a method and implants provide for relieving pressure from a region of the brainstem within the cranium of a subject with a neuroendocrine servomechanism . the pressure results from the compression of the region by a blood vessel . the method includes gaining access to the region using a first surgical technique ; exposing the region according to a second surgical technique ; lifting the blood vessel from the region according to a third surgical technique , thereby providing the pressure relief ; and inserting a neurovascular bridge implant between the blood vessel and the region to maintain the pressure relief . the neuroendocrine servomechanism is responsive to the pressure relief on the region , causing amelioration of a disease . one neuroendocrine servomechanism can include the pancreas of the subject , and the pressure relief ameliorates non - insulin - dependent diabetes mellitus . the neurovascular bridge implant can be a preconfigured shredded plastic implant , made of polytetrafluoroethylene , or a preconfigured thermoplastic implant , made of a polyurethane - based material having a glass - transition temperature of between 20 ° c . to 60 ° c . and a transition band of about 8 ° c .