Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080208290 | BI-DIRECTIONAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An ISG that includes a housing, a connector block having a first surface and a second surface, a lumen extending through the connector block from the first surface to the second surface, wherein the lumen is configured to receive at least one lead, wherein said lead comprises at least one electrode connector, a plurality of contacts housed within the lumen, electronic circuitry that is operably coupled to the ISG, wherein the plurality of contacts are operably coupled to the electronic circuitry, a computer readable medium containing instructions for carrying out a process to determine at least one piece of information regarding a lead that is received within the lumen, the process includes the steps of measuring at least one characteristic of at least one of the plurality of contacts, and determining which of two ranges the measured characteristic fits, wherein the two ranges of characteristics correspond to an electrode connector being electrically connected with the at least one of the plurality of contacts, and an electrode connector not being electrically connected with the at least one of the plurality of contacts. | 08-28-2008 |
20080215117 | Electrical Stimulation of Blood Vessels - Apparatus ( | 09-04-2008 |
20080215118 | User interface with toolbar for programming electrical stimulation therapy - The disclosure is directed to a user interface with a menu that facilitates stimulation therapy programming. The user interface displays a representation of the electrical leads implanted in the patient and at least one menu with icons that the user can use to adjust the stimulation therapy. The user may drag one or more field shapes from a field shape selection menu onto the desired location relative to the electrical leads. A manipulation tool menu may also allow the user to adjust the field shapes placed on the electrical leads, which represent the stimulation region. The programmer that includes the user interface then generates electrical stimulation parameter values for the stimulator to deliver stimulation according to the field shapes or field shape groups defined/located by the user. The field shapes may represent different types of stimulation representations, such as current density, activation functions, and neuron models. | 09-04-2008 |
20080215119 | 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. | 09-04-2008 |
20080249590 | GENERATING AND COMMUNICATING WEB CONTENT FROM WITHIN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Methods, systems, and computer program products for generating and communicating web content from within an implantable medical device are provided. A method includes collecting data from a memory and/or subsystem of an implantable medical device. Upon collecting the data, the data is converted into web content having a web readable format that is readily consumable for display via a web interface thereby providing a web server from within the implantable medical device. The structure of an output file may be populated with the data converted into the web content. The method may further include transmitting the output file from the implantable medical device to a computing apparatus. | 10-09-2008 |
20080269839 | Dosing Limitation for an Implantable Medical Device - A method for limiting patient-initiated electrical signal therapy provided by an implantable medical device (IMD) to a cranial nerve of a patient. At least one electrical signal therapy limit selected from the group consisting of a maximum number of patient-initiated signals to provide a therapeutic electrical signal per a time period, a maximum dose of the therapeutic electrical signal per a time period, a maximum duration of the therapeutic electrical signal per a time period, a maximum rate of change of the number of patient-initiated signals to provide a therapeutic electrical signal per a time period, a maximum rate of change of the dose of the therapeutic electrical signal per a time period, and a maximum rate of change of the duration of the electrical signal therapy per a time period is specified. A patient-initiated signal to begin a therapeutic electrical signal is received. Whether or not said electrical signal therapy limit is exceeded by said step of detecting a patient-initiated signal is determined. An action in response to said step of determining whether or not said limit is exceeded is performed, said action selected from the group consisting of providing a first electrical signal therapy to said cranial nerve, providing a second, reduced electrical signal therapy to said cranial nerve, providing a third, enhanced electrical signal therapy to said cranial nerve, inhibiting an electrical signal therapy to said cranial nerve, providing a background electrical signal to said cranial nerve, and inhibiting a background electrical signal to said cranial nerve. | 10-30-2008 |
20080275529 | PATIENT INTERACTIVE NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A fully automated computer controlled system is provided for adjustment of neurostimulation implants used in pain therapy and in treating neurological dysfunction which includes a patient interactive computer, and a universal transmitter interface integrally embedded in the patient interactive computer or built into the antenna which is capable of stimulating any type of implanted neurostimulation devices by imitating programming codes. The patient interacts with the system through the patient interactive computer. The universal transmitter interface includes a direct digital synthesizer, a transistor circuitry driving the antenna in ON-OFF fashion and a gating unit for driving the transistor circuitry under control of the processing means in the patient-interactive computer. Alternatively, the universal transmitting interface includes a balanced modulator for modulation of the carrier signal generated at the direct digital synthesizer. | 11-06-2008 |
20080288023 | Medical treatment using patient states, patient alerts, and hierarchical algorithms - Systems and methods are described for adjusting the operation of implantable stimulation devices used to provide medical treatment. Several hierarchical algorithms are described which operate according to conditional strategies. In one such strategy semi-automatic therapy adjustment occurs by automatically issuing patient alert messages when selected operations are to occur, and using a patient's response to the alert message in order to adjust therapy, as long as this is provided within a selected time limit. Another strategy only implements complex operations when these are indicated by prior operations. The invention serves to reduce the risk of adaptation by the patient and the provision of therapy operations that are either not desired or warranted, in order to decrease the depletion of battery power and/or drug reserves and increase patient benefit. Methods are also described for resolving data conflicts which may occur when adaptively delivery therapy. | 11-20-2008 |
20080300654 | IMPLANTABLE THERAPY SYSTEM - A therapy system for applying an electrical signal to an internal anatomical feature of a patient includes an implantable component and an external component. The implantable component is configured to receive a selected therapy program and a selected therapy schedule from the external component. The implantable component is adapted to be selectively configured into one of a training mode and a delivery mode. The implantable component is configured to apply therapy to the internal anatomical feature in accordance with the selected therapy program and the selected therapy schedule when configured in the delivery mode. The implantable component is configured to simulate application of therapy when configured in the training mode. | 12-04-2008 |
20080312718 | Skin Stimulation Device and a Method and Computer Program Product for Detecting a Skin Stimulation Location - A skin stimulation device is provided with a stimulator ( | 12-18-2008 |
20080319510 | Medical Device Access Control Apparatus and Method - A method and apparatus for providing access control to a medical device. A control device may be attached to the medical device to regulate power flow to the medical device and monitor usage of the device. The control device may accept removable media and read information from the media. The information may indicate control devices with which the removable media is designated to work, as well as an amount of authorization credit. The control device, after confirming that the removable media authorized to work with that control device and that it includes sufficient authorization credit, may provide power to the medical device. The control device may then monitor the medical device and when use of the medical device is detected, the control device may write new information to the removable media decreasing the amount of authorization credit. In a preferred embodiment, the removable media is an RFID memory card. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319511 | AUTO ADJUSTING SYSTEM FOR BRAIN TISSUE STIMULATOR - An implantable neurostimulator for treating disorders such as epilepsy, pain, movement disorders and depression includes a detection subsystem capable of detecting a physiological condition and a therapy subsystem capable of providing a course of therapy in response to the condition. The therapy subsystem includes an auto-adjust module for automatically adjusting one or more parameters of the therapy so that the therapy subsystem can provide an adjusted parameter to the patient and solicit the patient's feedback concerning the adjustment without requiring the presence of, or immediate involvement with, a clinician or physician. The patient feedback can be analyzed by computer, clinician or a combination of both to determine an optimal range of parameters for subsequent courses of therapy. In this manner, information useful in tuning the neurostimulator therapy parameters to optimize them for individual patient can be acquired automatically outside of the traditional clinical setting, saving time and minimizing patient fatigue that otherwise would be experience in marathon, in-clinic tuning sessions. The auto-adjust module also can be configured to prompt the patient to provide feedback even when parameters are not being adjusted, so as to acquire information for a baseline or about any placebo effect when the patient is otherwise expecting changes to the therapy to be made. | 12-25-2008 |
20090012581 | SENSORY EVENT RECODING AND DECODING - A first pattern of sensory activity is input to a simulated neural circuit on a set of sensor inputs. The simulated neural circuit includes an array of branched neural elements that each have at least one output and one or more branches that are impinged by subsets of the set of sensor inputs. Activity is generated in the branches based on the first pattern of activity input to the simulated neural circuit, and a second pattern of activity is generated in the outputs of the array of branched neural elements based on the activity in their branches. The second pattern of activity represents a recoding of the first pattern of sensory activity. | 01-08-2009 |
20090018617 | PARAMETER-DIRECTED SHIFTING OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ELECTRODE COMBINATIONS - The disclosure provides techniques for parameter-directed shifting of electrical stimulation electrode combinations having substantially similar electrode patterns. An external programmer permits a user to shift electrode combinations along the length of a lead or leads. The external programmer accepts parameter-directed shift input and causes an electrical stimulator to shift electrode combinations as indicated. The external programmer may present an electrode combination as a parameter that can be adjusted or selected to shift the electrode combination along the length of a lead. An electrode combination may be presented as a value that can be incremented, decremented, or otherwise adjusted to indicate a shift in a desired direction. An external programmer that permits a patient or other user to shift electrode combinations in a manner similar to adjustments of other parameters may enable the patient to maintain or improve therapeutic efficacy. | 01-15-2009 |
20090024186 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING NEURAL STIMULATION TRANSITIONS - A method embodiment comprises generating a neural stimulation signal for a neural stimulation therapy. The signal is generated during a duty cycle of a stimulation period to provide the neural stimulation therapy with an intensity at a therapy level for a portion of the duty cycle. In various embodiments, a ramp up protocol is implemented to begin the duty cycle, a ramp down protocol is implemented to end the duty cycle, or both the ramp up protocol and the ramp down protocol are implemented. The ramp up protocol includes ramping up the intensity from a non-zero first subthreshold level for the neural stimulation therapy at the beginning of the duty cycle to the therapy level. The ramp down protocol includes ramping down the intensity from the therapy intensity level to a non-zero second subthreshold level for the neural stimulation therapy at the end of the duty cycle. | 01-22-2009 |
20090024187 | MULIT-PROGRAMMABLE TRIAL STIMULATOR - Disclosed are systems and methods which provide trial stimulators suited for use interoperatively and during patient trial. Trial stimulator embodiments provide a patient interface and/or clinician interface which appears and functions substantially the same as an interface of a pulse generator controller which will be used after a trial period. A compliance monitor feature may be provided to facilitate verifying the proper use of the trial stimulator during a trial period. A diagnostic feature may be provided to facilitate verifying proper operation of various aspects of a trial stimulator, such as electrode impedance analysis. Trial stimulators of embodiments provide stimulation to a plurality of tissues and/or areas of the body, such as spinal cord stimulation, deep brain stimulation, etcetera. Embodiments provide for multi-electrode stimulation and multi-stimulation programs. Embodiments are configured to provide active discharge of stimulation pulses as well as to utilize constant current sources in providing the stimulation pulses. | 01-22-2009 |
20090043360 | METHOD FOR SECURE REPROGRAMMING OF CLINICALLY RELEVANT PARAMETERS AS PART OF REMOTE PROGRAMMING OF AN ELECTRONIC IMPLANT - The invention relates to a remotely programmable personal medical device, in particular a programmable implantable medical device, e.g., a cardiac pacemaker, a defibrillator, a cardioverter or the like. In addition, the invention relates to an arrangement for remote programming of such a personal medical device and a method for remote programming of a programmable personal medical device. | 02-12-2009 |
20090048643 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING MULTIPLE VOLTAGE LEVELS DURING PULSE GENERATION AND IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATING EMPLOYING THE SAME - In one embodiment, a method of operating an implantable pulse generator comprises: providing power to a voltage converter at a first voltage level; outputting a second voltage level by the voltage converter, the second voltage level being a variable voltage level that is controlled by a control signal provided to the voltage converter, the second voltage level being provided to pulse generating circuitry of the implantable pulse generator, the second voltage level being selectable from a plurality of voltages including non-integer multiples of the first voltage level; generating pulses by the pulse generating circuitry, the pulse generating circuitry including current control circuitry for controlling the pulses to cause the pulses to provide substantially constant current to tissue of the patient; and applying at least two different control signals to the voltage converter during individual pulses to provide successively increasing voltages to the pulse generating circuitry during a respective pulse. | 02-19-2009 |
