emptying by a device including a plurality of protrusions configured to produce at least one stimulating effect on a predefined area of a foot.

Abstract: At least one of a plurality of disorders of a patient characterized at least in part by vagal activity innervating at least one of a plurality of organs of the patient is treated by a method that includes positioning an electrode on a vagus nerve. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity by an amount selected to treat the disorder. In some embodiments, the disorder is bulimia. The signal may be a blocking or a stimulation signal. In some embodiments, the signal is selected to, at least in part, downregulate neural activity on the vagus nerve.

Abstract: Methods for treating a patient and further to devices for performing such treatment, e.g., methods and devices to perturb at least one physiological system and deliver therapy to the patient based on the effects of such perturbation. For example, a method for using an implantable medical device is disclosed that involves a method for using an implantable medical device delivering electrical stimuli to an afferent nerve associated with the selected organ. The efferent electrical activity is monitored in an efferent nerve responsive to delivering electrical stimuli to the afferent nerve, the monitored efferent electrical activity includes an indirect component of a compound action potential (CAP). A status of the selected organ is assessed based upon the indirect component.

Abstract: A method for treating at least one of a plurality of disorders characterized at least in part by vagal activity includes positioning an electrode around a body organ innervated by the vagus. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity. The electrical signal is applied at a frequency selected for the signal to create a neural conduction block to the vagus with the neural conduction block selected to at least partially block nerve impulses on the vagus. The application of the electrical signal is discontinued. The application of the signal and the discontinuing of the signal are repeated with durations of the discontinuing and the application selected to treat the disorder.

Abstract: A treatment method is provided, including identifying a subject as one who is selected to undergo an interventional medical procedure, and, in response to the identifying, reducing a likelihood of a potential adverse effect of the procedure by applying an electrical current to a parasympathetic site of the subject selected from the group consisting of: a vagus nerve of the subject, an epicardial fat pad of the subject, a pulmonary vein of the subject, a carotid artery of the subject, a carotid sinus of the subject, a coronary sinus of the subject, a vena cava vein of the subject, a jugular vein of the subject, a right ventricle of the subject, a parasympathetic ganglion of the subject, and a parasympathetic nerve of the subject.

Abstract: A device is provided for stimulating select body tissues and organs from within a compartment in a body. The device includes a tube having a distal end, a proximal end and a plurality of lumens. At least one distendable element is located along and coupled to the tube in closer proximity to the distal end than to the proximal end. Each distendable element is configured to expand against the compartment into a first position and contract within the compartment into a second position. At least one electrical component is in association with each of the distendable elements and configured to activate and deactivate electrical stimulation to the select body tissues and organs. The expansion and contraction of each distendable element and the activation and deactivation of each electrical component in the compartment is repeated over a period of time.

Abstract: A device, system and method for stimulating a digestive organ is provided where the stimulation is randomized.

Abstract: A method for altering operation of a nerve related to a given body condition includes the steps of identifying at least one nerve root of a nerve related to the given body condition; laparoscopically implanting at least one electrode on the nerve root; and operating the electrode to electrostimulate the nerve root and alter operation of the nerve.

Abstract: A system is provided for endoscopically attaching a functional device to a stomach wall wherein the functional device is configured to perform a therapeutic or diagnostic function at the stomach.

Abstract: A pancreatic controller, comprising: at least one electrode adapted for electrifying at least a portion of a pancreas; and a controller programmed to electrify said electrode so as to positively control at least the effect of at least two members of a group consisting of blood glucose level, blood insulin level and blood level of another pancreatic hormone. In one example, the controller controls insulin, glucagon and/or glucose blood levels.

Abstract: We disclose a method of treating a medical condition in a patient using an implantable medical device including coupling at least a first electrode and a second electrode to a cranial nerve of the patient, providing a programmable electrical signal generator coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode, generating a first electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, applying the first electrical signal to the electrodes, wherein the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode, reversing the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode, yielding a configuration wherein the first electrode is an anode and the second electrode is a cathode, generating a second electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, applying the second electrical signal to the electrodes, reversing the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode, yielding a configuration wherein the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode, generating a

