CN118903683B

CN118903683B - A vagus nerve stimulation device

Info

Publication number: CN118903683B
Application number: CN202411272031.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 黄海洋; 黄海涛; 黄曦; 李德华; 黄海文
Original assignee: Shanghai Zhongcheng Huihai Medical Technology Co ltd
Current assignee: Shanghai Zhongcheng Huihai Medical Technology Co ltd
Priority date: 2024-09-11
Filing date: 2024-09-11
Publication date: 2025-04-04
Anticipated expiration: 2044-09-11
Also published as: CN118903683A

Abstract

The invention discloses a vagus nerve stimulation device which comprises a storage module, an MCU main control module, a pulse generation module, an electrode and a power supply, wherein the storage module is configured to store pulse data, the MCU main control module is electrically connected with the storage module and used for generating a first sinusoidal signal according to the pulse data, the pulse generation module is electrically connected with the MCU main control module and used for generating a pulse stimulation signal according to the first sinusoidal signal, the electrode is used for receiving and outputting the pulse stimulation signal, and the power supply is electrically connected with the storage module, the MCU main control module and the pulse generation module respectively and used for providing working voltages for the storage module, the MCU main control module and the pulse generation module.

Description

Vagus nerve stimulation device

Technical Field

The invention relates to the technical field of medical equipment, in particular to a vagus nerve stimulation device.

Background

The vagus nerve is the most widely distributed and longest-stroked pair of twelve pairs of cranial nerves, belongs to mixed nerves, and consists of about 20% of efferent fibers and about 80% of afferent fibers, and controls and governs functions of a plurality of organs, glands, non-autonomous muscles and the like of a human body. Vagal nerve stimulation (vagus nerve stimulation, VNS) is a technique generally known as vagal nerve stimulation, and has been approved by the FDA for clinical treatment of drug-refractory epilepsy, major depression, obesity as the most rapidly developing neuromodulation technique in the last 20 years. In recent years, VNS has been shown to have a good effect in the treatment of heart failure, tinnitus, migraine, inflammation, anxiety, alzheimer's disease, drug addiction, sepsis, cancer, fibromyalgia, autism, and other diseases.

Referring to fig. 1, fig. 1 is a pulse waveform diagram generated by a conventional vagal nerve device. Existing vagal nerve stimulation devices typically produce square wave pulses that have a rapid rise time, cause intense tingling to the user, and become uncomfortable over a period of time.

Disclosure of Invention

Aiming at the defects of the prior art, a vagus nerve stimulation device is provided.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a vagus nerve stimulation device comprising a storage module configured to store pulse data;

The MCU main control module is electrically connected with the storage module and is used for generating a first sinusoidal signal according to the pulse data;

the pulse generation module is electrically connected with the MCU main control module and is used for generating a pulse stimulation signal according to the first sinusoidal signal;

an electrode for receiving and outputting the pulse stimulation signal, and

The power supply is electrically connected with the storage module, the MCU main control module and the pulse generation module respectively and provides working voltage for the storage module, the MCU main control module and the pulse generation module.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pulse generation module includes:

the power supply system comprises a storage module, an MCU main control module, a boost circuit, a first signal generating circuit, a second signal generating circuit and a control circuit, wherein the boost circuit is respectively connected with the storage module, the MCU main control module and a power supply;

The driving circuit is electrically connected with the boosting circuit and receives the second signal, generates and transmits a driving signal, and

The signal generating circuit is electrically connected with the boosting circuit and receives a first signal, the signal generating circuit is also electrically connected with the driving circuit and receives the driving signal, the signal generating circuit is also connected with the MCU main control module, and the signal generating circuit receives a first sinusoidal signal and then generates a pulse stimulation signal to be output to the electrode.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the stimulation period T1 of the first sinusoidal signal is 1ms, each stimulation period T1 comprises ten pulses, each pulse having a duration of 100us, and the interval between two adjacent pulses is 40ms.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the power supply system further comprises a power supply management module, wherein the power supply management module is electrically connected with the MCU main control module and the boost circuit respectively.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the remote control system further comprises an adjusting key module, wherein the adjusting key module is connected with the MCU main control module, and the MCU main control module receives a control signal of the adjusting key module.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the output voltage of the pulse stimulation signal ranges from 3.7V to 51V.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the power supply further comprises a voltage stabilizing module, wherein the voltage stabilizing module is electrically connected with the voltage boosting circuit and the MCU main control module respectively.