20090076570 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TEMPORARY PROGRAMMING FOR IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICES - A system and method for temporary programming of an implantable medical device. The system and method include a repeater uploading temporary programming and instructions to a temporary memory of the device and then instructing the device to operate according to the temporary instructions. If during a first time period, the device is not in continuous periodic communication with the repeater, the device automatically reverts to operation under the normal operating instructions. At the end of the first time period, the caregiver or the patient may decide to revert to the normal programming. During a second time period, the device operates according to the temporary programming unless the caregiver or the patient instructs the device to revert to the normal programming, or the device fails to receive a periodic continuation signal from the repeater. Adverse health affects to the patient may also trigger the device to revert to the normal programming during either the first or second time period. | 03-19-2009 |
20090082831 | Vestibular Stimulation System - A vestibular stimulation system and method that includes a housing, a power supply disposed in the housing, an electrode assembly adapted to be coupled to the housing, and a controller disposed in the housing and operatively coupled to the power supply. The controller controls the delivery of energy from the power supply to the electrode assembly. An input element is also disposed on an exterior surface of the housing. The input element is manually manipulated to control the operation of the vestibular stimulation system. A display disposed on an exterior surface of the housing provides visual information regarding the operation of the vestibular stimulation system. A mounting assembly is coupled to the housing to mount the housing on such a user. | 03-26-2009 |
20090082832 | Thermal Management of Implantable Medical Devices - Systems and techniques for thermal management of implantable medical devices. In one aspect, an implantable device adapted for implantation in a body includes a conductor component that conducts an electrical current in response to the body in which that implantable device is implanted being subjected to an alternating electromagnetic field and a thermal management component in thermal contact with the conductor component and configured to manage excess heat generated by the conduction of the electrical current. The thermal management component comprises a material that undergoes a phase transition at a temperature above the temperature of the body in which the implantable device is adapted to be implanted. | 03-26-2009 |
20090088820 | MEDICAL DEVICE FUNCTION CONFIGURATION POST-MANUFACTURING - A medical device system and method configure a medical device according to a configuration definition. The configuration definition includes an allowable status and a function status for each of a number of medical device functions. The medical device configuration is updated automatically in response to being interrogated by a programmer configured to update the device configuration. The device configuration is updated by updating the function status for at least one of the medical device functions in response to the allowable status for the medical device function. | 04-02-2009 |
20090099624 | INPLANTABLE SYSTEM WITH INPUTS - A stimulation system can have a first sensor to generate a first reading and a second sensor to generate a second reading. An analysis module of a programmer such as a patient programmer, which programs a stimulation signal to be delivered to a patient, conducts an evaluation of the patient based on the first and second readings. Evaluations may include determinations such as range of motion determinations, posture determinations, physical task-specific brain activity determinations, cognitive task-specific brain activity determinations, and brain activity-specific movement determinations. | 04-16-2009 |
20090099625 | ELECTIVE SERVICE INDICATOR BASED ON PULSE COUNT FOR IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - The present invention is an implantable tissue stimulation therapy system, comprising an implantable tissue stimulation device including a power source of a known stored energy amount, a programmer communicably coupled to the device and adapted to propose one or more therapy parameters for the device, each therapy parameter having a known energy consumption associated therewith, wherein a predicted elective service date of the power source based on the one or more proposed therapy parameters and the known energy amount of the power source is automatically determined, and a display communicatively coupled to the activation device, the display being configured to indicate the predicted elective power source service date to an operator, wherein the operator may choose to select the one or more proposed therapy parameters based on the indicated predicted elective service date and the selected one or more therapy parameters are transmitted to the device. | 04-16-2009 |
20090105787 | Patient Programmer with Input and Sensing Capabilities - A patient programmer can have a progress module, wherein the progress module may obtain progress input from a patient in which the generator is implanted. The progress module may include sensors that are able to obtain progress input based on patient interactions with sensors coupled to the patient programmer. The progress module may also include an interface that poses progress-related questions to the patient and obtains responses to the questions from the patient. The patient programmer is also able to store the progress input for reporting purposes. | 04-23-2009 |
20090112289 | MANAGEMENT OF NEUROSTIMULATION THERAPY USING PARAMETER SETS - An implantable medical device delivers neurostimulation therapy to a patient according to a parameter set, which may consist of a number of programs that are delivered substantially simultaneously. When programming the implantable medical device for the patient, a clinician programmer may maintain a session log that includes a listing of programs delivered to the patient and rating information provided by a clinician and the patient for programs of the list. The listing may be ordered according to the rating information in order to facilitate the selection of programs for a parameter set. A program library that may include particularly effective programs may be stored in a memory. One or both of the implantable medical device and a patient programmer may store usage information that provides an objective and accurate record of therapy use by the patient, and allows a clinician to later improve the therapy based on the usage information. | 04-30-2009 |
20090149917 | MULTIMODAL NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system for performing a neurostimulation trial comprises an external trial stimulator capable of delivering stimulation energy to a plurality of electrodes carried by one or more stimulation leads. The external trial stimulator is configurable to operate in a plurality of stimulation energy delivery modes to respectively emulate one of different neurostimulator types. The system may further comprise a programmer capable of configuring the external trial stimulator to operate in one of the stimulation energy delivery modes. The programmer may be capable of generating a first programming screen capable of allowing a first set of stimulation parameters to be defined for the first neurostimulator type, and a second programming screen capable of allowing a second set of stimulation parameters to be defined for a second neurostimulator type. | 06-11-2009 |
20090171418 | Apparatus for Non-Invasive Stimulation of an Animal - An apparatus for performing non-invasive stimulation of an animal's body, the apparatus comprising: a connector body having a conductor and a pair of stimulators electrically coupled to said conductor, the pair of stimulators being disposed on the connector body to allow the cutaneous surface of the animals body to be engaged therebetween. In use, a power source is electrically coupled to said conductor to transmit an electric current to the pair of stimulators to perform non-invasive stimulation on the animals body as current passes therethrough. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171419 | CAPACITOR REFORMATION METHOD AND DEVICE CONFIGURED TO PERFORM THE CAPACITOR REFORMATION METHOD - A method for reforming one or more capacitors in an implantable medical device includes the steps of determining a capacitor reformation time period using empirical capacitor charging data, configuring the programming module with capacitor reformation instructions that include the capacitor reformation voltage and time period, and in response to the capacitor reformation instructions, charging the capacitors for the capacitor reformation time period. | 07-02-2009 |
20090192572 | Bidirectional Communications Between A Generator And Sensors Or Actuators Of A Lead For An Active Implantable Medical Device - An active implantable medical device including bidirectional communications between a generator and sensors or actuators located at the distal extremity of a lead. A lead ( | 07-30-2009 |
20090198306 | AUTOMATED PROGRAMMING OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ELECTRODES USING POST-IMPLANT IMAGING - In general, the disclosure is related to characterization of implanted electrical stimulation electrode arrays using post-implant imaging. The electrode arrays may be carried by implanted leads. Characterization of implanted electrode arrays may include identification of the type or types of leads implanted within a patient and/or determination of positions of the implanted leads or electrodes carried by the leads relative to one another or relative to anatomical structures within the patient. In addition, the disclosure relates to techniques for specifying or modifying patient therapy parameters based on the characterization of the implanted electrode arrays. | 08-06-2009 |
20090210032 | MANUFACTURING METHODS, TESTING METHODS, AND TESTERS FOR INTRA-ORAL ELECTRONICALLY EMBEDDED DEVICES - The invention is directed to manufacturing and testing methods of electronic intraoral devices for diagnose, monitor and treat local and systemic diseases and conditions for humans and animals. More specifically, the current invention deals with manufacturing techniques, testing methods and a testing apparatus of mainly three types of intra-oral devices: (a) electro-stimulators for various applications such as treatment of dry mouth by stimulating saliva secretion, apnea, sleeping disorders, eating disorders (obesity, anorexia, etc.) dysphagia and others, (b) drug delivery devices; and (c) bio-sensing and monitoring devices. The common parts or the devices are: (1) art electronic module embedded in the device: (2) or a power source being embedded in the device; (3) the devices (or part of them) being placed in the oral cavity. | 08-20-2009 |
20090210033 | Implant revision recognition by exchanging the revision data during transmission - A system and method for establishing communication among a control device and an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device transmits to the control device identification information including a unique identification number associated with the implantable medical device and/or a current version of application software currently being utilized by the implantable medical device. Based on the extracted identification information, the control device correlates thereto a version of the application software from among the multiple versions of application software associated with the control device that is compatible with the recognized version of the application software currently being utilized by the implantable medical device. | 08-20-2009 |
20090210034 | System and Method for Monitoring Power Source Longevity of an Implantable Medical Device - Power source longevity monitor for an implantable medical device. An energy counter counts the amount of energy used by the implantable medical device. An energy converter converts the energy used into an estimate of remaining power source longevity and generating an energy longevity estimate. A voltage monitor monitors the voltage of the power source. A voltage converter converts the voltage monitored by the voltage monitor into an estimate of remaining longevity of the power source and generating a voltage longevity estimate. A calculator is operatively coupled to the energy converter and to the voltage converter and predicts the power source longevity using the energy longevity estimate early in the useful life of the power source and using the voltage longevity estimate later in the useful life of the power source. | 08-20-2009 |
20090254151 | LEAD ANCHOR FOR IMPLANTABLE DEVICES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE - A lead anchor includes a body with opposing first and second major surfaces and at least one edge surface between the first and second major surfaces. The body defines a first channel, a second channel, and a notch. The first channel extends from the edge surface of the body and is open at the first major surface. The second channel extends from the edge surface of the body and is open at the second major surface. The notch extends from the edge surface of the body, defines an opening from the first major surface through the body to the second major surface, and intersects the first channel and the second channel. The first channel, the second channel, and a portion of the notch define a passage through the body so that a lead can be inserted into the notch and turned to dispose a portion of the lead within the passage. The lead anchor can be part of a kit or system that also includes a lead. | 10-08-2009 |
20090259278 | PROGRAMMABLE WAVEFORM PULSES FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Apparatus and method provide flexibility in generating a stimulation waveform to an electrode of an Implantable Neuro Stimulator (INS). The stimulation waveform is synthesized for each rate period interval. Each rate period interval is partitioned into time intervals, during which stimulation pulses, recharging, and time duration delays may be induced. With the embodiment of the invention, a second stimulation pulse, having different electrical characteristics than a first stimulation pulse, may be generated during the rate period interval. An embodiment utilizes apparatus comprising a waveform controller and a waveform generator that are controlled by the waveform controller. The waveform controller uses waveform parameters to instruct the waveform generator to form stimulation pulses. Any of the components may be adjusted or deleted in the generation of the stimulation waveform. The embodiment enables any of the associated waveform parameters to be updated at the waveform controller in order to alter the stimulation waveform. | 10-15-2009 |
20090270947 | CONFIGURING STIMULATION THERAPY USING STIMULATION INTENSITY - Techniques for configuring electrical stimulation therapy utilizing one or more stimulation intensity values are described. In one example, a method includes receiving a stimulation intensity value that corresponds to an equal intensity function; determining a pulse width value and a pulse amplitude value based on the equal intensity function; and controlling delivery of electrical stimulation pulses with the determined pulse width value and amplitude value to a patient. A stimulation intensity value may correspond to a plurality of paired pulse width and amplitude values having substantially the same intensity. For example, the plurality of paired pulse width and amplitude values may activate a substantially equal volume of tissue when a stimulation pulse with the paired values is delivered. | 10-29-2009 |