Abstract: A system comprising: at least one electrode adapted to be placed on a vagus nerve below a vagal innervation of the heart; an implantable controller comprising an induction coil, at least one circuit for generating a neural conduction blocking signal connected to the at least one electrode, a battery, and a central processing unit comprising program storage and memory; and an external programmer configured to: communicate at least one parameter for the neural conduction blocking signal to the implantable controller, wherein the parameter is selected for the neural conduction blocking signal to i) at least partially downregulate the vagus nerve, ii) allow at least partial recovery of the nerve activity following discontinuation of the neural conduction blocking signal, and iii) reduce pancreatic and biliary output via inhibition of pancreo-biliary output; and an external coil adapted to be worn by the patient, wherein the external coil is connected to the external programmer, and is adapted to inductively coupl

Abstract: A body-worn device for a fast healing of incontinence by building up the necessary durable behavioral conditioning, which provides the brain with the necessary proper control over the respective sphincters. The device is based on two different nerve mechanisms: a first electrical pulse stops the release of bodily wastes by a simple local reflex, arousing simultaneously the brain and preparing it to respond to a second, behavioral conditioning causing electric pulse, which follows within two seconds (i.e. still during the phasic period of the cortical learning process), strong enough to cause an unpleasant sensation, which the brain connects with the just begun incontinent release of bodily waste and acquires after only a few applications as a durable adversive behavioral conditioning. This shortens the healing period from many months to only a few days. The device is easily adjustable to the individual sensitivity of the involuntarily wetting or soiling person.

Abstract: A method of treating a gastrointestinal disorder is disclosed. The method includes the step of applying a medium to an appendicular wall of a user to stimulate the enteric nervous system and thereby treat the gastrointestinal disorder.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for disrupting a gastric vagal nerve in the gastroesophageal region and testing the function and disruption of the vagal nerve. In one example embodiment, a treatment device applies ultrasound at a high energy level, such as high intensity focused ultrasound, to a vagal nerve to disrupt it and then ultrasound at a lower energy level to another portion of the vagal nerve, preferably further from the stomach, so as to stimulate the vagal nerve. Alternative ways to test the function or disruption of the vagal nerve involve using PCP-GABA, a pancreatic polypeptide, pressure changes inside the stomach, the gastric mucusol pH, a dye agent in the stomach, and other tests.

Abstract: At least one of a plurality of disorders of a patient characterized at least in part by vagal activity innervating at least one of a plurality of organs of the patient is treated by a method that includes positioning an electrode on a vagus nerve. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity by an amount selected to treat the disorder. In some embodiments, the disorder is bulimia. The signal may be a blocking or a stimulation signal. In some embodiments, the signal is selected to, at least in part, downregulate neural activity on the vagus nerve.

Abstract: A method is described for the treatment of obesity or other disorders, by electrical activation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by electrically stimulating the greater splanchnic nerve or other portion of the sympathetic nervous system using an implantable pulse generator. This nerve activation can result in reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure. Reduced food intake may occur through a variety of mechanisms that reduce appetite and cause satiety. Increased adrenal gland hormone levels will result in increased energy expenditure. Fat and carbohydrate metabolism, which are also increased by sympathetic nerve activation, will accompany the increased energy expenditure.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to gastric stimulation programmers, stimulators and methods for controlling delivery of gastric stimulation therapy to maintain the efficacy of the therapy over time. Maintaining the efficacy of gastric stimulation therapy may be possible by implementing one or more anti-desensitization features in a gastric stimulation controller or stimulator. As electrical stimulation therapy is continuously delivered to a patient, the stimulated tissue may become desensitized to the electrical stimulation therapy such that the beneficial effect of the electrical stimulation is diminished. Once desensitization occurs, the affected tissue may not respond favorably to electrical stimulation therapy. Application of one or more anti-desensitization features to control gastric stimulation therapy may reduce or prevent desensitization and effectively extend the efficacy of the therapy over time.

Abstract: An implantable medical system includes an implantable medical device (IMD) and an electrode coupleable to the IMD. The electrode is operative to deliver a first electrical signal from the IMD to a neural structure. The system includes a sensor coupleable to the IMD. The sensor is operative to sense a physiological parameter. The physiological parameter may include at least one of a neurotransmitter parameter, a neurotransmitter breakdown product parameter, a neuropeptide parameter, a norepinephrine parameter, a glucocorticoid (GC) parameter, a neuromodulator parameter, a neuromodulator breakdown product parameter, an amino acid parameter, and a hormone parameter. The IMD includes a controller operative to change a parameter of the first electrical signal based upon at least one sensed physiological parameter to generate a second electrical signal and to apply the second electrical signal to the neural structure.

