Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120078331 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING ELECTRODES FOR ENHANCING STIMULATION PENETRATION OF PATIENT TISSUE - A paddle lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes a paddle body having a plurality of electrodes. At least one of the plurality of electrodes defines a removed center portion. At least one lead body is coupled to the paddle body. At least one terminal is disposed on each of the at least one lead bodies. | 03-29-2012 |
20120165900 | NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING MODEL-BASED ESTIMATE OF NEUROSTIMULATION EFFECTS - A neurostimulation system for use in providing therapy to a patient comprises a user input device configured for receiving input from a user, and processing circuitry configured for selecting an electrode configuration in response to receiving the input from the user, providing an electrical model of a neuronal element of the patient, providing a discrete approximation of a differential equation of a neural response parameter (e.g., a transmembrane voltage potential) of the electrical model as a function of discrete space (e.g., nodes along the electrical model) and as a function of a finite time difference, computing the neural response parameter in the differential equation approximation at a specified time for each of a plurality of points on a membrane of the neuronal element, and performing a human-discernible function based on the computed neural response parameters. | 06-28-2012 |
20120165901 | NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM FOR ESTIMATING DESIRED STIMULATION AMPLITUDE FOR ELECTRODE CONFIGURATION - A neurostimulation system comprises a user input device configured for receiving input from a user, and processing circuitry configured for (a) selecting a first electrode configuration in response to receiving the user input, (b) predicting a neural response induced by electrical energy theoretically conveyed by the first electrode configuration at a specified amplitude, (c) deriving a metric value from the predicted neural response, (d) comparing the metric value to a reference threshold value, (e) adjusting the specified amplitude of the electrical energy if the metric value is not in a specified range relative to the reference threshold value, (f) repeating steps (b)-(e) using the adjusted amplitude as the specified amplitude until the metric value is in the specific range relative to the reference threshold value, and (g) instructing a neurostimulation device to deliver the electrical energy at the adjusted amplitude via the first electrode configuration to stimulate the patient. | 06-28-2012 |
20120239109 | NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM FOR DEFINING A GENERALIZED IDEAL MULTIPOLE CONFIGURATION - A system for a neurostimulator coupled to electrodes. The system comprises an input device configured for generating control signals. The system further comprising memory storing a first set of variable values defining a first spatial relationship between a central ideal pole of a first polarity and the plurality of electrodes, a second set of variable values defining a second spatial relationship respectively between four ideal poles of a second polarity and the first ideal pole, and a third set of variable values defining relative intensities between the four ideal poles. The system further comprises control circuitry configured for modifying the first variable values, the second variable values, and/or the third variable values, and generating stimulation parameter values defining relative amplitude values for the electrodes that emulate the ideal poles, and instructing the neurostimulator to convey electrical energy to the electrodes in accordance with the stimulation parameter values. | 09-20-2012 |
20120239110 | NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ROSTRO-CAUDALLY STEERING CURRENT USING LONGITUDINAL IDEAL MULTIPOLE CONFIGURATIONS - A system for an electrical neurostimulator coupled to a plurality of electrodes. The system comprises a user-controlled input device configured for generating directional control signals. The system further comprises control circuitry configured for sequentially defining a plurality of different ideal bipole/tripole configurations relative to the plurality of electrodes in response to the directional control signals, generating a plurality of stimulation parameter sets respectively corresponding to the plurality of ideal bipole/tripole configurations, each stimulation parameter set defining relative amplitude values for the plurality of electrodes that emulate the respective ideal bipole/tripole configuration, and instructing the electrical neurostimulator to convey electrical energy to the plurality of electrodes in accordance with the plurality of stimulation parameter sets. | 09-20-2012 |
20120239114 | NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEDIO-LATERALLY STEERING CURRENT USING IDEAL MULTIPOLE CONFIGURATIONS - A system for an electrical neurostimulator coupled to a plurality of electrodes. The system comprises a user-controlled input device configured for generating directional control signals. The system further comprises control circuitry configured for sequentially defining a plurality of different ideal multipole configurations that includes two orthogonal ideal tripole configurations relative to the plurality of electrodes in response to the directional control signals, generating a plurality of stimulation parameter sets respectively corresponding to the plurality of different ideal multipole configuration, each stimulation parameter set defining relative amplitude values for the plurality of electrodes that emulate the respective multipole configuration, and instructing the electrical neurostimulator to convey electrical energy to the plurality of electrodes in accordance with the plurality of stimulation parameter sets. | 09-20-2012 |
