Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080221637 | IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR HAVING CURRENT STEERING MEANS - An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold. | 09-11-2008 |
20080288025 | SMART CHARGER ALIGNMENT INDICATOR - Electrical energy is transmitted to charge the implanted medical device, and an electrical parameter (e.g., a steady-state voltage) indicating a rate at which the implanted medical device is charged by the electrical energy is detected. A threshold (e.g., by modifying a stored threshold value) at which the charge strength indicator generates a user-discernible signal is adjusted based on the detected electrical parameter. | 11-20-2008 |
20080294226 | SHORT DURATION PRE-PULSING TO REDUCE STIMULATION-EVOKED SIDE-EFFECTS - A method and neurostimulation system of providing therapy to a patient is provided. At least one electrode is place in contact with tissue of a patient. A sub-threshold, hyperpolarizing, conditioning pre-pulse (e.g., an anodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to render a first region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal root fibers) less excitable to stimulation, and a depolarizing stimulation pulse (e.g., a cathodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to stimulate a second different region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal column fibers). The conditioning pre-pulse has a relatively short duration (e.g., less than 200 μs). | 11-27-2008 |
20080319514 | Techniques for Sensing and Adjusting a Compliance Voltage in an Implantable Stimulator Device - Disclosed herein are methods and circuitry for monitoring and adjusting a compliance voltage in an implantable stimulator devices to an optimal value that is sufficiently high to allow for proper circuit performance (i.e., sufficient current output), but low enough that power is not needlessly wasted via excessive voltage drops across the current output circuitry. The algorithm measures output voltages across the current source and sink circuitry during at least periods of actual stimulation when both the current sources and sinks are operable, and adjusts the compliance voltage so as to reduce these output voltages to within guard band values preferably indicative for operation in transistor saturation. The output voltages can additionally be monitored during periods between stimulation pulses to improve the accuracy of the measurement, and is further beneficial in that such additional measurements are not perceptible to the patient. | 12-25-2008 |
20090118787 | Closed-loop feedback for steering stimulation energy within tissue - Methods, systems, and external programmers provide therapy to a patient having a dysfunction. In one aspect, electrical energy is conveyed between electrodes to create a stimulation region in tissue adjacent the electrodes. Physiological information from the patient is acquired and analyzed, and a locus of the stimulation region is electronically displaced relative to the tissue based on the analysis of the acquired physiological information. In another aspect, electrical energy is delivered to tissue of the patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. A cognitive brain signals is sensed and analyzed, and the stimulation parameter(s) are modified based on the analysis of the cognitive brain signal. | 05-07-2009 |
20090240302 | IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR HAVING CURRENT STEERING MEANS - An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold. | 09-24-2009 |
20100010566 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONVERTING TISSUE STIMULATION PROGRAMS IN A FORMAT USABLE BY AN ELECTRICAL CURRENT STEERING NAVIGATOR - A method, computer medium, and system for programming a controller is provided. The controller controls electrical stimulation energy output to electrodes, and stores a set of programmed stimulation parameters associated with the electrodes. The programmed stimulation parameter set is compared with sets of reference stimulation parameters, each of the reference sets of stimulation parameters being associated with the electrodes. If an identical match is determined between the programmed stimulation parameter set and any one of the reference stimulation parameter sets exists based on the comparison, the identically matched stimulation parameter set is selected as an initial stimulation parameter set. If an identical match does not exist, a best between the programmed stimulation parameter set and the reference stimulation parameter sets is determined and selected as the initial stimulation parameter set. The controller is then programmed with a new set of programmable stimulation parameters based on the initial stimulation parameter set. | 01-14-2010 |
20100023069 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAINTAINING A DISTRIBUTION OF CURRENTS IN AN ELECTRODE ARRAY USING INDEPENDENT VOLTAGE SOURCES - In one technique, a desired electrical current distribution on at least three active electrodes is selected. An electrical energy perturbation is generated on at least one electrode. A current-to-voltage relationship at each active electrode is estimated based on the energy perturbation. The current-to-voltage relationship for each active electrode takes into account current flow through other active electrodes. The voltage distribution necessary to achieve the desired current distribution is determined based on the estimated current-to-voltage relationship. Voltage-regulated energy is conveyed between the electrodes and tissue in accordance with the determined electrical voltage distribution. In another technique, an electrical energy perturbation on at least one of the electrodes is generated. Network resistances for each of at least three active electrodes are computed in response to the energy perturbation. The network resistances represent the resistances between the electrodes and common node to which the electrodes are connected. | 01-28-2010 |