20090276007 | MULTI-STAGE TESTING OF ELECTRODES OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD - Method, controller and system for an implantable medical device capable of delivering therapeutic stimulation through a plurality of electrodes. A control module is operable to conduct a plurality of measurements of impedance values creating a plurality of measured impedance values for a plurality of selected sets of individual ones of the plurality of electrodes based on a plurality of active parameters. The control module conducts the plurality of measurements of impedance values in a plurality of stages in which at least one of said plurality of active parameters is varied between individual ones of the plurality of stages. | 11-05-2009 |
20090276008 | NEUROSTIMULATION THERAPY USAGE DIAGNOSTICS - An implantable medical device delivers neurostimulation therapy to a patient according to a parameter set. A parameter set may consist of a number of programs that are delivered substantially simultaneously. When programming the implantable medical device for the patient, a clinician programmer may maintain a session log for the patient that includes a listing of programs delivered to the patient and rating information provided by a clinician and the patient for programs of the list. The listing may be ordered according to the rating information in order to facilitate the selection of programs for a parameter set. A program library that may include particularly effective programs organized according to a directory structure may be stored in a memory. One or both of the implantable medical device and a patient programmer may store usage information that provides an objective assessment of therapy use by the patient, and allows a clinician to later improve the therapy based on the usage information. | 11-05-2009 |
20090287279 | CURRENT STEERING FOR AN IMPLANTABLE STIMULATOR DEVICE INVOLVING FRACTIONALIZED STIMULATION PULSES - A method for configuring stimulation pulses in an implantable stimulator device having a plurality of electrodes is disclosed, which method is particularly useful in adjusting the electrodes by current steering during initialization of the device. In one aspect, a set of ideal pulses for patient therapy is determined, in which at least two of the ideal pulses are of the same polarity and are intended to be simultaneous applied to corresponding electrodes on the implantable stimulator device during an initial duration. These pulses are reconstructed into fractionalized pulses, each comprised of pulse portions. The fractionalized pulses are applied to the corresponding electrodes on the device during a final duration, but the pulse portions of the fractionalized pulses are not simultaneously applied during the final duration. | 11-19-2009 |
20090292339 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION IN IMPLANTABLE STIMULATION DEVICES - The application relates to a stimulation device with power conservation functionality. In implantable devices, power supplies may be limited. Replenishing these power supplies may require costly surgery or periodic recharging depending on the model. A method may be implemented that skips or drops periodic pulses without apparently changing the frequency of the pulses. In this manner, the dropped pulses may be undetected by the patient. On the other hand, the dropped pulse represents power savings. Dropping one in ten pulses may lead to a 10% energy savings. The stimulation device may implement the method with one or more counters implemented in hardware or software. | 11-26-2009 |
20090306746 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING AN IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATOR - According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented system is provided for programming an implantable neurostimulator. A memory module stores relative positioning data representing determined relative positioning in at least two dimensions of an electrode in a first implanted neurostimulation lead relative to an electrode in a second implanted neurostimulation lead or to neural structures. A processing module coupled to the memory module accesses the relative positioning data stored in the memory module, determines one or more stimulation characteristics according to the accessed relative positioning data, and communicates the one or more stimulation characteristics determined according to the accessed relative positioning data to an implantable neurostimulator, electrically coupled to the implanted stimulation lead(s), to control operation of the implantable neurostimulator. | 12-10-2009 |
20090326608 | METHOD OF ELECTRICALLY STIMULATING TISSUE OF A PATIENT BY SHIFTING A LOCUS OF STIMULATION AND SYSTEM EMPLOYING THE SAME - In one embodiment, a method for assisting programming a pulse generator comprises: defining a set of unique electrode combinations in the controller device, each electrode combination within the set providing a unique locus of stimulation for a single stimulation pulse applied at a base location relative to loci of stimulation of other electrode combinations, the set of unique electrode combinations defining a two-dimensional range of multiple loci of stimulation; providing one or more user interfaces to the clinician to control pulse generation and delivery by the single-source pulse generator; and processing input from the clinician related to relocation of a locus of stimulation, the processing comprising (i) automatically selecting an electrode combination from the set, and (ii) automatically modifying an electrode combination used by the single-source pulse generator to deliver electrical stimulation pulses to the selected electrode combination. | 12-31-2009 |
20100004717 | Timing Control for Paired Plasticity - Systems, methods and devices for paired training include timing controls so that training and neural stimulation can be provided simultaneously. Paired trainings may include therapies, rehabilitation and performance enhancement training. Stimulations of nerves such as the vagus nerve that affect subcortical regions such as the nucleus basalis, locus coeruleus or amygdala induce plasticity in the brain, enhancing the effects of a variety of therapies, such as those used to treat tinnitus, stroke, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. | 01-07-2010 |
20100010571 | PATIENT INTERACTION WITH POSTURE-RESPONSIVE THERAPY - In general, the disclosure relates to the delivery of therapy according to a detected posture state of a patient. The disclosure contemplates a variety of techniques for managing therapy delivered to a patent, including patient and clinician interaction with a medical device configured to deliver therapy according to posture state. In one example, the disclosure relates to a technique including delivering a first therapy to a patient via a medical device, the first therapy associated with a first posture state of the patient; receiving an indication from a user indicating that a second therapy should be delivered, the second therapy associated with a second posture state of the patient; and delivering the second therapy to the patient instead of the first therapy based on the indication. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010572 | ADJUSTMENT OF POSTURE-RESPONSIVE THERAPY - In general, the disclosure relates to the delivery of therapy according to a detected posture state of a patient. The disclosure contemplates a variety of techniques for managing therapy delivered to a patent. In one example, the disclosure relates to a technique including delivering therapy to a patient from a medical device, wherein the therapy is delivered to the patient according to a detected posture state of the patient; and automatically adjusting at least one aspect of the therapy delivered from a medical device based at least in part on one or more of time or patient posture state behavior, wherein automatically adjusting at least one aspect of therapy comprises suspending at least one aspect of the therapy or decreasing a posture state detection frequency | 01-14-2010 |
20100010573 | PATIENT-DEFINED POSTURE STATES FOR POSTURE RESPONSIVE THERAPY - The disclosure is directed towards posture-responsive therapy. To avoid interruptions in effective therapy, an implantable medical device may include a posture state module that detects the posture state of the patient and automatically adjusts therapy parameter values according to the detected posture state. A system may include a memory that stores a set of pre-established posture state definitions for delivery of posture state-responsive therapy to a patient, an external programmer comprising a user interface that receives a request from a user to update the set of pre-established posture state definitions, and a processor that updates the set of pre-established posture state definitions in response to the request. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010574 | POSTURE STATE REDEFINITION BASED ON POSTURE DATA AND THERAPY ADJUSTMENTS - The disclosure is directed towards posture-responsive therapy. To avoid interruptions in effective therapy, an implantable medical device may include a posture state module that detects the posture state of the patient and automatically adjusts therapy parameter values according to the detected posture state. A system may include a posture state module that records a current posture of a patient, a user interface that receives a therapy adjustment, a processor that associates a posture that the posture state module recorded when the user interface received the therapy adjustment with the therapy adjustment, determines whether the posture falls within a defined posture state, compares the therapy adjustment to therapy information associated with the defined posture state, and updates the set of posture state definitions based on the determination and comparison. | 01-14-2010 |
20100016923 | Protein activity modification - A method of modifying tissue behavior, comprising:
| 01-21-2010 |
20100023090 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AVOIDING, REVERSING, AND MANAGING NEUROLOGICAL ACCOMODATION TO ELETRICAL STIMULATION - A method and programmer for programming a neurostimulation device are provided. The method comprises varying a first stimulation parameter under user control, automatically varying a second stimulation parameter, generating a plurality of stimulation parameter sets from the varied first and second stimulation parameters, outputting a pulsed electrical waveform from the neurostimulation device between a plurality of electrodes in accordance with the stimulation parameter sets, such that neural tissue is stimulated without undergoing neurological accommodation that would otherwise occur if the second stimulation parameter were not varied, and programming the neurostimulation device with a new set of stimulation parameters based on a result of the neural tissue stimulation The programmer comprises a user interface capable of receiving an input from a user, a processor configured for performing the previous steps, and output circuitry configured for transmitting the stimulation parameter sets and the new stimulation parameter set to the neurostimulation device. | 01-28-2010 |
20100042185 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSVASCULAR ACTIVATION OF CARDIAC NERVES TO IMPROVE HEART FUNCTION - A system and method for electrically stimulating the heart muscle to improve heart function requires identifying a site in the venous system adjacent a sympathetic nerve. An electrode is then positioned at the site to electrically stimulate the nerve. In turn, this stimulation releases norepinephrine from the nerve to improve heart muscle contraction. | 02-18-2010 |
20100049279 | ADAPTIVE SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - This document describes, among other things, a method of operating a medical device comprising updating a regulatory approval status stored in at least one of the medical device or a second device operable to communicate with the medical device, and enabling or disabling the at least one function in the medical device based on the regulatory approval status. The regulatory approval status corresponds to at least one function performable by the medical device. | 02-25-2010 |
20100049280 | HUMAN-IMPLANTABLE-NEUROSTIMULATOR USER INTERFACE HAVING MULTIPLE LEVELS OF ABSTRACTION - A programming-device user interface may include multiple levels of abstraction for programming treatment settings. A stimulation zone-programming interface may be at a highest level of abstraction and may include idealized stimulation zones. A field strength-programming interface may be at a middle level of abstraction and may include electromagnetic field-strength patterns generated by the stimulation zones, and/or electrode settings, and a depiction of how the electromagnetic fields interact with each other. An electrode-programming interface may be at a lowest level of abstraction and may depict treatment settings at an electrodes-view level. These interfaces may include a display of a stimulatable area of the patient's body. The display may include a depiction of leads and/or the underlying physiology, such as a depiction of a portion of a spine. Algorithms map treatment settings from one level of abstraction to settings at one or more other levels of abstraction. | 02-25-2010 |
20100070001 | SELECTION OF NEUROSTIMULATOR PARAMETER CONFIGURATIONS USING DECISION TREES - A selection of parameter configurations for a neurostimulator using decision trees may be employed by a programming device to allow a clinician or other user to select parameter configurations, and then program an implantable neurostimulator to deliver therapy using the selected parameter configurations. The programming device executes a parameter configuration search algorithm to guide the clinician in selection of parameter configurations. The search algorithm relies on a decision tree to identify optimum parameter configurations. A decision tree is useful in classifying observations in a data set based upon one or more attributes or fields within the data. The data set includes parameter configurations matched with observed ratings of efficacy on patients of a similar indication. The learned attribute, on which classification occurs, will be the optimum parameter configuration for a set of rated configurations used to produce the classification. The decision trees may be especially useful in identifying electrode configurations. | 03-18-2010 |
20100076521 | Electrical stimulation system and method for generating virtual channels - Electrical stimulation system and method for generating virtual channels are disclosed. The electrical stimulation system comprises: an electrode controller, a carrier, a plurality of electrode units, and a buffer layer. The electrode units are disposed on the carrier, and each of the electrode units are electrically connected to the electrode controller independently. Besides, the electrode units and the carrier are covered with the buffer layer. When the electrode controller receive a control signal and drive the corresponding electrode units, the electrical currents output from the corresponding electrode units can electrically interfere with each other to generate a virtual channel between the corresponding electrode units. | 03-25-2010 |