20120239115 | NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM FOR DEFINING IDEAL MULTIPOLE CONFIGURATIONS AT LEAD BOUNDARY - A system for an neurostimulator coupled to electrodes. The system comprises a input device configured for generating directional control signals, and memory storing ideal multipole configurations. The system further comprises control circuitry configured for defining the ideal multipole configurations relative to the electrodes in response to the directional control signals, determining a spatial relationship between at least one of the defined ideal multipole configurations and the maximum extent of the electrodes, modifying the defined ideal multipole configurations based on the determined spatial relationship, such that the modified ideal multipole configurations are spatially within the maximum extent of the electrodes, generating stimulation parameter sets respectively corresponding to the modified ideal multipole configurations, each stimulation parameter set defining relative amplitude values for the electrodes that emulate the respective modified ideal multipole configuration, and instructing the neurostimulator to convey electrical energy to the electrodes in accordance with the stimulation parameter sets. | 09-20-2012 |
20120239116 | NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM FOR MATCHING IDEAL POLE SPACING WITH EFFECTIVE ELECTRODE SEPARATION - A system for a neurostimulator coupled to electrodes. The system comprises a input device configured for generating control signals, and control circuitry configured for defining at least one ideal multipole configuration relative to the electrodes in response to the control signals, the control circuitry, for each of the ideal multipole configuration(s), being further configured for, designating at least one of the electrodes as a reference electrode, estimating an effective electrode separation at each of the reference electrode(s), defining a spacing between the poles based on the estimated effective electrode separation at each of the reference electrode(s), generating at least one stimulation parameter set respectively corresponding to the ideal multipole configuration(s), each of the stimulation parameter set(s) defining relative amplitude values for the electrodes that emulate the respective ideal multipole configuration, and instructing the electrical neurostimulator to convey electrical energy to the electrodes in accordance with the stimulation parameter set(s). | 09-20-2012 |
20120296392 | Display of region of activation in neurostimulation programming screen - A system for use with a neurostimulator coupled to one or more electrodes implanted adjacent neural tissue of a patient. The system comprises a user input device configured for allowing a user to select different nerve fiber diameters and to select a set of stimulation parameters. The system further comprises processing circuitry configured estimating regions of activation within the neural tissue of the patient based on the selected nerve fiber diameters and the selected stimulation parameter set. The system further comprises a display device configured for displaying the estimated regions of tissue activation. The user input device may further be configured for allowing the user to select different tissue regions of therapy, in which case, the display device may display the different tissue region on a human body map, and different indicia associating the displayed tissue regions for therapy to displayed estimated regions of tissue activation. | 11-22-2012 |
20120316610 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CUSTOMIZING STIMULATION USING IMPLANTABLE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS - An implantable paddle lead includes at least one lead body with a proximal end and a distal end. Terminals are disposed at the proximal end of the lead body. A paddle body is coupled to the distal end of the lead body. The paddle body has a length, a width, a first surface, and an opposing second surface. Electrodes are disposed on the first surface of the paddle body. At least one region of the paddle body has a higher pliability than remaining portions of the paddle body. The at least one region of higher pliability extends along the second surface of the paddle body. The paddle body is configured and arranged to preferentially bend along the at least one region of higher pliability. Conductors are disposed along the paddle lead. Each conductor electrically couples at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. | 12-13-2012 |
20120330391 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SPINAL CORD STIMULATION TO TREAT MOTOR DISORDERS - A method for using spinal cord stimulation to treat symptoms of motor disorders includes implanting a stimulation lead within a ventral portion of the epidural space. The lead is implanted with at least a portion of the electrodes facing the spinal cord. In a method for providing therapy to a patient suffering from a motor disorder, electrical stimulation energy is applied to at least one ventral column nerve fiber through the implanted stimulation lead. A peripheral region of the patient's body exhibits the symptoms of the motor disorder, and the ventral column nerve fiber to which the stimulation is applied innervates that peripheral region. | 12-27-2012 |
