title: An implantable neurocybernetic prosthesis system.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Cyberonics, Inc., Webster, TX 77598-4135.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Terry
authors.forename: W B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Tarver
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zabara
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003491:Cybernetics; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000628:therapy*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D008959:Models, Neurological; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D014630:Vagus Nerve