Implantable device for treating epilepsy and cardiac rhythm disorders

An implantable device, comprising:

• at least one pulse generator adapted to deliver a first electrical signal through at least one electrode positioned proximate to a vagus nerve and to deliver a second electrical signal through at least one electrode positioned within or proximate to the heart;
• and
• a controller adapted to communicate with the at least one pulse generator, the controller including a module to provide epilepsy therapy that includes delivering the first electrical signal though the at least one electrode proximate to the vagus nerve and a module to provide a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) that includes delivering the second electrical signal through at least one electrode positioned within or proximate to the heart, wherein the module to provide the CRT is adapted to control timing of electrical stimulation of myocardial tissue to coordinate contractions of contralateral cardiac chambers.

An implantable device, comprising:

• means for providing epilepsy therapy, including means for applying electrical stimulation of a vagus nerve;
• and
• means for providing at least one therapy selected from a cardiac antitachycardia therapy and a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) adapted to electrically stimulate myocardial tissue with appropriate timing to coordinate contractions of contralateral cardiac chambers.

A method of operating an implantable device, comprising:

• providing epilepsy therapy, including using the implantable device to deliver an electrical stimulation to a vagus nerve;
• and
• providing a cardiac rhythm management (CRM) therapy, including at least one therapy selected from an antitachycardia therapy and a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), wherein providing the CRM therapy includes using the implantable device to deliver an electrical stimulation to capture myocardial tissue, and the CRT therapy includes controlling the timing of the electrical stimulation to coordinate contractions of contralateral cardiac chambers.