1. An implantable medical device for providing a therapeutic electrical signal to a vagus nerve of a patient comprising: a support member having an outer surface adapted to engage the inner surface of an esophagus; at least one electrode disposed on the outer surface of said support member, said at least one electrode is adapted to apply a trans-esophageal electrical signal to a vagus nerve of the patient through the wall of the esophagus; and a signal generator coupled to the support member and to the at least one electrode, wherein said signal generator generates said electrical signal for application to the vagus nerve.