20100023070 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAINTAINING A DISTRIBUTION OF CURRENTS IN AN ELECTRODE ARRAY USING INDEPENDENT VOLTAGE SOURCES - In one technique, a desired electrical current distribution on at least three active electrodes is selected. An electrical energy perturbation is generated on at least one electrode. A current-to-voltage relationship at each active electrode is estimated based on the energy perturbation. The current-to-voltage relationship for each active electrode takes into account current flow through other active electrodes. The voltage distribution necessary to achieve the desired current distribution is determined based on the estimated current-to-voltage relationship. Voltage-regulated energy is conveyed between the electrodes and tissue in accordance with the determined electrical voltage distribution. In another technique, an electrical energy perturbation on at least one of the electrodes is generated. Network resistances for each of at least three active electrodes are computed in response to the energy perturbation. The network resistances represent the resistances between the electrodes and common node to which the electrodes are connected. | 01-28-2010 |
20100023097 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INCREASING RELATIVE INTENSITY BETWEEN CATHODES AND ANODES OF NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM - A method and neurostimulation system for providing therapy to a patient is provided. A plurality of electrodes is placed adjacent to tissue of the patient. The electrodes include first and second electrodes, with the first electrode having a first tissue contacting surface area and the second electrode having a second tissue contact surface area greater than the first tissue contacting surface area. Anodic electrical current is simultaneously sourced from one of the first and second electrodes to the tissue and while cathodic electrical current is sunk from the tissue to another of the first and second electrodes to provide the therapy to the patient. | 01-28-2010 |
20100057162 | MULTIPLE TUNABLE CENTRAL CATHODES ON A PADDLE FOR INCREASED MEDIAL-LATERAL AND ROSTRAL-CAUDAL FLEXIBILITY VIA CURRENT STEERING - A neurostimulation paddle lead, method of neurostimulation, and neurostimulation system are provided. The neurostimulation paddle lead carries a plurality of electrodes comprising at least four columns of electrodes having a spacing between two inner electrode columns less than a spacing between the inner electrode columns and adjacent outer electrode columns. The inner electrode columns may also be longitudinally offset from the outer electrode columns. The methods and neurostimulation systems steer current between the electrodes to modify a medial-lateral electrical field created adjacent spinal cord tissue. | 03-04-2010 |
20100057163 | MULTIPLE TUNABLE CENTRAL CATHODES ON A PADDLE FOR INCREASED MEDIAL-LATERAL AND ROSTRAL-CAUDAL FLEXIBILITY VIA CURRENT STEERING - A neurostimulation paddle lead, method of neurostimulation, and neurostimulation system are provided. The neurostimulation paddle lead carries a plurality of electrodes comprising at least four columns of electrodes having a spacing between two inner electrode columns less than a spacing between the inner electrode columns and adjacent outer electrode columns. The inner electrode columns may also be longitudinally offset from the outer electrode columns. The methods and neurostimulation systems steer current between the electrodes to modify a medial-lateral electrical field created adjacent spinal cord tissue. | 03-04-2010 |
20100057164 | MULTIPLE TUNABLE CENTRAL CATHODES ON A PADDLE FOR INCREASED MEDIAL-LATERAL AND ROSTRAL-CAUDAL FLEXIBILITY VIA CURRENT STEERING - A neurostimulation paddle lead, method of neurostimulation, and neurostimulation system are provided. The neurostimulation paddle lead carries a plurality of electrodes comprising at least four columns of electrodes having a spacing between two inner electrode columns less than a spacing between the inner electrode columns and adjacent outer electrode columns. The inner electrode columns may also be longitudinally offset from the outer electrode columns. The methods and neurostimulation systems steer current between the electrodes to modify a medial-lateral electrical field created adjacent spinal cord tissue. | 03-04-2010 |
20100057165 | MULTIPLE TUNABLE CENTRAL CATHODES ON A PADDLE FOR INCREASED MEDIAL-LATERAL AND ROSTRAL-CAUDAL FLEXIBILITY VIA CURRENT STEERING - A neurostimulation paddle lead, method of neurostimulation, and neurostimulation system are provided. The neurostimulation paddle lead carries a plurality of electrodes comprising at least four columns of electrodes having a spacing between two inner electrode columns less than a spacing between the inner electrode columns and adjacent outer electrode columns. The inner electrode columns may also be longitudinally offset from the outer electrode columns. The methods and neurostimulation systems steer current between the electrodes to modify a medial-lateral electrical field created adjacent spinal cord tissue. | 03-04-2010 |