20100106219 | ADAPTABLE CURRENT REGULATOR FOR DELIVERY OF CURRENT-BASED ELECTRICAL STIMULATION THERAPY - A medical electrical stimulator provides selective control of stimulation via a combination of two or more electrodes coupled to respective regulated current paths and one or more electrodes coupled to unregulated current paths. Constant current sources may control the current that is sourced or sunk via respective regulated current paths. An unregulated current path may sink or source current to and from an unregulated voltage source that serves as a reference voltage. Unregulated electrodes may function as unregulated anodes to source current from a reference voltage or unregulated cathodes to sink current to a reference voltage. | 04-29-2010 |
20100114241 | INTERFERENCE MITIGATION FOR IMPLANTABLE DEVICE RECHARGING - A therapy or monitoring system may implement one or more techniques to mitigate interference between operation of a charging device that charges a first implantable medical device (IMD) implanted in a patient and a second IMD implanted in the patient. In some examples, the techniques may include modifying an operating parameter of the charging device in response to receiving an indication that a second IMD is implanted in the patient. The techniques also may include modifying an operating parameter of the second IMD in response to detecting the presence or operation of the charging device. | 05-06-2010 |
20100114242 | MODULAR UNIVERSAL PROGRAMMING DEVICE - A universal programming device for individualized patient medical devices such as implants has an RF transceiver (transmitter/receiver), a control unit, and a man-machine interface (or a connection for a man-machine interface). The RF transceiver is configured to receive and transmit data in the MICS frequency band. The control unit is connected to the transceiver and has preconfigured software interfaces, such that the programming device can be expanded by addition of control software modules. The preconfigured software interfaces define a uniform interface for triggering the transceiver, which the control software modules can access. The man-machine interface, e.g., a keyboard and/or a display (and/or the connection for such a man-machine interface) is connected to the control unit. | 05-06-2010 |
20100125314 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING AUTOMATIC PULSE PARAMETERS TO SELECTIVELY ACTIVATE NERVE FIBERS - A method of stimulating nerve tissue, a tissue stimulation system, and an external control device are provided. The method, system, and control device causes an electrical stimulus to be applied to at least one electrode adjacent the nerve tissue of a patient. The applied electrical stimulus comprises a plurality of pulses defined by a pulse width value and an amplitude value. The pulse amplitude value is increased (e.g., manually), and the pulse width value is automatically decreased in response to increasing the pulse amplitude value in a manner that increases the intensity of the applied electrical stimulus. Alternatively, the pulse width value may be decreased (e.g., manually), and the pulse amplitude value automatically increased in response to decreasing the pulse width value in a manner that increases the intensity of the applied electrical stimulus. | 05-20-2010 |
20100125315 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE THAT USES ELECTRICAL CURRENT STEERING BY MEANS OF OUTPUT IMPEDANCE MODULATION - A method and system of providing therapy to a patient implanted with an array of electrodes is provided. Electrical stimulation current is conveyed from at least two of the electrodes to at least one of the electrodes along at least two electrical paths through tissue of the patient, and the electrical stimulation current is shifted between the electrical paths by actively adjusting one or more finite resistances respectively associated with one or more of the electrical paths. | 05-20-2010 |
20100137943 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING MIDDLE LEAD IN A TRI-LEAD CONFIGURATION - A method and medical system for operating three electrodes electrically coupled to three proximal contacts carried by three lead bodies is provided. The electrodes are implanted adjacent tissue of a patient and include a middle electrode and a pair of electrodes flanking the middle electrode. Electrical energy is conveyed between three different pairs of the proximal contacts, thereby respectively generating three electrical fields in the tissue between three electrode pairs. A potential of each of the electrical fields is measured at the remaining electrodes via the remaining proximal contacts, respectively. The lead body associated with the middle electrode is identified based on the measured electrical field potentials. | 06-03-2010 |
20100137944 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING RELATIVE POSITIONING BETWEEN NEUROSTIMULATION LEADS - A method and medical system for operating two leads disposed adjacent tissue of a patient are provided. A first one of a pair of electrodes respectively carried by the two leads is activated to generate an electrical field within the tissue. An electrical parameter in response to the generated electrical field is measured at a second one of the pair of electrodes. A reference electrical parameter is measured in response to the generated electrical field at a reference electrode carried by the same one of the two leads that carries the first electrode. A reference distance between the first electrode and the reference electrode is known prior to the generation of the electrical field. The ratio between the measured electrical parameter and the measured reference electrical parameter is computed, and the distance between the pair of electrodes is computed as a function of the computed ratio and the reference distance. | 06-03-2010 |
20100161001 | Optimizing the stimulus current in a surface based stimulation device - A method and associated stimulation device for ensuring firing of an action potential in an intended physiological target activated by a stimulus pulse generated by an electrode of a non-invasive surface based stimulation device irrespective of skin-to-electrode impedance by: (i) increasing internal impedance of the stimulation device so as to widen a Chronaxie time period thereby ensuring firing of the action potential of the intended physiological target irrespective of the skin-to-electrode impedance; and/or (ii) generating a stimulation waveform that optimizes a non-zero average current (e.g., non-zero slope of the envelope of the stimulation waveform) during preferably substantially the entire current decay of the stimulus pulse. | 06-24-2010 |
20100179617 | Approval Per Use Implanted Neurostimulator - Methods and apparatus for delivering therapy from an implanted neurostimulator to a patient are provided. One feature is an external controller that acts as a gateway for therapy. The external controller can be a handheld controller that communicates wirelessly with the implanted neurostimulator. In some embodiments, the controller communicates with a database to determine a therapy approval status of the neurostimulator. Therapy can be approved by a physician prescription, or by prepayment, for example. In some embodiments, the neurostimulator is deactivated when no approved therapies remain. | 07-15-2010 |
20100222844 | NEUROSTIMULATOR AND METHOD FOR REGULATING SAME - The present invention relates to an electrode ( | 09-02-2010 |
20100222845 | REMOTE MANAGEMENT OF THERAPY PROGRAMMING - The disclosure is directed to techniques for remote management of information relating to therapy delivered to a patient by an implantable medical device (IMD). A remote monitoring system for therapy programming includes an IMD that delivers therapy, e.g., neurostimulation, drug therapy, or both, to a patient, an external programming device associated with the IMD, such as a patient programmer, and a remote networking device that receives usage information from the external programming device. The external programming device communicates with the IMD via local, wireless communication, and the remote networking device receives usage information from the external programming device via a network. The usage information includes information that relates to use of therapy by the patient, use of features of the external programming device and the IMD, or use of navigation patterns of a user interface of the external programming device. | 09-02-2010 |
20100222846 | REMOTELY- REQUESTED INTEGRITY DIAGNOSTICS - In general, the invention is directed toward techniques for remotely monitoring the integrity of a medical device and its components. A remote networking device communicates with a medical device, e.g., an implantable medical device, via a network. The remote networking device sends a request for an integrity measurement to the medical device via the network, a remote network that requests a medical device to perform an integrity measurement. In response to the request, the medical device performs the requested integrity measurement. The medical device may transmit a result of the integrity measurement, e.g., a measured value, back to the remote networking device via the network. | 09-02-2010 |
20100228322 | GLOBAL PARAMETER ADJUSTMENT FOR MULTIPLE STIMULATION PROGRAMS - A user may modify a stimulation parameter in a plurality of stimulation programs with a single adjustment. During stimulation therapy, the user, such as a patient, may desire to change a parameter of the plurality of stimulation programs. The patient may press a single button on an external programmer to make the parameter change, or global adjustment, to all of the plurality of stimulation programs. This global adjustment eliminates the need for the patient to navigate through each of the plurality of stimulation programs separately and adjust the parameter. Additionally, changing the plurality of stimulation programs may be desirable for uniform stimulation therapy between programs used by the patient. The external programmer may calculate an appropriate parameter change for each stimulation program to keep parameter ratios equal between the plurality of stimulation programs. | 09-09-2010 |
20100274320 | CHARGE-BASED STIMULATION INTENSITY PROGRAMMING WITH PULSE AMPLITUDE AND WIDTH ADJUSTED ACCORDING TO A FUNCTION - Techniques for programming electrical stimulation therapy intensity based on electrical charge are described. In some examples, a display presents a stimulation intensity value in units of electrical charge, e.g., Coulombs. In such examples, a user may adjust the displayed charge value, rather than pulse amplitude or pulse width, to adjust the intensity of the electrical stimulation therapy. In some examples, a processor determines modifications to pulse amplitude and pulse width based on the modification to the charge value. In some examples, a processor modifies a pulse amplitude and width to achieve a desired charge, while maintaining a relationship between pulse amplitude and width specified by a predetermined function. In some examples, the function may be programmed, e.g., selected or adjusted, by a user. | 10-28-2010 |
20100274321 | BAROREFLEX ACTIVATION THERAPY WITH CONDITIONAL SHUT OFF - An aspect of the present subject matter relates to a baroreflex stimulator. An embodiment of the stimulator comprises a pulse generator to provide a baroreflex stimulation signal through an electrode, and a modulator to modulate the baroreflex stimulation signal based on a circadian rhythm template. Other aspects are provided herein. | 10-28-2010 |
20100280574 | PATIENT STATE DETECTION BASED ON SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINE BASED ALGORITHM - A patient state is detected with at least one classification boundary generated by a supervised machine learning technique, such as a support vector machine. In some examples, the patient state detection is used to at least one of control the delivery of therapy to a patient, to generate a patient notification, to initiate data recording, or to evaluate a patient condition. In addition, an evaluation metric can be determined based on a feature vector, which is determined based on characteristics of a patient parameter signal, and the classification boundary. Example evaluation metrics can be based on a distance between at least one feature vector and the classification boundary and/or a trajectory of a plurality of feature vectors relative to the classification boundary over time. | 11-04-2010 |
20100280575 | CONTROLLING CHARGE FLOW IN THE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF TISSUE - Systems of techniques for controlling charge flow during the electrical stimulation of tissue. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a charge setting describing an amount of charge that is to flow during a stimulation pulse that electrically stimulates a tissue, and generating and delivering the stimulation pulse in a manner such that an amount of charge delivered to the tissue during the stimulation pulse accords with the charge setting. | 11-04-2010 |
20100280576 | TREE-BASED ELECTRICAL STIMULATOR PROGRAMMING - The disclosure describes an implantable stimulation system that guides programming with a therapeutic tree. All possible stimulation parameters are arranged on the therapeutic tree, with each level of the therapeutic tree containing a different stimulation parameter type. Each level includes nodes that are connected to nodes of adjacent levels. A program path is created by moving through nodes of lower levels. The stimulation parameter types are arranged so that coarse adjustments occur at higher levels of the tree and fine adjustments occur at lower levels of the tree. The nodes of the program path define the stimulation parameters of the delivered stimulation therapy. The user may provide information such as efficacy input and/or medication dosage information to the system for identifying the most efficacious program path in treating pain of the patient. Additionally or alternatively, efficacy feedback may be received from physiological parameter sensors. | 11-04-2010 |
20100318159 | MINIATURE REMOTE CONTROLLER FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A miniature remote controller for an implantable medical device provides a subset of the functionality of a full-sized remote controller for the implantable medical device. The two remote controllers each have a user interface, which can be different from each other. A remote controller for an implantable medical device can have a coil for communicating with the implantable medical device, where the coil is wrapped around a coil axis parallel to a long axis of a housing of the remote controller. A user interface of the remote controller can have an indicator light to indicate success or failure of a communication with the implantable medical device and status of the implantable medical device. The housing of the remote controller can have two differently sized sections. | 12-16-2010 |
20110022122 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMPUTATIONALLY DETERMINING MIGRATION OF NEUROSTIMULATION LEADS - A tissue stimulation system and computer software and method of monitoring a neurostimulation lead having a plurality of electrodes implanted within a patient (e.g., adjacent the spinal cord) is provided. Neurostimulation lead models are provided, each of which includes estimated electrical parameter data (e.g., electrical field potential data) corresponding to a predetermined position of the neurostimulation lead. Electrical energy is transmitted to or from the electrodes, and electrical parameter data (e.g., electrical field potential data) is measured in response to the transmitted electrical energy. The measured electrical parameter data is compared with the estimated electrical parameter data of each of the neurostimulation lead models, and a position of the neurostimulation lead is determined based on the comparison. | 01-27-2011 |
