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The Implantable Neurocybernetic Prosthesis System
Author(s) -
TERRY REESE S.,
TARVER W. BRENT,
ZABARA JACOB
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
pacing and clinical electrophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.686
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1540-8159
pISSN - 0147-8389
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-8159.1991.tb04052.x
Subject(s) - medicine , prosthesis , pulse generator , implant , biomedical engineering , surgery , electrical engineering , voltage , engineering
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.