20100057177 | MULTIPLE TUNABLE CENTRAL CATHODES ON A PADDLE FOR INCREASED MEDIAL-LATERAL AND ROSTRAL-CAUDAL FLEXIBILITY VIA CURRENT STEERING - A neurostimulation paddle lead, method of neurostimulation, and neurostimulation system are provided. The neurostimulation paddle lead carries a plurality of electrodes comprising at least four columns of electrodes having a spacing between two inner electrode columns less than a spacing between the inner electrode columns and adjacent outer electrode columns. The inner electrode columns may also be longitudinally offset from the outer electrode columns. The methods and neurostimulation systems steer current between the electrodes to modify a medial-lateral electrical field created adjacent spinal cord tissue. | 03-04-2010 |
20100228325 | SHORT DURATION PRE-PULSING TO REDUCE STIMULATION-EVOKED SIDE-EFFECTS - A method and neurostimulation system of providing therapy to a patient is provided. At least one electrode is place in contact with tissue of a patient. A sub-threshold, hyperpolarizing, conditioning pre-pulse (e.g., an anodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to render a first region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal root fibers) less excitable to stimulation, and a depolarizing stimulation pulse (e.g., a cathodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to stimulate a second different region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal column fibers). The conditioning pre-pulse has a relatively short duration (e.g., less than 200 μs). | 09-09-2010 |
20100268298 | DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION CURRENT STEERING WITH SPLIT ELECTRODES - A device for brain stimulation includes a lead having a longitudinal surface, a proximal end, a distal end and a lead body. The device also includes a plurality of electrodes disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead near the distal end of the lead. The plurality of electrodes includes a first set of segmented electrodes comprising at least two segmented electrodes disposed around a circumference of the lead at a first longitudinal position along the lead; and a second set of segmented electrodes comprising at least two segmented electrodes disposed around a circumference of the lead at a second longitudinal position along the lead. The device further includes one or more conductors that electrically couple together all of the segmented electrodes of the first set of segmented electrodes. | 10-21-2010 |
20100286749 | Current Generation Architecture for an Implantable Stimulator Device Having Coarse and Fine Current Control - Disclosed herein is a current generation architecture for an implantable stimulator device such as an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG). Current source and sink circuitry are both divided into coarse and fine portions, which respectively can provide a coarse and fine current resolution to a specified electrode on the IPG. The coarse portion is distributed across all of the electrodes and so can source or sink current to any of the electrodes. The coarse portion is divided into a plurality of stages, each of which is capable via an associated switch bank of sourcing or sinking a coarse amount of current to or from any one of the electrodes on the device. The fine portion of the current generation circuit preferably includes source and sink circuitry dedicated to each of the electrode on the device, which can comprise digital-to-analog current converters (DACs). The DACs also receives the above-noted reference current, which is amplified by the DACs in fine increments by appropriate selection of fine current control signals. When the coarse and fine current control circuitry are used in tandem, ample current with a fine current resolution can be achieved at any electrode and in a space- and power-efficient manner. | 11-11-2010 |
20100331923 | SYMMETRICAL OUTPUT NEUROSTIMULATION DEVICE - A method and system of providing therapy to a patient using electrodes implanted adjacent tissue. The method comprises regulating a first voltage at an anode of the electrodes relative to the tissue, regulating a second voltage at a cathode of the electrodes relative to the tissue, and conveying electrical stimulation energy between the anode at the first voltage and the cathode at the second voltage, thereby stimulating the neural tissue. The system comprises a grounding electrode configured for being placed in contact with the tissue, electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to the electrodes, a first regulator configured for being electrically coupled between an anode of the electrodes and the grounding electrode, a second regulator configured for being electrically coupled between an anode of the electrodes and the grounding electrode, and control circuitry configured for controlling the regulators to convey electrical stimulation energy between the anode and cathode. | 12-30-2010 |
20100331925 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING PERCUTANEOUS NERVE FIELD STIMULATION WITH CONCURRENT ANODE INTENSIFIED SPINAL CORD STIMULATION - A method of providing therapy to a patient comprising sinking first electrical current into at least a first one of a plurality of electrodes adjacent the spinal cord tissue, thereby providing therapy to a first region of the patient. The method further comprises sinking second electrical current into at least one electrode adjacent peripheral tissue remote from the spinal cord tissue, thereby providing therapy to a second region of the patient. The method further comprises sourcing at least a portion of the first electrical current and at least a portion of the second electrical current into at least a second one of the plurality of electrodes. | 12-30-2010 |