According to the implementation mode of the invention, the device further comprises a first filtering unit, a second filtering unit and a third filtering unit, wherein the first filtering unit is respectively connected with the booster circuit and the driving circuit, the second filtering unit is respectively connected with the booster circuit and the storage module, and the third filtering unit is respectively connected with the voltage stabilizing module and the MCU main control module.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the signal generating circuit further comprises an auxiliary connection member, and the auxiliary connection member is connected to the signal generating circuit.

The invention has the beneficial effects that the pulse data are stored independently through the storage module, when the MCU main control module is used, the MCU main control module calls the pulse data and generates a first sinusoidal signal, and the pulse generation module amplifies the first sinusoidal signal to form a pulse stimulation signal. Both the pulsed stimulus signal and the first sinusoidal signal are fixed sinusoidal alternating current pulsed signals with a broadband amplitude modulation spectrum having a gradual rise time and a ramped peak and fall. Compared with square wave pulses generated by the traditional vagus nerve stimulation device, the device is beneficial to reducing sharp stinging feeling caused by the square wave pulses and effectively improving the using feeling of a user. And the pulse data is stored independently by using the storage module independently, so that the pulse data is separated from other circuit modules, the interference of the other circuits caused by the electric or noise generated by the pulse data is effectively avoided, and the accuracy of outputting the pulse stimulation signals can be effectively improved.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the application and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the application and together with the description serve to explain the application and do not constitute a limitation on the application. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a graph of a pulse waveform generated by a prior art vagus nerve device;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame of a vagus nerve stimulation device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram of the duration of a pulse stimulation signal according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a waveform diagram of the duration of a pulsed stimulus signal;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a pulse generation module in an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a boost circuit in an embodiment;

fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a frame of a vagus nerve stimulation device according to an embodiment.

Description of the reference numerals

1-Storage module, 2-MCU main control module, 3-pulse generation module, 4-electrode, 5-power supply, 31-booster circuit, 311-field effect transistor, 312-power switch, 313-booster module, 314-rectifier module, 32-driving circuit, 33-signal generation circuit, 6-power management module, 7-regulation key module, 8-voltage stabilizing module, 10-first filter unit, 20-second filter unit, 30-third filter unit, 71-first key module, 72-second key module, 73-third key module and 74-fourth key module.

Detailed Description

Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following drawings, in which details of the practice are set forth in the following description for the purpose of clarity. However, it should be understood that these practical details are not to be taken as limiting the invention. That is, in some embodiments of the invention, these practical details are unnecessary. Moreover, for the purpose of simplifying the drawings, some conventional structures and components are shown in the drawings in a simplified schematic manner.

In addition, the descriptions of the "first," "second," and the like, herein are for descriptive purposes only and are not intended to be specifically construed as order or sequence, nor are they intended to limit the invention solely for distinguishing between components or operations described in the same technical term, but are not to be construed as indicating or implying any relative importance or order of such features. Thus, a feature defining "a first" or "a second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In addition, the technical solutions of the embodiments may be combined with each other, but it is necessary to base that the technical solutions can be realized by those skilled in the art, and when the technical solutions are contradictory or cannot be realized, the combination of the technical solutions should be considered to be absent and not within the scope of protection claimed in the present invention.

Referring to fig. 2-4, fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame of a vagal nerve stimulation device, fig. 3 is a waveform diagram of a duration of a pulse stimulation signal, and fig. 4 is a waveform diagram of a frequency of the pulse stimulation signal. The embodiment provides a vagus nerve stimulation device, which comprises a storage module 1, an MCU main control module 2, a pulse generation module 3, an electrode 4 and a power supply 5. The MCU main control module 2 is respectively connected with the storage module 1, the pulse generation module 3 and the power supply 5. The MCU main control module 2 is used for adjusting and controlling the storage module 1, the pulse generation module 3 and the power supply 5 to work cooperatively. The electrode 4 is connected with the pulse generation module 3, and pulse stimulation signals are conducted to the electrode 4 through leads and conducted to the skin of a user through the electrode 4, thereby playing a stimulating role. In this example, two electrodes 4 are provided, and the two electrodes 4 are connected to the pulse generating module 3.