20130006315 | Architectures for Sharing of Current Sources in an Implantable Medical Device - A group select matrix is added to an implantable stimulator device to allow current sources to be dedicated to particular groups of electrodes at a given time. The group select matrix can time multiplex the current sources to the different groups of electrodes to allow therapy pulses to be delivered at the various groups of electrodes in an interleaved fashion. Each of the groups of electrodes may be confined to a particular electrode array implantable at a particular non-overlapping location in a patient's body. A switch matrix can be used in conjunction with the group select matrix to provide further flexibility to couple the current sources to any of the electrodes. | 01-03-2013 |
20130158628 | SEAMLESS INTEGRATION OF DIFFERENT PROGRAMMING MODES FOR A NEUROSTIMULATOR PROGRAMMING SYSTEM - A system and method for programming a neurostimulation device coupled to a plurality of electrodes implanted adjacent tissue of a patient are provided. A first electrode configuration corresponding to a first mode of programming the neurostimulation device is defined. A second programming mode of programming the neurostimulation device different from the first programming mode is selected. A second electrode configuration is defined based on the first electrode configuration in response to the selection of the second programming mode. The neurostimulation device is programmed using the second programming mode. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158630 | COMPUTATIONALLY EFFICIENT TECHNIQUE FOR DETERMINING ELECTRODE CURRENT DISTRIBUTION FROM A VIRTUAL MULTIPOLE - A system and method of providing therapy to a patient using a plurality of electrodes implanted within the patient. A virtual multipole configuration is defined relative to the plurality of electrodes. The distance between each of a group of the electrodes and a virtual pole of the virtual multipole configuration is determined. A stimulation amplitude distribution is determined for the electrode group based on the determined distances, thereby emulating the virtual multipole configuration. Electrical energy is conveyed from the electrode group in accordance with the computed stimulation amplitude distribution. | 06-20-2013 |
20130218248 | 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. | 08-22-2013 |
20130253610 | HEURISTIC SAFETY NET FOR TRANSITIONING CONFIGURATIONS IN A NEURAL STIMULATION SYSTEM - A system and method using a plurality of electrodes. An immediate virtual multipole is defined, an immediate electrode configuration emulating the immediate virtual multipole is defined, electrical energy is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the immediate electrode configuration, a new virtual multipole is defined by changing a parameter of the immediate virtual multipole by a step size, a new electrode configuration that emulates the new virtual multipole is defined, a difference value as a function of the immediate virtual multipole and the new virtual multipole is computed, the different value is compared to a limit value, electrical energy is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the new electrode configuration if the difference value does not exceed the limit value, and the absolute value of the step size is decreased to create a new step size if the difference value does exceed the limit value. | 09-26-2013 |
20130253611 | HEURISTIC SAFETY NET FOR TRANSITIONING CONFIGURATIONS IN A NEURAL STIMULATION SYSTEM - A system and method using a plurality of electrodes. An immediate electrode configuration is defined, electrical energy is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the immediate electrode configuration, a final electrode configuration is defined, a series of intermediate electrode configurations is defined using a heuristic set of rules based on the immediate electrode configuration and the final electrode configuration, electrical energy is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the series of intermediate electrode configurations, and electrical energy is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the subsequent electrode configuration. | 09-26-2013 |
20130317572 | LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY - A method of treating a patient with an ailment using an optical element implanted within the patient, comprising conveying low-level laser energy having a wavelength in the range of 600 nm-2500 nm from the optical element to a neuronal element of the patient, thereby modulating the neuronal element to treat the ailment. | 11-28-2013 |