Abstract: An retaining device for attaching to a contractile organ such as a digestive tract organ or stomach is provided. One aspect may include a lead for stimulating a digestive organ. The device may be an electrical stimulation device configured to deliver electrical signals to the organ.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for inducing, monitoring and controlling renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. In some embodiments, tissue impedance, conductance or conductivity may be monitored to determine the effects of pulsed electric field therapy, e.g., to determine an extent of electroporation and its degree of irreversibility. Pulsed electric field electroporation of tissue causes a decrease in tissue impedance and an increase in tissue conductivity. If induced electroporation is reversible, upon cessation of the pulsed electric field, tissue impedance and conductivity should approximate baseline levels; however, if electroporation is irreversible, impedance and conductivity changes should persist. Thus, monitoring of impedance or conductivity may be utilized to determine the onset of electroporation and to determine the type or extent of electroporation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methods of lie detection utilizing electrogastrography to monitor changes in the gastric electric rhythm of a subject. Also provided are methods of discriminating between the stress of deception induced in a subject during a lie detection examination and the stress of the examination itself.

Abstract: A method of promoting the healing of a lesion in a smooth muscle (200), comprises selecting a smooth muscle portion having a lesion, and applying a non-excitory electric field (210) to the portion, which reduces the mechanical activity of the portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing trans-esophageal electrical signal therapy to a portion of a vagus nerve of a patient to treat a medical condition. An implantable medical device comprising at least one electrode is implanted in an inner lumen of the esophagus of the patient. At least one electrode is electrically coupled to the inner lumen of the esophagus. An electrical signal from the IMD is provided to a target portion of the vagus nerve through at least a portion of the wall of the esophagus for treating the medical condition.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stimulating one or more nerves by incorporating a gastric band system and an electrical stimulation component. Stimulation electrodes on the gastric band may be used to stimulate the vagal nerve and/or splanchnic nerve, which may inhibit the patient's appetite and/or control obesity. The gastric band may have an inflatable member for adjusting a stoma size. The stimulation electrodes may be mounted on the inflatable member. The system may include a controller including a pressure sensor for monitoring the hydraulic pressure within the inflatable inner member and for controlling the stimulation component.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator includes a housing, an electronic subassembly, conductive vias, and an electrode arrangement. The housing defines an interior and an exterior with the electronic subassembly disposed in the interior of the housing. The conductive vias extend from the interior to the exterior of the housing. The electrode arrangement is disposed on the housing and includes a film substrate with electrodes disposed on the film substrate and coupled to the electronic subassembly through the plurality of vias.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to gastric stimulation programmers, stimulators and methods for controlling delivery of gastric stimulation therapy to maintain the efficacy of the therapy over time. Maintaining the efficacy of gastric stimulation therapy may be possible by implementing one or more anti-desensitization features in a gastric stimulation controller or stimulator. As electrical stimulation therapy is continuously delivered to a patient, the stimulated tissue may become desensitized to the electrical stimulation therapy such that the beneficial effect of the electrical stimulation is diminished. Once desensitization occurs, the affected tissue may not respond favorably to electrical stimulation therapy. Application of one or more anti-desensitization features to control gastric stimulation therapy may reduce or prevent desensitization and effectively extend the efficacy of the therapy over time.

Abstract: Methods and devices for gastrointestinal stimulation are disclosed. In one embodiment, disclosed is an electrical stimulator device that includes a circuit board and a battery contained within a base housing; a conduction element; and at least one electrode. In some embodiments, the stimulator base housing can be directly attached to a wall of a body lumen. In other embodiments, the stimulator base housing can be attached to a cuff or a sleeve device. In still other embodiments, one or more elements of the system are free-floating within the GI tract. The devices can be delivered endoscopically, and in some embodiments toposcopically.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for influencing an amount of food ingested. The methods include applying stochastic resonance stimulation to a stomach to influence a nervous system response using an implantable stimulation device. In one embodiment, a device includes electrodes in communication with a gastric wall capable of delivering stimulation therapy, and a controller adapted to apply stochastic resonance stimulation to a stomach to influence a response of stomach receptors and/or interstitial cells of Cajal. In some embodiments, the implantable device is configured to apply a suprathreshold signal in addition to the stochastic resonance stimulation. In some embodiments, the implantable device is configured to apply an electrical signal in other areas of the nervous system besides the stomach. In some embodiments, the implantable stimulation device is an implantable cardiac stimulation device capable of providing therapy to a heart.