Further, the storage module 1 is used for storing pulse data. When in use, the MCU main control module 2 calls pulse data in the storage module 1 and generates a first sinusoidal signal output according to the pulse data. The pulse generation module 3 is electrically connected with the MCU main control module 2, and generates a pulse stimulation signal according to the first sinusoidal signal after receiving the first sinusoidal signal and outputs the pulse stimulation signal. The electrode 4 is used for receiving and outputting pulse stimulation signals, and the power supply 5 is respectively and electrically connected with the storage module 1, the MCU main control module 2 and the pulse generation module 3, and provides power supply voltage for the storage module 1, the MCU main control module 2 and the pulse generation module 3, so that the storage module 1, the MCU main control module 2 and the pulse generation module 3 work normally.

It should be noted that, the pulse data is a plurality of groups of different adjustment parameter information selected from the data of the effectiveness of stimulating the vagus nerve in the prior public study, the plurality of groups of different adjustment parameter information are pre-stored in the storage module, and when in use, the MCU main control module 2 is used for modulating the adjustment parameter from the storage module 1 and generating first sinusoidal signals with different intensities according to the data for output.

In this embodiment, the power source 5 is a 3.7V rechargeable lithium iron battery. The MCU main control module 2 is a microcontroller of a model STM32F103RCT6 and is used for generating a first sinusoidal signal, simultaneously coordinating the work of each module and managing data storage.

It should be noted that, the pulse stimulus signal and the first sinusoidal signal are both fixed sinusoidal ac pulse signals with broadband amplitude modulation spectrum, which have gradually rising time and inclined peaks and falls. Compared with square wave pulses generated by the traditional vagus nerve stimulation device, the device is beneficial to reducing sharp stinging feeling caused by the square wave pulses and effectively improving the using feeling of a user. And, through using the memory module 1 alone to store the pulse data alone for pulse data and other circuit module separation, it effectively avoids other circuits to the interference that the electrical or noise that the pulse data brought produced, can effectively improve the accuracy of output pulse stimulation signal.

Referring to fig. 5, fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the pulse generation module. Further, the pulse generation module 3 includes a booster circuit 31, a driving circuit 32, and a signal generation circuit 33. The booster circuit 31 is connected to the memory module 1, the MCU main control module 2, the power supply 5, the driving circuit 32, and the signal generating circuit 33, respectively. The input terminal of the booster circuit 31 is connected to the power supply 5, receives the supply voltage of the power supply 5, and generates a first signal, and the first signal is transmitted to the signal generating circuit 33 to supply power to the signal generating circuit 33.

The power supply voltage of the power supply 5 is converted into a second signal after passing through the booster circuit 31, and the second signal is respectively input into the memory module 1, the MCU master control module 2 and the driving circuit 32 to supply power to the memory module 1, the MCU master control module 2 and the driving circuit 32.

The driving circuit 32 is connected to the signal generating circuit 33, and is configured to provide a driving signal to the signal generating circuit 33, so that the signal generating circuit 33 can operate normally.

In the actual use process, the booster circuit 31 receives the power supply voltage of the power supply 5 and increases the power supply voltage, so that the power supply requirement of the vagus nerve stimulation device is met. The driving circuit 32 supplies a driving signal to the signal generating circuit 33 so that the signal generating circuit 33 operates. The MCU main control module 2 retrieves the pulse data from the storage module 1, generates a first sinusoidal signal according to the pulse data, and transmits the first sinusoidal signal to the signal generating circuit 33. The first sinusoidal signal is passed through a signal generating circuit 33 to form a pulse stimulation signal output. The pulse stimulation signals are released on the surface of the skin of the user through the electrode 4, so that the vagus nerve of the user is stimulated by the pulse stimulation signals, and the treatment effect is achieved.