20130317573 | COMBINATION ELECTRICAL STIMULATION AND LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY - A neuromodulation lead, comprising an elongated body, at least one electrode carried by the distal end of the elongated body, and at least one optical element carried by the distal end of the elongated body. The electrode(s) is configured for conveying electrical energy capable of modulating a neuronal element, and the optical element(s) is configured for conveying low-level laser energy capable of modulating a neuronal element. A method of treating a patient with an ailment comprises conveying electrical energy to a first neuronal element, thereby modulating the first neuronal element, and conveying low-level laser energy having a wavelength in the range of 600 nm-2500 nm to the first neuronal element, thereby modulating the first neuronal element. At least one of the conveyance of the electrical energy and the conveyance of the low-level laser energy treats the ailment. | 11-28-2013 |
20130325084 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION METHOD FOR MODULATION ON SENSORY INFORMATION AROUND DORSAL ROOT GANGLIA - A method of treating a patient with an ailment, comprises delivering first energy to a dorsal root ganglia (DRG), thereby modulating the DRG, and delivering second energy to at least one of a central neural axon extending from the DRG and a peripheral neural axon extending from the DRG, thereby modulating the at least one of the central neural axon and the peripheral neural axon. | 12-05-2013 |
20140031908 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING LARGE DIAMETER NERVE FIBER STIMULATION USING SEQUENTIAL ACTIVATION OF ELECTRODES - A system and method of providing therapy to a patient with electrodes extending along the longitudinal axes of large and small diameter nerve fibers. Electrical energy is delivered from a first electrode at an initial axial location, thereby evoking initial action potentials in the large and small fibers. The initial action potentials are allowed to be conducted along the large and small fibers in a first axial direction. Electrical energy is delivered from a second electrode at a second axial location at an instant in time when the initial action potential conducted along the large fiber has passed the second axial location and the initial action potential conducted along the small fiber is at the second axial location, thereby allowing a subsequent action potential to be evoked in the large fiber while preventing a subsequent action potential from being evoked in the small fiber. | 01-30-2014 |
20140081349 | METHOD FOR SELECTIVELY MODULATING NEURAL ELEMENTS IN THE DORSAL HORN - A method of providing therapy to a patient. The method comprises conveying pulsed electrical current at a defined pulse width and a defined pulse rate into spinal cord tissue. The defined pulse width is equal to or less than 200 μs, and the defined pulse rate is less than 1500 Hz, such that neural elements in the dorsal horn are modulated and/or the patient does not perceive paresthesia during the conveyance of the pulsed electrical current into the spinal cord tissue. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081350 | METHOD FOR ESTIMATING DESIRED STIMULATION AMPLITUDE FOR ELECTRODE CONFIGURATION - A method of providing therapy to a patient comprises (a) receiving input from a user, (b) selecting a first electrode configuration in response to receiving the user input, (c) predicting a neural response induced by electrical energy theoretically conveyed by the first electrode configuration at a specified amplitude, (d) deriving a metric value from the predicted neural response, (e) comparing the metric value to a reference threshold value, (f) adjusting the specified amplitude of the electrical energy if the metric value is not in a specified range relative to the reference threshold value, (g) repeating steps (c)-(f) using the adjusted amplitude as the specified amplitude until the metric value is in the specific range relative to the reference threshold value, and (h) instructing a neurostimulation device to deliver the electrical energy at the adjusted amplitude via the first electrode configuration to stimulate the patient. | 03-20-2014 |
20140094886 | METHOD FOR TREATING DEPRESSION BY INDIRECTLY STIMULATING RAPHE NUCLEI - A method for treating a patient suffering from depression, the method including applying electrical stimulation energy to afferent nerve fibers leading to the medial preoptic region of the hypothalamus of the patient, thereby activating serotonin in the raphe nuclei to treat depression. | 04-03-2014 |
20140172044 | COMPUTATIONALLY EFFICIENT TECHNIQUE FOR DETERMINING ELECTRODE CURRENT DISTRIBUTION FROM A VIRTUAL MULTIPOLE - A system and method of providing therapy to a patient using a plurality of electrodes implanted within the patient. A virtual multipole configuration is defined relative to the plurality of electrodes. The distance between each of a group of the electrodes and a virtual pole of the virtual multipole configuration is determined. A stimulation amplitude distribution is determined for the electrode group based on the determined distances, thereby emulating the virtual multipole configuration. Electrical energy is conveyed from the electrode group in accordance with the computed stimulation amplitude distribution. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172046 | SEAMLESS INTEGRATION OF DIFFERENT PROGRAMMING MODES FOR A NEUROSTIMULATOR PROGRAMMING SYSTEM - A system and method for programming a neurostimulation device coupled to a plurality of electrodes implanted adjacent tissue of a patient are provided. A first electrode configuration corresponding to a first mode of programming the neurostimulation device is defined. A second programming mode of programming the neurostimulation device different from the first programming mode is selected. A second electrode configuration is defined based on the first electrode configuration in response to the selection of the second programming mode. The neurostimulation device is programmed using the second programming mode. | 06-19-2014 |