20100331926 | REVERSING RECRUITMENT ORDER BY ANODE INTENSIFICATION - A method of providing therapy to a patient using a plurality of electrodes is provided. The electrodes are located adjacent a target neural tissue region having a first nerve fiber of a relatively small diameter and a second nerve fiber of a relatively large diameter. The method comprises sourcing electrical current from a local anode into the target neural tissue region. The method further comprises therapeutically sinking a first portion of the electrical current from the target neural tissue region into a local cathode. The method further comprises sinking a second portion of the electrical current into a cathode remote from the target neural tissue region. The ratio of the sourced electrical current over the first sunk electrical current portion has a value that allows the first nerve fiber to be recruited by the electrical current while preventing the second nerve fiber from being recruited by the electrical current. | 12-30-2010 |
20110054567 | METHODS TO AVOID FREQUENCY LOCKING IN A MULTI-CHANNEL NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM USING PULSE SHIFTING - A method and neurostimulation system for treating a patient are provided. A plurality of pulsed electrical waveforms are respectively delivered within a plurality of timing channels of the neurostimulation system, thereby treating the patient. Sets of stimulation pulses within the pulsed electrical waveforms that will potentially overlap temporally are predicted. Stimulation pulses in the respective pulsed electrical waveforms are temporally shifted in a manner that prevents overlap of the potentially overlapping pulse sets while preventing frequency locking between the timing channels. | 03-03-2011 |
20110054568 | METHODS TO AVOID FREQUENCY LOCKING IN A MULTI-CHANNEL NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM USING PULSE PLACEMENT - A method and neurostimulation system for treating a patient are provided. A plurality of pulsed electrical waveforms are respectively delivered within a plurality of timing channels of the neurostimulation system, thereby treating the patient. Sets of stimulation pulses within the electrical waveforms that will potentially overlap temporally are predicted. Each of the potentially overlapping pulse sets is substituted with a replacement stimulation pulse, such that each replacement stimulation pulse is delivered within at least one of the respective timing channels, thereby preventing temporal overlap between the stimulation pulses of the respective electrical waveforms while preventing frequency locking between the timing channels. | 03-03-2011 |
20110060386 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING STIMULATION FIELD GENERATED BY ELECTRODE ARRAY - An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold. | 03-10-2011 |
20110172742 | SMART CHARGER ALIGNMENT INDICATOR - Electrical energy is transmitted to charge the implanted medical device, and an electrical parameter (e.g., a steady-state voltage) indicating a rate at which the implanted medical device is charged by the electrical energy is detected. A threshold (e.g., by modifying a stored threshold value) at which the charge strength indicator generates a user-discernible signal is adjusted based on the detected electrical parameter. | 07-14-2011 |
20110208269 | Battery Protection and Zero-Volt Battery Recovery System for an Implantable Medical Device - Circuitry useable to protect and reliably charge a rechargeable battery, even from a zero-volt state, is disclosed, and is particularly useful when employed in an implantable medical device. The circuit includes two charging paths, a first path for trickle charging the battery at a relatively low current when the battery voltage is below a threshold, and a second path for charging the battery at relatively higher currents that the battery voltage is above a certain threshold. A passive diode is used in the first trickle-charging path which allows trickle charging even when the battery voltage is too low for reliable gating, while a gateable switch (preferably a PMOS transistor) is used in the second higher-current charging path when the voltage is higher and the switch can therefore be gated more reliably. A second diode between the two paths ensures no leakage to the substrate through the gateable switch during trickle charging. The load couples to the battery through the switch, and preferably through a second switch specifically used for decoupling the load. | 08-25-2011 |
20120019201 | SMART CHARGER ALIGNMENT INDICATOR - Electrical energy is transmitted to charge the implanted medical device, and an electrical parameter (e.g., a steady-state voltage) indicating a rate at which the implanted medical device is charged by the electrical energy is detected. A threshold (e.g., by modifying a stored threshold value) at which the charge strength indicator generates a user-discernible signal is adjusted based on the detected electrical parameter. | 01-26-2012 |
20120046712 | IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR HAVING CURRENT STEERING MEANS - An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold. | 02-23-2012 |
20120130448 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING STIMULATION FIELD GENERATED BY ELECTRODE ARRAY - An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold. | 05-24-2012 |