Referring to fig. 6, fig. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a boost circuit. The boost circuit 31 includes a field effect transistor 311, a power switch 312, a boost module 313 and a rectifying module 314, wherein a drain electrode D of the field effect transistor 311 is connected to an anode of the power source 5, a gate electrode G of the field effect transistor 311 is connected to a cathode of the power source 5, and a source electrode S of the field effect transistor 311 outputs a first signal. The source S of the fet 311 is further connected to a power switch, and the power switch 312 is used to control the on-off state of the fet 311, so that the power supply 5 is in a power supply or power suspension state. The power switch 312 is further connected to a boost module 313, and the boost module 313 is configured to boost the electrical signal output by the power switch 312. The output end of the boost module 313 is connected to the input end of the rectifying module 314, so that the electric signal passes through the rectifying module 314 and then outputs a second signal.

Further, the amplitude of the pulse stimulation signal output by the vagus nerve stimulation device is adjustable, and the adjustable range is 3.7V-51V. In the embodiment, the pulse stimulation signals output by the vagus stimulation device are divided into ten stages which are adjustable, and each stage is different by 5V. The ten-stage pulse stimulation signals have amplitudes of 3.7V, 8.7V, 13.7V, 18.7V, 23.7V, 28.7V, 33.7V, 38.7V, 43.7V and 51V, respectively. By setting different amplitudes of the pulse stimulation signals, the vagus nerve stimulation device can stimulate different intensities according to different use requirements and can be applied to more different use scenes.

Further, the stimulus period T1 of the first sinusoidal signal is set to 1ms, each stimulus period T1 contains ten pulses, each pulse has a duration of 100us, and each pulse continuously generates the first sinusoidal signal at intervals of 40 ms. The first sinusoidal signal generated by the method has accurate and reliable pulse signals, and the vagus nerve is effectively stimulated.

Referring to fig. 7, fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a frame of a vagus nerve stimulation device. The vagus nerve stimulation device further comprises a power management module 6, and the power management module 6 is electrically connected with the MCU main control module 2 and the boost circuit 31 respectively. In this embodiment, the power management module 6 includes a USB socket, a battery charging management chip, and a battery management chip. The battery charging management chip is of MCP73831T-2ATI/MC type, the USB interface is connected with the battery charging management chip, and the battery charging management chip is connected with the MCU main control module 2 and is controlled by the MCU main control module 2. The BAT end of the battery charging management chip is connected with the source electrode of the field effect transistor in the booster circuit 31, the battery charging management chip acts on the power supply 5, and the safety management of the charging process is realized by monitoring and controlling parameters such as charging current, voltage and the like of the power supply 5. The power management chip is respectively connected with the MCU main control module 2 and the boosting module, the power management chip adopts MAX17260SETD model, the BAT end of the battery management chip is connected with the source electrode of the field effect tube in the boosting circuit 31, and the battery management chip is used for the relevant monitoring and control functions of the power supply 5, including battery balance, state monitoring, electric quantity metering, short circuit protection, overvoltage and undervoltage protection and the like.

Referring to fig. 5, the vagus nerve stimulation device further includes an adjusting key module 7, the adjusting key module 7 is connected with the MCU main control module 2, and the MCU main control module 2 receives a control signal of the adjusting key module 7. The adjustment key module 7 includes a first key module 71, a second key module 72, a third key module 73, and a fourth key module 74. The first key module 71, the second key module 72 and the third key module 73 are respectively connected with the MCU main control module 2, wherein the first key module 71 is used for controlling the switch of the vagus nerve stimulation device, the second key module 72 is used for increasing the intensity of a first sinusoidal signal sent by the vagus nerve stimulation device, the third key module 73 is used for reducing the intensity of the first sinusoidal signal sent by the vagus nerve stimulation device, and the fourth key module 74 is used for switching the use mode. By arranging the adjusting key module 7, a user can control the vagus nerve stimulation device according to the use requirement.

In this embodiment, the first key module 71, the second key module 72, the third key module 73 and the fourth key module 74 are all touch key switches.

