A system for treating chronic inflammation in a patient is described. The system comprises: an implantable microstimulator that configured for implantation around a cervical portion of a vagus nerve to modulate inflammation by applying a low duty-cycle stimulation； a protection and orientation device ("POD") that is configured to hold the implantable microstimulator in contact with the patient's vagus nerve； a charger that configured to be worn around the patient's neck and to charge the implantable microstimulator； and an external controller that is configured to set a dose amplitude and dose interval for the microstimulator.