Abstract: An obesity treatment system has a first treatment region sized and configured for deployment in a duodenum and a second treatment region sized and configured for deployment in a stomach. The first and second treatment regions are spaced apart a distance sized and configured to permit simultaneous deployment of the first treatment region in the duodenum and deployment of the second treatment region in the stomach. The first and second treatment regions each carry at least one electrode, which can deliver energy to ablate tissue in and the duodenum.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to stimulate gastrointestinal tissue to treat medical conditions such as eating disorders, gastroparesis, and gastric reflux. The invention uses electrical stimulation of the nerve, where vibrational energy from a source is received by an implanted device and converted to electrical energy and the converted electrical energy is used by implanted electrodes to stimulate the pre-determined gastrointestinal tissue site. The vibrational energy is generated by a controller-transmitter, which could be implanted or located externally. The vibrational energy is received by a receiver-stimulator, which could be located in the various regions on or around the gastrointestinal tissue that needs to be stimulated. The implantable receiver-stimulator stimulates different gastrointestinal tissue to provide the desired therapeutic benefit.

Abstract: A sensor based gastric stimulator system and method for gastric stimulation of a patient employing an implantable gastric stimulator, which includes an information processor, an electrical stimulator circuit, and telemetry circuitry. The implantable stimulator senses intrinsic, gastric electrical activity (slow waves and/or peristaltic waves) and delivers electrical stimulation to intentionally disrupt or disorganize that activity. The stimulation is triggered by (tracks) normal gastric electrical activity and can be delivered with a spatial offset to anticipate the propagating gastric electrical activity or may be delayed temporally to anticipate the next propagating slow or peristaltic wave. The stimulator may be programmed to disrupt/disorganize all or a percentage of the intrinsic, normal gastric electrical activity. The programmer (via radio frequency data link) may non-invasively program stimulation parameters and intervals.

Abstract: A method of using a stimulation device to emit a medium to an appendicular region and/or rectal region of a user for treatment of a gastrointestinal disorder is described. The method includes placing the stimulation device into the appendicular region and/or rectal region, and delivering the medium, wherein the medium stimulates at least a portion of the enteric nervous system. Additionally, apparatus and delivery devices are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of fluid and/or other bodily matter in a lumen formed by a tissue wall of a patient's organ comprises an implantable constriction device for gently constricting (i.e. without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall) at least one portion of the tissue wall to influence the flow in the lumen, and a stimulation device for stimulating the wall portion of the tissue wall. A control device controls the stimulation device to stimulate the wall portion, as the constriction device constricts the wall portion, to cause contraction of the wall portion constricted by the constriction device to further influence the flow in the lumen. The apparatus can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the lumen, or for actively moving the fluid in the lumen, with a low risk of injuring the organ.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including an ingestible capsule, one or more electrodes coupled to the capsule, and a control unit configured to maintain the capsule in a vicinity of a designated site of a subject by driving at least a subset of the electrodes to apply a current that induces reverse intestinal peristalsis in the subject. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for an implantable gastric stimulation system within the stomach. The stimulation system includes an electronics anchor, electrode lead anchor, implantable pulse generator and external programmer. The electronics anchor is configured to attach to the stomach wall at a first location and the electrode lead anchor configured to attach to the stomach wall at a second location. The electrode lead anchor includes one or more electrodes configured to contact the stomach wall and a flexible lead portion coupled to the one or more electrodes at one end with an the electrical connector portion at the other end. The implantable pulse generator has electronic circuitry and is attached to the electronics anchor; the electronic circuitry is connected to the electrical connector of the electrode lead anchor and can communicate with the one or more electrodes.

Abstract: In some examples, the disclosure relates to a systems, devices, and techniques for delivering electrical stimulation therapy to a patient. In one example, the disclosure relates to a method including delivering a series of pulses with alternating pulse polarities to a gastrointestinal tract of a patient. The series of pulses includes at least a first pulse of a first polarity, a second pulse of a second polarity, and a third pulse of the first polarity, where the first, second and third pulses are delivered in direct succession and in that order. The first and second pulses are separated by a first time delay and the second and third pulses are separated by a second time delay. In some examples, each of the first and second time delays depend on the frequency that the series of pulses are delivered.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of fluid and/or other bodily matter in a lumen formed by a tissue wall of a patient's organ. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall) at least one portion of the tissue wall to influence the flow in the lumen, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the lumen. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the lumen, or for actively moving the fluid in the lumen, with a low risk of injuring the organ. Such an organ may be the esophagus, stomach, intestines, urine bladder, urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, aorta, corpus cavernosum, exit veins of erectile tissue, uterine tube, vas deferens or bile duct, or a blood vessel.