20110029042 | LEAD ASSEMBLIES WITH ONE OR MORE SWITCHING NETWORKS - Exemplary lead assemblies include a lead body having a plurality of conductor wires embedded therein, a plurality of electrode contacts at least partially disposed on an outer surface of the lead body, and a plurality of switching networks each configured to control an operation of one or more of the plurality of electrode contacts. | 02-03-2011 |
20110040351 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO DEFINE TARGET VOLUME FOR STIMULATION OF THE SPINAL CORD AND PERIPHERAL NERVES - One embodiment provides a computer-implemented method that includes storing a volume of tissue activation (VTA) data structure that is derived from analysis of a plurality of patients. Patient data is received for a given patient, the patient data representing an assessment of a patient condition. The VTA data structure is evaluated relative to the patient data to determine a target VTA for achieving a desired therapeutic effect for the given patient. | 02-17-2011 |
20110040352 | THERAPY PROGRAM MODIFICATION BASED ON AN ENERGY THRESHOLD - A therapy program is modified to decompose a therapy field generated by therapy delivery by a medical device according to a therapy program into a plurality of subfields based on a comparison between an energy associated with the therapy program and a threshold value. The therapy field defined by the therapy program may be decomposed into a plurality of subfields when an electrical stimulation energy of the stimulation signal defined by the therapy program exceeds the maximum energy output of the medical device or of a channel of the medical device. Therapy subprograms may be generated for each of the therapy subfields. An energy associated with each of the therapy subfields may be less than the energy threshold value of the medical device. | 02-17-2011 |
20110040353 | THERAPY PROGRAM MODIFICATION BASED ON AN ENERGY THRESHOLD - A therapy program is modified to decompose an electrical stimulation signal defined by the therapy program into a plurality of sub-signals based on a comparison between an energy associated with the stimulation signal and a threshold value. An electrical stimulation signal defined by a therapy program may be decomposed into a plurality of subsignals when an electrical stimulation energy of the stimulation signal exceeds the maximum energy output of the medical device or of a channel of the medical device. The energy associated with each one of the subsignals may be less than the energy threshold value of the medical device. | 02-17-2011 |
20110046697 | THERAPY PROGRAM MODIFICATION - A therapy program may be generated based on an algorithmic model of a baseline therapy field, which may represent a therapy field resulting from therapy delivery via the first therapy system based on a first therapy program. A second therapy program that controls therapy delivery by a second therapy system may be generated based on the baseline therapy field model. For example, therapy parameter values of the second therapy program may be selected to maintain at least one field characteristic of the baseline therapy field model. In some examples, the second therapy system may result from a hardware modification to the first therapy system. In other examples, the first and second therapy systems may be associated with different patients. For example, the baseline therapy field model may be an efficacious therapy field for a patient class, and a second therapy program may be generated for a patient in the class. | 02-24-2011 |
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 |
20110054569 | PRESCRIPTION PAD FOR TREATMENT OF INFLAMMATORY DISORDERS - Described herein are devices, including interface modules or prescription pads, and systems including these devices and methods of using them, for treating inflammation or inflammatory disorders, and particularly for interfacing with a user desiring to prescribe treatment of an inflammatory disorder using an implanted stimulator. | 03-03-2011 |
20110082522 | CLOSED-LOOP THERAPY ADJUSTMENT - Techniques for detecting a value of a sensed patient parameter, and automatically delivering therapy to a patient according to therapy information previously associated with the detected value, are described. In exemplary embodiments, a medical device receives a therapy adjustment from the patient. In response to the adjustment, the medical device associates a sensed value of a patient parameter with therapy information determined based on the adjustment. Whenever the parameter value is subsequently detected, the medical device delivers therapy according to the associated therapy information. In this manner, the medical device may “learn” to automatically adjust therapy in the manner desired by the patient as the sensed parameter of the patient changes. Exemplary patient parameters that may be sensed for performance of the described techniques include posture, activity, heart rate, electromyography (EMG), an electroencephalogram (EEG), an electrocardiogram (ECG), temperature, respiration rate, and pH. | 04-07-2011 |
20110087305 | MEDICAL LEAD SYSTEM WITH ROUTER - A medical electrical lead system includes an electrical signal generator providing a plurality of discrete electrical signal channels and an electrical signal channel router electrically coupled between the electrical signal generator and a first lead body and a second lead body. The electrical signal channel router diverts one of the discrete electrical signal channels to the second lead body and not to the first lead body. | 04-14-2011 |
20110093040 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH SELECTIVELY CONFIGURABLE EXPOSURE OPERATING MODE PROGRAMMING OPTIONS - An IMD is selectively configurable to support a plurality of programming options for enabling and disabling an exposure operating mode of the device. In one example, the IMD may support at least two of a manual exposure mode programming option in which the exposure operating mode is manually enabled and manually disabled, an automatic exposure mode programming option in which the exposure operating mode is automatically enabled and automatically disabled, or a semi-automatic exposure mode programming option in which the exposure operating mode is either automatically enabled and manually disabled or manually enabled and automatically disabled. In this manner, the IMD may support more than one way for enabling and disabling the exposure operating mode to provide flexibility in the clinical workflows associated with programming the IMD into an exposure operating mode for a medical procedure, such as an MRI scan. | 04-21-2011 |
20110093041 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION THERAPY USING DECAYING CURRENT PULSES - This disclosure describes generation of electrical stimulation pulses for electrical stimulation therapy. The stimulation pulses have a pulse current level and pulse width, and may be generated by a current regulator. The pulse voltage level may be a voltage level delivered by the current regulator while maintaining regulation of the pulse current level. During delivery of a pulse, a supply voltage level may decrease due to discharging of a supply capacitance, and the pulse voltage level may increase due to charging of a load capacitance. The pulse current level may be controlled to decrease during the pulse width such that a sum of the pulse voltage level and a headroom voltage of the current regulator does not exceed the supply voltage level. In some examples, the pulse may include sub-pulses with different sub-pulse current levels, where an earlier sub-pulse has a higher pulse current level than a later sub-pulse. | 04-21-2011 |
20110093042 | STIMULATION WITH UTILIZATION OF CASE ELECTRODE - This disclosure describes techniques that support delivering electrical stimulation via an electrode on a housing of an implantable medical device (IMD) while substantially simultaneously delivering electrical stimulation via one or more electrodes, having the same polarity as the electrode on the housing, on one or more leads engaged to the IMD. The stimulation may be constant current-based or constant voltage-based stimulation in the form of pulses or continuous waveforms. Delivery of stimulation via both a housing anode and one or more lead anodes, for example, may allow a user to control current paths between the housing electrode and the lead electrode(s) in a relative manner to achieve different electric or stimulation field shapes. | 04-21-2011 |
20110093043 | PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES FOR STIMULATION WITH UTILIZATION OF CASE ELECTRODE - This disclosure describes techniques that support delivering electrical stimulation via an electrode on a housing of an implantable medical device (IMD) while substantially simultaneously delivering electrical stimulation via one or more electrodes, having the same polarity as the electrode on the housing, on one or more leads engaged to the IMD. The stimulation may be constant current-based or constant voltage-based stimulation in the form of pulses or continuous waveforms. Delivery of stimulation via both a housing anode and one or more lead anodes, for example, may allow a user to control current paths between the housing electrode and the lead electrode(s) in a relative manner to achieve different electric or stimulation field shapes. | 04-21-2011 |
20110093044 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MODELING ELECTRODE MORPHOLOGIES - A system for a neurostimulation device comprises a user input device configured for receiving an electrode morphology having at least one electrode, memory storing at least one basis electrode model, and at least one processor configured for modeling at least one electrode by recalling the at least one basis electrode model from the memory, and using the recalled at least one basis electrode model multiple times to construct a model of the at least one electrode. | 04-21-2011 |
20110093045 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING VOLUME OF ACTIVATION IN TISSUE - A system for a neurostimulation device comprises at least one processor configured for estimating at a plurality of spatial points a respective plurality of electrical field vectors resulting from a stimulation lead operating in accordance with the set of stimulation parameters, determining an amplitude of each electrical field vector and an angle between each electrical field vector and a vector aligned with an axis of the stimulation lead, and estimating a tissue of volume activation about the stimulation lead based on the determined amplitude and angle of each electrical field vector. | 04-21-2011 |
20110106212 | CONFIGURING OPERATING PARAMETERS OF A MEDICAL DEVICE BASED ON A TYPE OF SOURCE OF A DISRUPTIVE ENERGY FIELD - An implantable medical device (IMD) configures one or more operating parameters of the IMD based on a type of source of a disruptive energy field to which the IMD is exposed. The disruptive energy field may, in one example, include magnetic and/or radio frequency (RF) fields generated by an MRI scanner. In one aspect, the IMD may distinguish between different types of MRI scanners and select an exposure operating mode tailored to reduce the effects of the particular type of MRI scanner. In another aspect, the IMD may adjust one or more operating parameters that will be used when the IMD returns to a normal operating mode after exposure to the MRI scanner based on the type of MRI scanner to which the IMD is exposed. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106213 | USER INTERFACE FOR OPTIMIZING ENERGY MANAGEMENT IN A NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM - In one aspect, a programmer for an implantable medical device comprises a user interface that receives user input corresponding to one or more selected stimulation therapy parameters for delivering stimulation therapy to a patient with the implantable medical device and presents an energy consumption estimate of a power source based on the selected stimulation therapy parameters; and a processor that determines one or more programming options that, if selected, would alter the selected stimulation therapy parameters and reduce the energy consumption estimate. The user interface presents at least one of the programming options to reduce the energy consumption estimate to the user with an indication that user selection of one or more of the presented programming options would alter the selected stimulation therapy parameters to reduce energy consumption of the implantable medical device. | 05-05-2011 |
20110112609 | AUTOMATIC LEAD IDENTIFICATION USING ELECTRIC FIELD FINGERPRINTING - A method, programmer for a neurostimulator, and neurostimulation kit are provided. The kit comprises a neurostimulator, and a plurality of elongated lead bodies configured for being coupled to the neurostimulator, each having a plurality of proximal contacts and a plurality of distal electrodes respectively electrically coupled to the proximal contacts, wherein an in-line connectivity between the electrodes and proximal contacts carried by the different lead bodies differs from each other. Electrical energy is conveyed between the electrodes of the selected lead body and the tissue, an electrical fingerprint is measured at the proximal contacts of the selected lead body in response to the conveyed electrical energy, and the selected lead body is identified based on the measured electrical fingerprint. These steps can be performed by the programmer. | 05-12-2011 |
20110125219 | IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR FOR NEUROSTIMULATION THAT COMPRISES THIN-OXIDE TRANSISTORS AND METHOD OF OPERATING A NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM - In one embodiment, a method, of operating an IPG, comprises: generating a variable anode voltage by first circuitry to drive current during pulse generation, the first circuitry being programmable to generate the anode voltage from a plurality of voltages in response to a control signal; providing the anode voltage to a first circuit node; operating a transistor to control current flow between the first circuit node and an output of the IPG, wherein the transistor possesses a gate-to-source breakdown voltage; generating a first supply signal that is maintained at a voltage level equal to the anode voltage plus or minus a predetermined amount; and selectively applying the first supply signal and a second supply signal to a gate of the transistor to connect or disconnect the first circuit node in a circuit path with the output of the IPG. | 05-26-2011 |
20110125220 | IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR FOR NEUROSTIMULATION THAT COMPRISES VOLTAGE CONVERSION CIRCUITRY AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - In one embodiment, an implantable pulse generator (IPG) for generating electrical pulses for stimulation of tissue of a patient, comprises: a controller for controlling operations of the IPG; pulse generating circuitry for generating electrical pulses; and conversion circuitry for converting a received logic signal generated by a first voltage domain for provision to a second voltage domain, the conversion circuitry comprising a first stage and a second stage, wherein (i) the first stage receives first signals at first and second logic levels; (ii) the second stage receives second signals at third and fourth logic levels, (iii) the second stage comprising two sets of cross-coupled transistors for generating a rail-to-rail output at the third and fourth logic levels according to whether the received logic signal is at the first or second logic level. | 05-26-2011 |
20110130808 | Swallowing Stimulation System - A swallowing stimulation system has a swallowing stimulator for use in triggering an act of swallowing in a patient. The swallowing system has an operating unit including operating elements for receiving user inputs, whereby the operating elements are allocated to different possible physical properties of a food, such that a user can allocate a particular food by means of the operating elements to at least one of at least two categories. The operating unit is designed to generate a control signal corresponding to a user input for the swallowing stimulator, and the swallowing stimulator is designed so that a stimulus for triggering an act of swallowing is formed in response to the control signal. | 06-02-2011 |