In an actual usage scenario, pressing the first button module 71 activates the vagus nerve device, and then switches usage modes by pressing the fourth button, with the fourth button module 74 switching usage modes each time. After the usage mode is selected, the stimulus intensity is adjusted by the second key module 72 and the third key module 73 until the comfortable intensity is found.

The vagus nerve stimulation device in this embodiment has two usage modes, namely a continuous mode and a timing mode, and the user can switch the usage modes by pressing the fourth button. The timing mode, that is, the stimulation treatment is performed within a specified time, in this example, the setting time of the timing mode is 150 seconds, when the mode is used, the vagal nerve stimulation device normally operates within 150 seconds, and when 150 seconds are over, the vagal nerve stimulation device automatically stops. In the continuous mode, the vagal stimulation device remains continuously outputting the pulsed stimulation signal until the user presses the pause key.

Further, the vagus nerve stimulation device further comprises an audio prompt module (not shown in the figure), and the audio prompt module is electrically connected to the signal generating circuit 33. In this embodiment, the sound prompt module is a patch buzzer. In use, when the intensity of the pulse stimulation signal needs to be adjusted, the second key module 72 is pressed to increase the intensity or the third key module 73 is pressed to decrease the intensity, so that the pulse stimulation signal is changed, and the voice prompt module sounds along with the change of the intensity of the pulse signal, thereby prompting the user that the vagus nerve changes state.

The vagus nerve stimulation device also comprises a voltage stabilizing module 8, and the voltage stabilizing module 8 is respectively connected with the booster circuit 31 and the MCU main control module 2. The voltage stabilizing module 8 is used for maintaining the voltage signal of the MCU main control module 2 stable, the first signal output by the voltage boosting circuit 31 is output to the MCU main control module 2 after passing through the voltage stabilizing module 8, low noise and low quiescent current are provided for the MCU main control module 2, the interference of noise on output pulses is effectively reduced, and the pulse accuracy of the output of the vagus nerve stimulation device is improved. In this embodiment, the voltage stabilizing module 8 includes a linear voltage stabilizer with a model number TPS7a0230 PDBVR.

In addition, the vagus nerve stimulation device in this embodiment further includes a first filtering unit 10, a second filtering unit 20, and a third filtering unit 30. The first filter unit 10 is connected to the booster circuit 31 and the driving circuit 32, respectively, and the second signal output from the booster circuit 31 is input to the driving circuit 32 after passing through the first filter unit 10. The second filtering unit 20 is connected to the boost circuit 31 and the storage module 1, respectively, and the second signal output by the boost circuit 31 is input to the storage module 1 after passing through the second filtering unit 20. The third filtering unit 30 is respectively connected with the voltage stabilizing module 8 and the MCU main control module 2, and the first signal output by the voltage boosting circuit 31 is input into the voltage stabilizing module 8 and then sequentially passes through the voltage stabilizing module 8 and the third filtering unit 30 and then is output to the MCU main control module 2.

The vagus nerve stimulation device further comprises a fourth filtering unit 40, and the fourth filtering unit 40 is respectively connected with the boost circuit 31 and the power management module 6. In this example, the fourth filtering unit 40 is connected to the boost circuit 31 and the USB socket, respectively, and when the vagus nerve stimulation device is charged by connecting the USB socket to an external power source, the fourth filtering unit 40 filters the current to stabilize the charging current.

The first filtering unit 10, the second filtering unit 20, the third filtering unit 30 and the fourth filtering unit 40 are all used for filtering high-frequency signals, which can effectively inhibit abnormal frequencies and noise in the circuit, so that the circuit has good stability.

In actual use, the two electrodes 4 are perpendicular and fit to the cervical vagus nerve of the user with one electrode 4 above and the other electrode 4 below. And then selecting a use mode through a fourth key, starting the vagus nerve stimulation device, and adjusting the intensity through a second key and a third key. During the gradual increase in intensity, once the user perceives a downward pulling sensation on the lips or ears, the user may decrease the stimulus intensity until a comfortable intensity is found and remains in this position. The pulse stimulation signal is conducted to the vagus nerve of the neck through the electrode 4, so that the stimulation to the vagus nerve system is realized, and the treatment purpose is achieved.