Abstract: A responsive gastrointestinal stimulation device is provided where one or more sensors sense data corresponding to a subject or the gastrointestinal tract of a subject and responds to sensing the data by stimulating, adjusting stimulation, or stopping stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract. A stimulation device is also provided to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract to produce a sensation of satiety or to control hunger or food consumption.

Abstract: The disclosure is a method of treatment for obesity, in an individual in need thereof comprising positioning stimulatory electrodes in the distal small intestines or ileum, and administering electrical stimulation in trains of pulses or repetitive pulses, where the electrical stimulation is effective, at least in part in, stimulating the vagal afferent and efferent activity, of the distal small intestines or ileum, in the individual. The stimulation of the vagal afferent and efferent activity leads to the regulation of the ileal brake. Specifically, the electrical stimulation is provided in trains of pulses. Also, described is a method of treatment for functional gastrointestinal disease by ileal electrical stimulation. Further this invention provides a method of treatment for an eating disorder comprising administering ileal electrical stimulation effective, at least in part, in stimulating the vagal and sympathetic pathways.

Abstract: A treatment method is provided, including identifying a subject as one who is selected to undergo an interventional medical procedure, and, in response to the identifying, reducing a likelihood of a potential adverse effect of the procedure by applying an electrical current to a parasympathetic site of the subject selected from the group consisting of: a vagus nerve of the subject, an epicardial fat pad of the subject, a pulmonary vein of the subject, a carotid artery of the subject, a carotid sinus of the subject, a coronary sinus of the subject, a vena cava vein of the subject, a jugular vein of the subject, a right ventricle of the subject, a parasympathetic ganglion of the subject, and a parasympathetic nerve of the subject.

Abstract: Devices and methods of non-surgically providing vagus nerve therapy trans-esophageally to treat a variety of medical conditions are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, an implantable medical device comprises a support member having an outer surface. The support member is adapted to engage the inner wall of an esophagus. The IMD also comprises at least one electrode disposed on the outer surface of the support member. The at least one electrode is capable of applying a trans-esophageal electrical signal to the vagus nerve through the wall of the esophagus from the inner lumen thereof. The implantable medical device further comprises a signal generator coupled to the support member and to the at least one electrode. The signal generator causes the at least one electrode to apply an electrical signal to the vagus nerve to treat a medical condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to stimulate gastrointestinal tissue to treat medical conditions such as eating disorders, gastroparesis, and gastric reflux. The invention uses electrical stimulation of the nerve, where vibrational energy from a source is received by an implanted device and converted to electrical energy and the converted electrical energy is used by implanted electrodes to stimulate the pre-determined gastrointestinal tissue site. The vibrational energy is generated by a controller-transmitter, which could be implanted or located externally. The vibrational energy is received by a receiver-stimulator, which could be located in the various regions on or around the gastrointestinal tissue that needs to be stimulated. The implantable receiver-stimulator stimulates different gastrointestinal tissue to provide the desired therapeutic benefit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of an eating disorder includes electrically stimulating the vagus nerve of the lower esophagus, cardia, esophageal/cardia junction, cardia/fundus junction or upper stomach so as to induce afferent action potentials on the vagus nerve. A device comprising a gastric band including stimulation electrodes may be noninvasively adjusted after implantation to provide increased or decreased restriction on the patient's gastrointestinal tract. Each stimulus may be administered as a series of programmed pulses of defined amplitude, duration and period, to evoke a responsive signal to the brain by the target nerve, effective for producing a temporary feeling of satiety in the person. A programmable implantable stimulus generator may be operatively coupled to a nerve electrode. Methods are also provided to identify electrodes nearest to a branch of the vagus nerve to apply an electrical stimulation signal with improved efficiency.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a condition of a subject is provided. An electrode device is adapted to be coupled to longitudinal nervous tissue of the subject, and a control unit is adapted to drive the electrode device to apply to the nervous tissue a current which is capable of inducing action potentials that propagate in the nervous tissue in a first direction, so as to treat the condition. The control unit is further adapted to suppress action potentials from propagating in the nervous tissue in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A method for treating at least one of a plurality of disorders characterized at least in part by vagal activity includes positioning an electrode around a body organ innervated by the vagus. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity. The electrical signal is applied at a frequency selected for the signal to create a neural conduction block to the vagus with the neural conduction block selected to at least partially block nerve impulses on the vagus. The application of the electrical signal is discontinued. The application of the signal and the discontinuing of the signal are repeated with durations of the discontinuing and the application selected to treat the disorder.