20110144721 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING AN IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR - In one embodiment, a method of programming an IPG comprises providing one or several GUI screens on the programmer device, the GUI screens comprising a master amplitude GUI control for controlling amplitudes for stimsets of a stimulation program and one or several balancing GUI controls for controlling amplitudes of each stimset of the stimulation program; communicating one or several commands from the programmer device to the IPG to change the amplitude of all stimsets of the stimulation program in response to manipulation of the master amplitude GUI control, wherein the amplitude of each stimulation set is automatically calculated by a level selected through the master amplitude GUI control and one or several calibration parameters for the respective stimulation set; and automatically recalculating the one or several calibration parameters for a respective stimulation set in response to manipulation of one of the balancing GUI controls and storing the recalculated calibration parameters. | 06-16-2011 |
20110160800 | SYSTEM AND METHODS OF DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION FOR POST-OPERATION PATIENTS - A method for programming a deep brain stimulator implanted in a target region of a brain of a living subject for optimal stimulation, wherein the deep brain stimulator comprises at least one electrode having a plurality of electrode contacts spaced apart from each other, and any portion of the brain of the living subject is identifiable by a set of corresponding spatial coordinates. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of creating an efficacy atlas in which any spatial coordinates for a position in a target region of the brain of the living subject are related to a position with corresponding atlas coordinates in the efficacy atlas, and each position in the atlas coordinates of the efficacy atlas is associated with an efficacy of stimulation at a corresponding position in the spatial coordinates of the brain of the living subject; acquiring a position of each electrode contact of the at least one electrode in the spatial coordinates of the brain of the living subject; mapping the acquired position of each electrode contact of the at least one electrode in the spatial coordinates of the brain of the living subject onto a corresponding position in the efficacy atlas so as to determine the efficacy of stimulation at the acquired position in the spatial coordinates of the brain of the living subject; and selecting one or more electrode contacts having the highest efficacy for stimulation. | 06-30-2011 |
20110172737 | PROGRAMMING THERAPY DELIVERED BY IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - This disclosure describes techniques for programming stimulation therapy programs according to therapy targets (e.g., symptoms or areas of pain) in a patient to which they are applied. Several programs can be programmed for each therapy target, stored on an implantable medical device, and retrieved later by a programmer to modify, edit, delete, create, and/or select a therapy program for each of the therapy targets. Each therapy target is independent from the other therapy targets, and a user can select or change a program under one therapy target without affecting programs under the other therapy targets. During programming, a user can specify parameters for each program applicable to only that program, and can specify parameters for each therapy target applicable to every program associated with that therapy target. The organization of programs into slots and the selection of a program in each slot may be manual or automated. | 07-14-2011 |
20110172738 | GRAPHICAL MANIPULATION OF POSTURE ZONES FOR POSTURE-RESPONSIVE THERAPY - The disclosure provides a system that displays graphical representations of posture zones associated with posture states of a patient, on a display device communicatively coupled to a medical device. The medical device is configured to deliver therapy to the patient based on detected posture states of the patient, where the detected posture state is based on the posture zones. The display device may allow a user to manipulate the graphical representations of the posture zones, including changing the size of the posture zones. Additionally, the display device may allow a user to change transition times associated with transitions between posture states, and displaying an indication of the changed transition time by highlighting the two graphical representations of the posture zones corresponding to the posture states associated with the changed transition time. | 07-14-2011 |
20110172739 | IMPLANTABLE STIMULATOR - An implantable stimulator includes a tube assembly that is configured to house a number of components that are configured to apply at least one stimulus to at least one stimulation site within a patient. The tube assembly has a shape that allows the stimulator to be implanted within said patient in a pre-determined orientation. Exemplary methods of stimulating a stimulation site within a patient include applying an electrical stimulation current to a stimulation site via one or more electrodes extending along one or more sides of a stimulator. The stimulator has a shape allowing the stimulator to be implanted within the patient in a pre-determined orientation. | 07-14-2011 |
20110196447 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH AN ELECTRONIC PRESCRIPTION - This disclosure describes techniques for configuring an IMD into the exposure operating mode. Prior to a medical procedure that generates a disruptive energy field, such as an MRI scan, an electronic prescription is configured to indicate that the IMD is authorized for the medical procedure that includes a disruptive energy field. The electronic prescription includes one or more designated bits within a storage element of the IMD. When the patient in which the IMD is implanted arrives for the medical procedure, a user (such as an MRI operator) interacts with a telemetry device to determine whether the electronic prescription is configured. Upon determining that the electronic prescription is configured, the IMD transitions into the exposure operating mode designed for operation in the disruptive energy field. In this manner, the electronic prescription confirms to the user that that the IMD has been checked for suitability for operation during the medical procedure. | 08-11-2011 |
20110196448 | BI-DIRECTIONAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An ISG that includes a housing, a connector block having a first surface and a second surface, a lumen extending through the connector block from the first surface to the second surface, wherein the lumen is configured to receive at least one lead, wherein said lead comprises at least one electrode connector, a plurality of contacts housed within the lumen, electronic circuitry that is operably coupled to the ISG, wherein the plurality of contacts are operably coupled to the electronic circuitry, a computer readable medium containing instructions for carrying out a process to determine at least one piece of information regarding a lead that is received within the lumen, the process includes the steps of measuring at least one characteristic of at least one of the plurality of contacts, and determining which of two ranges the measured characteristic fits, wherein the two ranges of characteristics correspond to an electrode connector being electrically connected with the at least one of the plurality of contacts, and an electrode connector not being electrically connected with the at least one of the plurality of contacts. | 08-11-2011 |
20110230935 | Rechargeable Stimulation Lead, System, and Method - Implantable electrical stimulation leads, method, and system are provided. Components of the system include a hermetically sealed integrated circuit controller, two or more hermetically sealed individually addressable satellite electrode structures and an inductive power source. The lead includes a housing, a conductor positioned within the housing, addressable stimulation units secured within the housing, wherein each stimulation unit includes a hermetically sealed integrated circuit, and a plurality of electrodes each electrically isolated from the other. | 09-22-2011 |
20110238135 | Method for a Controlled Shutdown of an Implantable Medical Device - An improved implantable pulse generator (IPG) containing graceful shutdown circuitry is disclosed. A magnet sensor senses the presence of an emergency shutdown magnet. Output of the magnet sensor is conditioned by a signal conditioning circuit. Output of the signal conditioning circuit is delayed by a delay element before being fed to a power cut-off switch, which cuts-off power to the IPG circuitry. An interrupt signal is routed from before the delay element to the IPG processor as an indicator of imminent shutdown. The processor launches shutdown routine that carries out shutdown operations such as logging the emergency shutdown event, saving and closing open files, saving data from volatile memory to non-volatile memory, etc., before the power cut-off switch is activated upon elapsing of delay provided by the delay element. The magnet sensor, signal conditioning circuit, and delay element are powered separately from the rest of the circuitry of the IPG. | 09-29-2011 |
20110257705 | CONTROL UNIT HAVING A DEPLOYABLE ANTENNA - A control unit for an implantable medical device includes a housing and electronics within the housing. The electronics control an RF emission from the control unit. An antenna is pivotably connected to the housing. The antenna is movable between a stowed position where RF emission from the antenna is prevented and a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. To use the external control unit to effect communication between an external control unit and an implanted medical device, the user places the external control unit within electronic communication range of the implanted medical device. The control unit antenna is moved from the stowed position to a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. RF waves are emitted from the antenna to establish communication between the external control unit and the implanted medical device. | 10-20-2011 |
20110264171 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATOR WITH VOLTAGE MODE EMULATION USING REGULATED CURRENT - Techniques are described for generating electrical stimulation current pulses for delivery of electrical stimulation therapy via a current-controlled system that emulates voltage pulses generated via a voltage-controlled system. In one example, a method includes receiving user input specifying a voltage level of electrical stimulation to be delivered by one or more of a plurality of electrodes implanted within the patient, selectively coupling the one or more electrodes to respective regulated current paths to deliver the electrical stimulation to the patient, selectively coupling at least another of the plurality of electrodes implanted within the patient to an unregulated current path to deliver the electrical stimulation to the patient, determining a regulated current for each respective regulated current path in order to produce the specified voltage level at the one or more electrodes selectively coupled to the respective regulated current paths, and delivering the determined regulated currents via the respective regulated current paths. | 10-27-2011 |
20110270357 | STIMULATION WITH UTILIZATION OF NON-SELECTED ELECTRODE - This disclosure describes techniques that support delivering electrical stimulation current via at least two user-selected electrodes of an implantable medical device (IMD) and automatically delivering balancing current below via at least one non-selected electrode. Balancing currents delivered via the at least one non-selected electrode may be configured with an amplitude below a perception threshold of a patient. Delivery of balancing current via the at least one third electrode may allow an implantable medical device to automatically balance the total current delivered to a patient. | 11-03-2011 |
20110282414 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEFINING NEUROSTIMULATION LEAD CONFIGURATIONS - A method and external control device for operating a plurality of electrode leads implanted within the tissue of a patient. A virtual electrode leads in a reference lead configuration are displayed. One of the virtual electrode leads is selected. The selected virtual electrode lead is dragged, and the displace virtual electrode lead is dropped, thereby displaying the virtual electrode leads in a new lead configuration. | 11-17-2011 |
20110288615 | Implantable Therapeutic Systems Including Neurostimulation Circuits, Devices, Systems and Methods - A neurostimulation array comprising a first implantable neurostimulator storing a first identification code in a non-volatile memory and responding to communications including said first identification code, a second implantable neurostimulator storing a second identification code in a non-volatile memory and responding to communications including said second identification code, and a polymer connector attached to said first implantable neurostimulator and said second implantable neurostimulator, thereby forming a neurostimulation array. | 11-24-2011 |
20110288616 | ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION DEVICE - The electrical nerve stimulation unit in accordance with the present invention generally includes a housing, an input panel, a display panel, a controller, a first channel output, a second channel output, and a power system. While the device is generally described in terms of use as a TENS unit, it must be noted that other nerve stimulation applications for the device are envisioned as well. The myriad of intelligent and proactive programmable software functions and features of the present invention are executed on the controller's microprocessor. For instance, open lead monitoring, soft recovery implementation, compliance monitoring, and enhanced power management are all controlled and monitored through the interfacing of the processor with the various devices and hardware on the unit's hardware platform. | 11-24-2011 |
20110301666 | System and Method for Transvascular Activation of Cardiac Nerves with Automatic Restart - A system and method for electrically stimulating the heart muscle to improve heart function requires identifying a site in the venous system adjacent a sympathetic nerve. An electrode is then positioned at the site to electrically stimulate the nerve. In turn, this stimulation releases norepinephrine from the nerve to improve heart muscle contraction. | 12-08-2011 |
20110301667 | INDUCTIVELY RECHARGEABLE EXTERNAL ENERGY SOURCE, CHARGER, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A TRANSCUTANEOUS INDUCTIVE CHARGER FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. A sensor may be used to measure a parameter that correlates to a temperature of the system that occurs during the transcutaneous coupling of energy. For example, the sensor may measure temperature of a surface of an antenna of the external power source. The measured parameter may then be compared to a programmable limit. A control circuit such as may be provided by the external power source may then control the temperature based on the comparison. The programmable limit may be, for example, under software control so that the temperature occurring during transcutaneous coupling of energy may be modified to fit then-current circumstances. | 12-08-2011 |