The vagus nerve stimulation device of the present embodiment may be applied to stimulation of other peripheral nerves, and when in use, the two electrodes 4 may be attached to other sites to stimulate the nerves at other sites.

In addition, to enhance the usability of the vagal stimulation device, the vagal stimulation device of this embodiment further includes an auxiliary connection, which is connected to the signal generation circuit 33. The auxiliary connection is used to connect an external auxiliary fitting, such as an ear-worn fitting. In this embodiment, the auxiliary connector is a 3.5mm single socket, and the external auxiliary accessory is connected to the auxiliary connector, so that the pulse stimulation signal generated by the signal generating circuit 33 is released through the external auxiliary accessory during the use process, so that the vagus nerve stimulation device can be applied to more different use scenarios.

The foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Various modifications and variations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, or the like, which is within the spirit and principles of the present invention, should be included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vagus nerve stimulation device, comprising:

A storage module (1), wherein the storage module (1) is configured to store pulse data;

An MCU main control module (2) is electrically connected to the storage module (1) and is used to generate a first sinusoidal signal according to the pulse data;

A pulse generating module (3), electrically connected to the MCU main control module (2), and configured to generate a pulse stimulation signal according to the first sinusoidal signal;

An electrode (4) for receiving and outputting the pulse stimulation signal; and

A power supply (5) is electrically connected to the storage module (1), the MCU main control module (2) and the pulse generation module (3) respectively, and provides a working voltage for the storage module (1), the MCU main control module (2) and the pulse generation module (3);

The pulse generating module (3) comprises: a boost circuit (31), the boost circuit (31) being connected to the storage module (1), the MCU main control module (2) and the power supply (5) respectively; the boost circuit (31) receiving the power supply voltage of the power supply (5) and generating a first signal; the boost circuit (31) generating a second signal after receiving the power supply voltage of the power supply (5), and supplying power to the storage module (1) and the MCU main control module (2) respectively;

A drive circuit (32), the drive circuit (32) is electrically connected to the boost circuit (31) and receives a second signal; the drive circuit (32) generates and sends a drive signal; and

A signal generating circuit (33), wherein the signal generating circuit (33) is electrically connected to the boost circuit (31) and receives a first signal, and the signal generating circuit (33) is also electrically connected to the drive circuit (32), and the signal generating circuit (33) receives the drive signal; the signal generating circuit (33) is also connected to the MCU main control module (2), and the signal generating circuit (33) receives a first sinusoidal signal and then generates a pulse stimulation signal and outputs it to the electrode (4).

2. The vagus nerve stimulation device according to claim 1 is characterized in that the stimulation period T1 of the first sinusoidal signal is 1 ms, each stimulation period T1 contains ten pulses, the duration of each pulse is 100 us, and the interval time between two adjacent pulses is 40 ms.

3. The vagus nerve stimulation device according to claim 1 is characterized in that it also includes a power management module (6), and the power management module (6) is electrically connected to the MCU main control module (2) and the boost circuit (31) respectively.

4. The vagus nerve stimulation device according to claim 1 is characterized in that it also includes an adjustment button module (7), wherein the adjustment button module (7) is connected to the MCU main control module (2), and the MCU main control module (2) receives the control signal of the adjustment button module (7).

5. The vagus nerve stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the output voltage range of the pulse stimulation signal is 3.7V-51V.

6. The vagus nerve stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that it also includes a voltage stabilizing module (8), and the voltage stabilizing module (8) is electrically connected to the boost circuit (31) and the MCU main control module (2) respectively.

7. The vagus nerve stimulation device according to claim 6 is characterized in that it also includes a first filtering unit (10), a second filtering unit (20) and a third filtering unit (30); the first filtering unit (10) is respectively connected to the boost circuit (31) and the driving circuit (32); the second filtering unit (20) is respectively connected to the boost circuit (31) and the storage module (1); the third filtering unit (30) is respectively connected to the voltage stabilizing module (8) and the MCU main control module (2).

8. The vagus nerve stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that it also includes an auxiliary connecting piece, wherein the auxiliary connecting piece is connected to the signal generating circuit (33).