Methods and Systems for Treating Cardiovascular Disease Using an Implantable Electroacupuncture Device

1 . A method of treating cardiovascular disease in a patient, comprising:

generating, by an implantable stimulator, stimulation sessions, wherein

the implantable stimulator comprises a central electrode of a first polarity centrally located on a first surface of a housing of the implantable stimulator and an annular electrode of a second polarity and that is spaced apart from the central electrode; and

applying, by the implantable stimulator, the stimulation sessions by way of the central electrode and the annular electrode to a location, within the patient, that is associated with the cardiovascular disease.

2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the implantable stimulator is powered by a rechargeable battery.

3 . The method of claim 2 , further comprising receiving, by the implantable stimulator from an external controller, a power signal configured to recharge the rechargeable battery.

4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the implantable stimulator is powered by a primary battery.

5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein the primary battery has an internal impedance greater than 5 ohms.

6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the housing of the implantable stimulator is coin-sized and coin-shaped.

7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the annular electrode is located on the first surface of the housing.

8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the annular electrode comprises a ring electrode located around a perimeter edge of the housing.

9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the location comprises a median nerve of the patient.

10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the implantable stimulator is configured to be implanted at an acupoint PC6.

11 . An implantable stimulator for treating cardiovascular disease in a patient, comprising:

a housing;

a central electrode of a first polarity and centrally located on a first surface of the housing;

an annular electrode of a second polarity and that surrounds the central electrode on the first surface of the housing, the annular electrode being spaced apart from the central electrode; and

pulse generation circuitry located within the housing, the pulse generation circuitry configured to apply stimulation sessions by way of the central electrode and the annular electrode to a location, within the patient, that is associated with the cardiovascular disease.

12 . The implantable stimulator of claim 11 , further comprising a rechargeable battery within the housing and configured to provide power to the pulse generation circuitry.

13 . The implantable stimulator of claim 12 , further comprising a receiver circuit within the housing and configured to receive, from an external controller, a power signal configured to recharge the rechargeable battery.

14 . The implantable stimulator of claim 11 , further comprising a primary battery within the housing and configured to provide power to the pulse generation circuitry.

15 . The implantable stimulator of claim 14 , wherein the primary battery has an internal impedance greater than 5 ohms.

16 . The implantable stimulator of claim 11 , wherein the housing of the implantable stimulator is coin-sized and coin-shaped.

17 . The implantable stimulator of claim 11 , wherein the annular electrode is located on the first surface of the housing.

18 . The implantable stimulator of claim 11 , wherein the annular electrode comprises a ring electrode located around a perimeter edge of the housing.

19 . The implantable stimulator of claim 11 , wherein the location comprises a median nerve of the patient.

20 . The implantable stimulator of claim 11 , wherein the implantable stimulator is configured to be implanted at an acupoint PC6.