20110307032 | PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES FOR CONTROLLING RATE OF CHANGE OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION THERAPY - Techniques are described, for medical devices that deliver electrical stimulation therapy, for controlling a transition from an initial stimulation location or initial stimulation shape to a user-specified target stimulation location or target stimulation shape in order to limit the rate of change of stimulation. One example method includes receiving, via a programmer for an electrical stimulator, user input indicating a target stimulation zone, and controlling the electrical stimulator to transition electrical stimulation from an initial stimulation zone to the target stimulation zone via one or more intermediate stimulation zones. | 12-15-2011 |
20110313487 | Clinician programmer system and method for steering volumes of activation - A system and method for selection of stimulation parameters for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may include a processor that displays in a display device and in relation to a displayed model of a leadwire including model electrodes, a current field corresponding to a first stimulation parameter set, provides a user interface for receipt of user input representing a shift of the current field, in response to the user input, moves, in the display device, the current field with respect to the displayed model, determines a second stimulation parameter set that results in the moved current field, and outputs the second stimulation parameter set and/or sets a stimulation device with the second stimulation parameter set, where the stimulation device is configured for performing a stimulation using the leadwire in accordance with the second stimulation parameter set. | 12-22-2011 |
20110313488 | AUTOMATIC NEURAL STIMULATION TITRATION SWEEP - Various neural stimulator embodiments comprise controller circuitry, neural stimulation output circuitry, sensor circuitry and a memory. The neural stimulation output circuitry is configured to deliver the neural stimulation. The controller circuitry is configured to control stimulation parameters of the neural stimulation delivered by the neural stimulation output circuitry. The sensor circuitry, including at least one sensor, is configured to sense a response to the neural stimulation. The controller is configured to communicate with the sensor circuitry. The memory has instructions stored therein, operable on by the controller circuitry. The instructions include instructions for delivering neural stimulation using the neural stimulation output circuitry, instructions for controlling a titration sweep wherein the titration sweep varies stimulation parameter values, and instructions for monitoring a response to the titration sweep and automatically selecting stimulation parameters that provide an efficacious neural stimulation and provide a desirable safety margin to prevent injury to neural tissue. | 12-22-2011 |
20110313489 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING COMPLEX TISSUE STIMULATION PATTERNS - The invention relates to a stimulation device for creating complex or multi-purpose tissue stimulation. Many typical stimulation devices suffer from deficiencies in providing complex stimulation patterns. Using a circuitry operable or programmable to repeat and skip stimulation settings, a complex stimulation set may be created. The repeating and skipping functionality may be implemented in hardware or software. In this manner, complex stimulations may be derived from simple circuitries. Furthermore, these stimulations may be used to treat pain, stimulate bone growth, and control motor disorders, among others. | 12-22-2011 |
20110313490 | Method for Controlling Telemetry in an Implantable Medical Device Based on Power Source Capacity - An implantable microstimulator configured for implantation beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation to prevent and/or treat various disorders, uses a self-contained power source. Periodic or occasional replenishment of the power source is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external device. A bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator to provide information regarding the system's status, including the power source's charge level, and stimulation parameter states. Processing circuitry automatically controls the applied stimulation pulses to match a set of programmed stimulation parameters established for a particular patient. The microstimulator preferably has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3 mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end. The case is externally coated on selected areas with conductive and non-conductive materials. | 12-22-2011 |
20110313491 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RF WAKE-UP OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A telemetry system is presented for enabling radio-frequency (RF) communications between an implantable medical device and an external device in a manner which reduces the power requirements of the implantable device by duty cycling its RF circuitry. A wakeup scheme for the implantable device is provided in which the external device transmits a data segment containing a repeating sequence of special wakeup characters in order to establish a communications session with the implantable device. The wakeup scheme may be designed to operate in the context of a handshaking protocol for collision avoidance. | 12-22-2011 |
20110313492 | VARIABLE VOLTAGE COMPLIANCE FOR CURRENT OUTPUT GENERATOR - A system for providing stimulation current in implantable medical devices is provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an apparatus including a power supply terminal adapted to be connected to a power supply. The apparatus embodiment also includes circuitry connected to the power supply terminal and adapted to detect a parameter dependent on tissue/electrode impedance. The apparatus embodiment further includes a current output pulse generator adapted to deliver electrical therapy. The current generator includes an adjustable compliance voltage source connected to the power supply terminal. The compliance voltage source has a programmable amplitude and is adapted to provide different potentials for different tissue/electrode interface impedances. According to various embodiments, the apparatus embodiment also includes at least one stimulating electrode, and the current generator is adapted to deliver electrical therapy using the electrode. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 12-22-2011 |
20110319967 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMPUTATIONALLY DETERMINING MIGRATION OF NEUROSTIMULATION LEADS - A tissue stimulation system and computer software and method of monitoring a neurostimulation lead having a plurality of electrodes implanted within a patient (e.g., adjacent the spinal cord) is provided. Neurostimulation lead models are provided, each of which includes estimated electrical parameter data (e.g., electrical field potential data) corresponding to a predetermined position of the neurostimulation lead. Electrical energy is transmitted to or from the electrodes, and electrical parameter data (e.g., electrical field potential data) is measured in response to the transmitted electrical energy. The measured electrical parameter data is compared with the estimated electrical parameter data of each of the neurostimulation lead models, and a position of the neurostimulation lead is determined based on the comparison. | 12-29-2011 |
20120004707 | USE OF STIMULATION PULSE SHAPE TO CONTROL NEURAL RECRUITMENT ORDER AND CLINICAL EFFECT - A method, electrical tissue stimulation system, and programmer for providing therapy to a patient are provided. Electrodes are placed adjacent tissue (e.g., spinal cord tissue) of the patient, electrical stimulation energy is delivered from the electrodes to the tissue in accordance with a defined waveform, and a pulse shape of the defined waveform is modified, thereby changing the characteristics of the electrical stimulation energy delivered from the electrode(s) to the tissue. The pulse shape may be modified by selecting one of a plurality of different pulse shape types or by adjusting a time constant of the pulse shape. | 01-05-2012 |
20120016445 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING CLUSTERING OF ELECTRODES IN NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM - A method and neurostimulation control system for programming electrodes disposed adjacent tissue of a patient. The electrodes are initially assigned to a plurality of electrode subsets to be evaluated. A pair of immediately neighboring ones of the electrode subsets is determined, and merged into a new electrode subset that includes all electrodes in the pair of immediately neighboring electrode subsets. The new electrode subset is included within the plurality of electrode subsets to be evaluated, while the pair of immediately neighboring electrode subsets is excluded from the plurality of electrode sets to be evaluated. These steps are repeated until all the electrode subsets have been merged into a single electrode subset. A clustering relationship of the electrodes is identified, and the electrodes are programmed based on the identified clustering relationship of the electrodes. | 01-19-2012 |
20120022614 | SHIFTING BETWEEN ELECTRODE COMBINATIONS IN ELECTRICAL STIMULATION DEVICE - The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination. Additionally, the techniques may be used for shifting between different electrode combinations associated with different stimulation programs or program sets. | 01-26-2012 |
20120022615 | SHIFTING BETWEEN ELECTRODE COMBINATIONS IN ELECTRICAL STIMULATION DEVICE - The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination. Additionally, the techniques may be used for shifting between different electrode combinations associated with different stimulation programs or program sets. | 01-26-2012 |
20120029596 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS HAVING MULTI-LEAD-ELEMENT LEAD BODIES - A lead for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes a distal lead element, at least two proximal lead elements, and a junction coupling the distal lead element to each of the at least two proximal lead elements. The distal lead element includes a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of conductive wires coupled to the plurality of electrodes and extending along a longitudinal axis of the distal lead element. Each of the at least two proximal lead elements includes a plurality of terminals and a plurality of conductive wires coupled to the plurality of terminals and extending along a longitudinal axis of the proximal lead element. The junction includes a circuit arrangement electrically coupling each of the conductive wires of the distal lead element to at least one of the conductive wires of at least one of the at least two proximal lead elements. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029597 | GRAPHICAL CONFIGURATION OF ELECTRODES FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - A device that programs a medical device includes a display and a user input device. The device displays a graphical representation of a plurality of electrodes on a medical lead implanted in the patient, and displays an active electrode template at a first position relative to the graphical representation of the electrodes. A processor of the device receives input dragging the active electrode template. In response to the input dragging the active electrode template, the processor adjusts at least one parameter of electrical stimulation delivered to the patient via the lead based on the position of the active electrode template relative to the graphical representation of the electrodes on the medical lead. | 02-02-2012 |
20120035684 | Multiplexed, Multi-Electrode Neurostimulation Devices with Integrated Circuits Having Integrated Electrodes - Implantable stimulation devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include a multiplexed multi-electrode component configured for neural stimulation. The multiplexed multi-electrode component includes two or more individually addressable satellite electrode structures electrically coupled to a common conductor. The satellite structures include a hermetically sealed integrated control circuit operatively coupled to one or more electrodes. Also provided are methods of manufacturing wherein the application of laser welding is avoided in forming the satellite electrode structures and an integrated control circuit thereof is thereby shielded from mechanical stress during satellite manufacture. Additionally provided are systems that include the devices of the invention, as well as methods of using the systems and devices in a variety of different applications. | 02-09-2012 |
20120035685 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR USE WITH MULTIPOLAR PACING LEADS - An interactive representation of electrostimulation electrodes or vectors can be provided, such as for configuring combinations of electrostimulation electrodes. In an example, electrodes or test parameters can be presented graphically or in a table. A user interface can be configured to receive user-input designating electrode combinations or vectors for test or for use in programming an implantable or ambulatory medical device. The interface can be used to indicate suggested electrode combinations or vectors in response to a first selection of an electrode. Tests can be performed on electrode combinations and vectors, and the results of the tests can be presented to a user using the interactive representation. In an example, test results can be analyzed by a processor and optionally used to program an implantable or ambulatory medical device. | 02-09-2012 |
20120035686 | FAIL-SAFE PROGRAMMING FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - In general, the invention is directed to a system with a fail-safe mode for remote programming of medical devices, such as implantable medical devices (IMDs). During a remote programming session, an adverse event, such as a programming session failure, may prevent proper completion of a programming or result in improper programming due to data corruption or other factors. If a programming session is not completed correctly, the IMD is susceptible to improper operation, possibly exposing a patient to delivery of unnecessary or inappropriate therapies. A fail-safe mode reduces the likelihood of improper operation following a programming session failure. The fail-safe mode defines one or more fail-safe operations designed to preserve proper operation of the IMD. In some embodiments, the fail-safe operations include notifying a person concerning the failure of the programming session, modifying programming parameters within the implantable medical device, and delivering a therapy to a patient. | 02-09-2012 |
20120046715 | USER INTERFACE FOR SEGMENTED NEUROSTIMULATION LEADS - An external control device for use with a neurostimulation system having a plurality of electrodes capable of conveying an electrical stimulation field into tissue in which the electrodes are implanted is provided. The external control device comprises a user interface having one or more control elements, a processor configured for generating stimulation parameters designed to modify the electrical stimulation field relative to one or more neurostimulation lead carrying the electrodes. The external control device further comprises output circuitry configured for transmitting the stimulation parameters to the neurostimulation system. | 02-23-2012 |