20120197354 | Techniques for Sensing and Adjusting a Compliance Voltage in an Implantable Stimulator Device - Disclosed herein are methods and circuitry for monitoring and adjusting a compliance voltage in an implantable stimulator devices to an optimal value that is sufficiently high to allow for proper circuit performance (i.e., sufficient current output), but low enough that power is not needlessly wasted via excessive voltage drops across the current output circuitry. The algorithm measures output voltages across the current source and sink circuitry during at least periods of actual stimulation when both the current sources and sinks are operable, and adjusts the compliance voltage so as to reduce these output voltages to within guard band values preferably indicative for operation in transistor saturation. The output voltages can additionally be monitored during periods between stimulation pulses to improve the accuracy of the measurement, and is further beneficial in that such additional measurements are not perceptible to the patient. | 08-02-2012 |
20120290040 | MANAGEMENT OF STIMULATION SAFETY LIMITS IN A NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM - A neurostimulation system for management of stimulation safety limits. The system determines a tissue charge injection metric at each electrode, compares the metric to the hard stop charge limit, and prevents the neurostimulator from delivering stimulation energy to the tissue region in accordance based on the comparison. The hard stop limit may be user-programmable or may be automatically modified in response to detection of electrode characteristics. The system may quantitatively notify a user of a value of the injected charge injected into the tissue. The electrodes may be organized into different sets, in which case, the system may directly control tissue charge independently at each of the electrode sets. If current steering is provided, the system may displace the electrical stimulation energy along the tissue region in one direction, while preventing the charge injection value at each of the electrodes from meeting or exceeding the hard stop charge limit. | 11-15-2012 |
20130013044 | NEURAL STIMULATION LEAD FIXATION - An implantable lead having at least one electrode contact at or near its distal end prevents undesirable movement of the electrode contact from its initial implant location. One embodiment relates to a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) lead. A first injectable material is injected into the dura space to mechanically position the electrode array with respect to the spinal cord. Conjunctively for use with adhesives, or alternatively for use instead of the adhesives, a balloon may be positioned on the electrode lead array. The balloon is filled with air, liquid or a compliant material. When inflated, the balloon stabilizes the lead with respect to the spinal cord and holds the lead in place. An elastic aspect of the balloon serves as an internal contained relief valve to limit the pressure the balloon may place on the surrounding tissues when the epidural space is constrained. | 01-10-2013 |
20130096655 | SHORT DURATION PRE-PULSING TO REDUCE STIMULATION-EVOKED SIDE-EFFECTS - A method and neurostimulation system of providing therapy to a patient is provided. At least one electrode is place in contact with tissue of a patient. A sub-threshold, hyperpolarizing, conditioning pre-pulse (e.g., an anodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to render a first region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal root fibers) less excitable to stimulation, and a depolarizing stimulation pulse (e.g., a cathodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to stimulate a second different region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal column fibers). The conditioning pre-pulse has a relatively short duration (e.g., less than 200 μs). | 04-18-2013 |
20140018883 | Techniques for Sensing and Adjusting a Compliance Voltage in an Implantable Stimulator Device - Disclosed herein are methods and circuitry for monitoring and adjusting a compliance voltage in an implantable stimulator devices to an optimal value that is sufficiently high to allow for proper circuit performance (i.e., sufficient current output), but low enough that power is not needlessly wasted via excessive voltage drops across the current output circuitry. The algorithm measures output voltages across the current source and sink circuitry during at least periods of actual stimulation when both the current sources and sinks are operable, and adjusts the compliance voltage so as to reduce these output voltages to within guard band values preferably indicative for operation in transistor saturation. The output voltages can additionally be monitored during periods between stimulation pulses to improve the accuracy of the measurement, and is further beneficial in that such additional measurements are not perceptible to the patient. | 01-16-2014 |
20140058475 | METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - A programming system for selecting an electrode configuration for use in a medical electrical stimulator coupled to an electrode array. A programmer is configured for providing a set of electrode configurations for the electrode array, automatically testing a first portion of the set of electrode configurations in a first order, allowing the selection of one or more of the tested electrode configurations, determining whether a suitable number of electrode configurations from among the first portion have been selected within a predefined interval, and automatically testing a second portion of the set of electrode configurations in a second order if the suitable number of electrode configurations from among the first portion are not selected within the predefined interval. The programmer may further allow the selection of the tested electrode configurations, and adjusting parameters during the testing, wherein the adjusting is controllably shared in parallel between a clinician and a patient. | 02-27-2014 |
