Implants using ultrasonic communication for modulating splenic nerve activity

An implantable medical device, comprising:

• a body comprising an ultrasonic transducer configured to receive ultrasonic waves comprising a trigger signal comprising instructions indicating one or more electrical pulse characteristics encoded in the ultrasonic waves, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is further configured to convert energy from the ultrasonic waves into an electrical energy that powers the device, a digital circuit configured to receive the trigger signal, and an energy storage circuit configured to store the electrical energy;
• two or more electrodes in electrical communication with the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the digital circuit is configured to operate the medical device to electrically stimulate a splenic nerve according to the one or more electrical pulse characteristics of the trigger signal by:
• electrically stimulating the splenic nerve, using the electrical energy stored in the energy storage circuit, by applying a first electrical pulse to the splenic nerve;
• recharging the energy storage circuit during a dwell time between the first and a second electrical pulse, thereby storing additional energy in the energy storage circuit;
• and electrically stimulating the splenic nerve, using the additional electrical energy stored in the energy storage circuit, by applying the second electrical pulse to the splenic nerve;
• and
• a splenic nerve attachment member attached to the body, wherein the splenic nerve attachment member is sized and configured to attach the device to the splenic nerve or splenic artery and position the two or more electrodes in electrical communication with the splenic nerve.