20140214121 | METHOD FOR SELECTIVELY PERFORMING LOCAL AND RADIAL PERIPHERAL STIMULATION - A control system for use with a neurostimulator comprises a user interface for receiving an input from a user and a controller. The user interface has a first control and a second control. The controller is configured for, in response to actuating the first control, operating the neurostimulation control system in a PNFS programming mode, and for, in response to actuating the second control, operating the neurostimulation control system in a PNS programming mode. A method of providing therapy to a patient comprises initially conveying pulsed electrical current at a pulse width into a peripheral tissue region of the patient to create a side effect via stimulation of one of a nerve ending and neural axon, and subsequently conveying pulsed electrical current at an adjusted pulse width into the peripheral tissue region to create a therapeutic effect via stimulation of the other one of the nerve ending and neural axon. | 07-31-2014 |
20140277267 | NEUROMODULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSITIONING BETWEEN PROGRAMMING MODES - An external control device and method for programming an implantable neuromodulator coupled to an electrode array implanted adjacent tissue of a patient having a medical condition. Electrical modulation energy is conveyed to tissue of the patient in accordance with a series of modulation parameter sets. The patient perceives paresthesia in response to the conveyance of the electrical modulation energy to the tissue in accordance with at least one of the modulation parameter sets. One of the modulation parameter set(s) is identified based on the perceived paresthesia. Another modulation parameter set is derived from the identified modulation parameter set. Electrical modulation energy is conveyed to the tissue of the patient in accordance with the other modulation parameter set without causing the patient to perceive paresthesia. | 09-18-2014 |
20140364920 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING MODULATED SUB-THRESHOLD THERAPY TO A PATIENT - A neuromodulation system and method of providing therapy to a patient. Electrical energy is delivered to the patient in accordance with a modulation parameter, thereby providing therapy to the patient, and the modulation parameter of the delivered electrical energy is varied over a period of time, such that the delivered electrical energy is continually maintained at a sub-threshold level throughout the period of time. The sub-threshold level may be referred to as a patient-perception threshold, which may be referred to as a boundary below which a patient does not sense delivery of the electrical energy. For example, in a spinal cord modulation system, the patient-perception threshold may be a boundary below which a patient does not experience paresthesia. | 12-11-2014 |
20150032187 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING ANODE PLACEMENT BASED ON CEREBROSPINAL FLUID THICKNESS - A method of stimulating a portion of a spinal cord of a patient includes identifying an arrangement of electrodes including a relative placement of each electrode within the arrangement: identifying a vertebral level for implantation of the arrangement and a position of the arrangement with respect to the spinal cord: determining by calculation, for a selection of at least one cathode from the electrodes, at least two anode guard electrodes from the electrodes including in the calculation an estimated thickness of cerebrospinal fluid at the vertebral level; and stimulating the portion of the spinal cord of the patient at the vertebral level using the at least one cathode and the at least two anode guard electrodes. | 01-29-2015 |
20150073502 | HEURISTIC SAFETY NET FOR TRANSITIONING CONFIGURATIONS IN A NEURAL STIMULATION SYSTEM - A system and method using a plurality of electrodes. An immediate electrode configuration is defined, electrical energy is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the immediate electrode configuration, a final electrode configuration is defined, a series of intermediate electrode configurations is defined using a heuristic set of rules based on the immediate electrode configuration and the final electrode configuration, electrical energy is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the series of intermediate electrode configurations, and electrical energy is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the subsequent electrode configuration. | 03-12-2015 |
20150073504 | SEAMLESS INTEGRATION OF DIFFERENT PROGRAMMING MODES FOR A NEUROSTIMULATOR PROGRAMMING SYSTEM - A system and method for programming a neurostimulation device coupled to a plurality of electrodes implanted adjacent tissue of a patient are provided. A first electrode configuration corresponding to a first mode of programming the neurostimulation device is defined. A second programming mode of programming the neurostimulation device different from the first programming mode is selected. A second electrode configuration is defined based on the first electrode configuration in response to the selection of the second programming mode. The neurostimulation device is programmed using the second programming mode. | 03-12-2015 |