20140100643 | Current Output Architecture for an Implantable Stimulator Device - Disclosed herein are current output architectures for implantable stimulator devices. Current source and sink circuitry is divided into a plurality of stages, each of which is capable via an associated switch bank of sourcing or sinking an amount of current to or from any one of the electrodes of the device. The current source circuitry is distinct from the current sink circuitry, and the two share no common circuit nodes prior to connection to the electrodes. In other words, the current source circuitry and the current sink circuitry do not share a common node other than the electrodes. Each stage is preferably formed of a current mirror for receiving a reference current and outputting a scaled version of current to that stage's switch bank. The scalar at each stage can be set by wiring a desired number of output transistors in parallel. | 04-10-2014 |
20140107752 | Current Generation Architecture for an Implantable Stimulator Device Having Coarse and Fine Current Control - A current generation architecture for an implantable stimulator device such as an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) is disclosed. Current source and sink circuitry are both divided into coarse and fine portions, which respectively can provide coarse and fine current resolutions to a specified electrode on the IPG. The coarse portion is distributed across all of the electrodes and so can source or sink current to any of the electrodes. The coarse portion is divided into a plurality of stages, each of which is capable via an associated switch bank of sourcing or sinking a coarse amount of current to or from any one of the electrodes on the device. The fine portion of the current generation circuit preferably includes source and sink circuitry dedicated to each of the electrode on the device, which can comprise digital-to-analog current converters (DACs). | 04-17-2014 |
20140194947 | Current Generation Architecture for an Implantable Stimulator Device Having Coarse and Fine Current Control - Disclosed herein are current output architectures for implantable stimulator devices. Current source and sink circuitry is divided into a plurality of stages, each of which is capable via an associated switch bank of sourcing or sinking an amount of current to or from any one of the electrodes of the device. The current source circuitry is distinct from the current sink circuitry, and the two share no common circuit nodes prior to connection to the electrodes. In other words, the current source circuitry and the current sink circuitry do not share a common node other than the electrodes. Each stage is preferably formed of a current mirror for receiving a reference current and outputting a scaled version of current to that stage's switch bank. The scalar at each stage can be set by wiring a desired number of output transistors in parallel. | 07-10-2014 |
20140249603 | Battery Charger Circuit for Battery Powered Implantable Neurostimulation Systems - An implantable device includes a stimulation electronic circuit, a battery, a receiver configured to receive energy from a source external to the implantable stimulation device, and a battery charger circuit configured to use the energy to charge the battery and power the stimulation electronic circuit, the battery charger circuit including a load switch for connecting/disconnecting the battery, the load switch being controlled by the stimulation electronic circuit. | 09-04-2014 |
20140296942 | SHORT DURATION PRE-PULSING TO REDUCE STIMULATION-EVOKED SIDE-EFFECTS - A method and neurostimulation system of providing therapy to a patient is provided. At least one electrode is place in contact with tissue of a patient. A sub-threshold, hyperpolarizing, conditioning pre-pulse (e.g., an anodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to render a first region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal root fibers) less excitable to stimulation, and a depolarizing stimulation pulse (e.g., a cathodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to stimulate a second different region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal column fibers). The conditioning pre-pulse has a relatively short duration (e.g., less than 200 μs). | 10-02-2014 |
20140324124 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING STIMULATION FIELD GENERATED BY ELECTRODE ARRAY - An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold. | 10-30-2014 |
20140324131 | Techniques for Sensing and Adjusting a Compliance Voltage in an Implantable Stimulator Device - Disclosed herein are methods and circuitry for monitoring and adjusting a compliance voltage in an implantable stimulator devices to an optimal value that is sufficiently high to allow for proper circuit performance (i.e., sufficient current output), but low enough that power is not needlessly wasted via excessive voltage drops across the current output circuitry. The algorithm measures output voltages across the current source and sink circuitry during at least periods of actual stimulation when both the current sources and sinks are operable, and adjusts the compliance voltage so as to reduce these output voltages to within guard band values preferably indicative for operation in transistor saturation. The output voltages can additionally be monitored during periods between stimulation pulses to improve the accuracy of the measurement, and is further beneficial in that such additional measurements are not perceptible to the patient. | 10-30-2014 |
20150039048 | IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR HAVING CURRENT STEERING MEANS - An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold. | 02-05-2015 |