20120065706 | REMOTE MONITORING AND CONTROL OF IMPLANTABLE DEVICES - A treatment system includes a regulator implanted within a patient, a computing device storing at least one patient database associated with the patient in whom the regulator is implanted, and a data transfer device. The data transfer device provides bi-directional communication (e.g., voice communication) and a data exchange (e.g., a treatment history, a patient database, and operational instructions) between the regulator and the computing device. A programmer can obtain patient reports and/or default treatment values from the computing device based on the data exchange. | 03-15-2012 |
20120071949 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING RADIALLY-ALIGNED SEGMENTED ELECTRODES FOR LEADS OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS - An electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body insertable into a patient. Electrodes are disposed along the lead body. The electrodes include at least two sets of segmented electrodes. Each set of segmented electrodes includes a first segmented electrode and a second segmented electrode radially spaced apart from one another around a circumference of the lead body. A tab is disposed on the first segmented electrode of each set of segmented electrodes. The tabs extend into the lead body. A guide feature is disposed on the tabs. The guide features are each radially aligned with one another along the length of the lead body. Conductors extend along the length of the lead body from a proximal end to the electrodes. Each of the conductors is electrically coupled to at least one of the electrodes. At least one of the conductors extends through the radially-aligned guide features of the tabs. | 03-22-2012 |
20120078325 | IDENTIFYING COMBINATIONS OF ELECTRODES FOR NEUROSTIMULATION THERAPY - A programmer allows a clinician to identify combinations of electrodes from within an electrode set implanted in a patient that enable delivery of desirable neurostimulation therapy by an implantable medical device. The programmer executes an electrode combination search algorithm to select combinations of electrodes to test in a non-random order. According to algorithms consistent with the invention, the programmer may first identify a position of a first cathode for subsequent combinations, and then select electrodes from the set to test with the first cathode as anodes or additional cathodes based on the proximity of the electrodes to the first cathode. The programmer may store information for each combination tested, and the information may facilitate the identification of desirable electrode combinations by the clinician. The clinician may create neurostimulation therapy programs that include identified desirable program combinations. | 03-29-2012 |
20120095529 | Architectures for an Implantable Medical Device System Having Daisy-Chained Electrode-Driver Integrated Circuits - Architectures for an implantable neurostimulator system having a plurality of electrode-driver integrated circuits (ICs) in provided. Electrodes from either or both ICs can be chosen to provide stimulation, and one of the IC acts as the master while the other acts as the slave. A parallel bus operating in accordance with a communication protocol couples the ICs, and certain functional blocks not needed in the slave are disabled. Stimulation parameters are loaded via the bus into each IC, and a stimulation enable command is issued on the bus to ensure simultaneous stimulation from the electrodes on both ICs. Clocking strategies are also disclosed to allow clocking of the master and slave ICs to be independently controlled, and to ensure that relevant internal and bus clocks used in the system are synchronized. | 04-19-2012 |
20120095530 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING NEUROSTIMULATION ACCORDING TO PHYSICAL STATE - A neurostimulation system senses a signal indicative of a patient's physical state such as posture and/or activity level. In various embodiments, a stored value for each of stimulation parameters controlling delivery of neurostimulation is selected according to the patient's physical state. In various embodiments, values of the stimulation parameters are approximately optimized for each of a number of different physical states, and are stored for later selection. | 04-19-2012 |
20120109257 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING FLUID REAL-TIME VISUALIZATION OF REGION OF TISSUE ACTIVATION - A system for a tissue stimulator coupled to an array of electrodes. The system comprises a user-controlled input device configured for generating control signals, and at least one processor configured for generating a plurality of stimulation parameter sets in response to the control signals that, when applied to the electrodes, will shift electrical current between electrodes to modify a region of tissue activation. The processor(s) is further configured for computing an estimate of the region of tissue activation, and for generating display signals capable of prompting a monitor to display an animated graphical representation of the computed estimate of the region of tissue activation. | 05-03-2012 |
20120123502 | External Trial Stimulator Useable in an Implantable Neurostimulator System - An improved external trial stimulator provides neurostimulation functionality for implanted medical electrodes prior to implantation of an implantable neurostimulator. The external trial stimulator is housed in a four-part housing that provides mechanical and electrostatic discharge protection for the electronics mounted in a central frame of the housing. Connectors attached to leads from the electrodes connect to contacts that are recessed in the housing through ports that are centered for easy access. Multiple indicators provide information to users of the external trial stimulator. | 05-17-2012 |
20120143285 | HANDHELD EXCITATION TERMINAL AND EMF EMITTER PROVIDING DYNAMIC OPTIMIZATION OF EMISSION AND THERAPEUTIC EFFECT AND REMOTE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEM - A cell excitation terminal and a therapeutic system using customized electromagnetic (EM) waves varying dynamically with time for excitation include one or more EM wave generators, each of the EM wave generators is connected to a central processing unit (CPU), and the CPU controls, according to a signal detected by a human body status detection device, the EM wave generator to send EM waves corresponding to a detected status or subject patient. The therapeutic system can perform remote management. A remote server optimizes and updates therapeutic waveforms of a patient constantly according to a therapeutic effect of the patient, thereby improving the therapeutic effect constantly. | 06-07-2012 |
20120143286 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INCREASING STIMULATION DOSE - According to an embodiment of a method performed by an implantable medical device to deliver a neural stimulation therapy to a patient, a lower dose of the neural stimulation therapy is delivered to the patient. The dose of the neural stimulation therapy is automatically increased from the lower dose to a higher dose, and the higher dose of the neural stimulation therapy is delivered to the patient. A trigger that is controlled by the patient is detected, and the dose of the neural stimulation therapy is automatically returned from the higher dose back to the lower dose in response to detecting the trigger. | 06-07-2012 |
20120158096 | DIRECT MEMORY ACCESS (DMA) CONTROLLED STIMULATION - An implantable stimulation system (e.g., an implantable neurostimulation system (INS)) comprises memory including a first table and a second table. The first table stores blocks of stimulation event data corresponding to stimulation events that are to be performed during a period of time (e.g., a 0.5 sec. or 1 sec. period of time). The second table stores blocks of next stimulation event time data corresponding to the period of time. The implantable stimulation system also includes a direct memory access (DMA) controller including a first DMA channel and a second DMA channel. The first DMA channel selectively transfers one of the blocks stimulation event data from the first table to one or more registers that are used to control stimulation events. The second DMA channel selectively transfers one of the blocks of next stimulation event time data from the second table to a timer that is used to control timing associated with the stimulation events. In this manner, the DMA controller is able to control stimulation. | 06-21-2012 |
20120158097 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - An implantable medical device having at least one functional lead which extends longitudinally, wherein the functional lead is connected to an electrode pole for the purpose of discharging therapeutic signals or detecting diagnostic signals, wherein the functional lead has a current limiting device in one longitudinal section, wherein the current limiting device has a first and a second current limiter which are switched in parallel, and wherein each current limiter is configured to prevent electrical current in the electrical lead from exceeding a pre-specified maximum value. | 06-21-2012 |
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 |
20120215284 | MEDICAL DEVICE PROGRAMMER WITH ADJUSTABLE KICKSTAND - A programmer for an implantable medical device includes an adjustable kickstand. In one example, the kickstand is configured to combine with the base to support the programmer in an upright position when the kickstand is fully-collapsed to support the programmer in a reclined position when the kickstand is fully-extended. Further, the programmer housing may include a fan grate that allows airflow from a cooling fan to pass through the programmer housing. The fan grate is positioned behind the kickstand when the kickstand is in the fully-collapsed position. The kickstand includes an aperture adjacent the fan grate when the kickstand is in the fully-collapsed position, the aperture allowing airflow from the cooling fan to pass through the fan grate when the kickstand is in the fully-collapsed position. | 08-23-2012 |
20120215285 | System for Communication with Implantable Medical Devices Using a Bridge Device - A communications bridge device communicates between a consumer electronics device, such as a smart telephone, and an implantable medical device. The bridge forwards instructions and data between the consumer electronics device and the implantable medical device. The bridge contains a first transceiver that operates according to a communication protocol operating in the consumer electronics device (such as Bluetooth®), and second transceiver that operates according to a communications technique operating in the implantable medical device (e.g., Frequency Shift Keying). A software application is installed on the consumer electronics device, which provides a user interface for controlling and reading the implantable medical device. The software application is downloadable using standard cellular means. The bridge is preferably small, and easily and discreetly carried by the implantable medical device patient. The bridge is preferably also simple to operate, and may have only a simple user interface, or no user interface at all. | 08-23-2012 |
20120226333 | PUNCTUAL STIMULATION DEVICE - The invention relates to a device for the punctual stimulation of the nerve endings located in the region of the ears, said device having a battery-powered therapeutic current generator ( | 09-06-2012 |
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 |
20120259386 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING IMPROVED CONNECTORS FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS - A connector for an implantable medical device includes a lumen extending from a port defined along a length of a connector housing. Axially-spaced-apart connector couplers are disposed along the lumen and are configured to couple to a proximal end of an inserted lead or lead extension. Each of the connector couplers includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced-apart coupling members and at least one elastic member. The plurality of circumferentially-spaced-apart coupling members each have inner surfaces and outer surfaces. The inner surfaces of the coupling members are configured and arranged to couple to the proximal end of the lead or lead extension when the proximal end of the lead or lead extension is inserted into the lumen. The at least one elastic member couples the coupling members to one another such that a distance between the coupling members is expandable. | 10-11-2012 |
20120259387 | LEAD ASSEMBLIES WITH ONE OR MORE SWITCHING NETWORKS - Exemplary lead assemblies include a lead body having a plurality of conductor wires embedded therein, a plurality of electrode contacts at least partially disposed on an outer surface of the lead body, and a plurality of switching networks each configured to control an operation of one or more of the plurality of electrode contacts. | 10-11-2012 |
20120265271 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES STORING GRAPHICS PROCESSING DATA - In one example, a device includes a telemetry module configured to retrieve graphics processing data from a device that is not configured to perform a rendering process using the graphics processing data and that is associated with delivering therapy to a therapy target of a patient, and a control unit configured to apply the graphics processing data while performing the rendering process to generate an image of an anatomical feature of the patient, wherein the anatomical feature comprises the therapy target for an implantable medical device, and to cause a display unit of a user interface to display the image, wherein the image of the anatomical feature is specific to the patient. The graphics processing data may include a list of vertices or a transform to be applied to a non-patient-specific anatomical atlas. The data may also include a location of a therapy element of the implantable medical device. | 10-18-2012 |
20120277828 | METHODS, DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR EFFICIENTLY PROGRAMMING NEUROSTIMULATION - Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to neurostimulation systems, methods for use with neurostimulation systems, and devices (e.g., programmers) of neurostimulation systems. Such a neurostimulation system can include, e.g., a neurostimulator, a programmer configured to communicate with and program the neurostimulator, and one or more leads connected to the neurostimulator, wherein each lead includes one or more electrodes. A method, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is for enabling efficient identification of one or more preferred sets of neurostimulation parameters from among numerous possible sets of neurostimulation parameters, wherein each set of neurostimulation parameters specifies a lead, an electrode configuration for the specified lead, and one or more pulse parameters (e.g., a pulse amplitude value, a pulse width value and/or a pulse frequency value). | 11-01-2012 |
20120296395 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NEUROSTIMULATION WITH PREVENTION OF NEURAL ACCOMMODATION - A neurostimulation system delivers neurostimulation to a patient using one or more primary parameters and one or more secondary parameters. The one or more primary parameters are controlled for maintaining efficacy of the neurostimulation. The one or more secondary parameters are adjusted for preventing the patient from developing neural accommodation. In various embodiments, values for the one or more secondary parameters are varied during the delivery of the neurostimulation for prevention of neural accommodation that may result from a constant or periodic pattern of stimulation pulses. | 11-22-2012 |
20120296396 | USER-DEFINED GRAPHICAL SHAPES USED AS A VISUALIZATION AID FOR STIMULATOR PROGRAMMING - A system for programming a neurostimulation device coupled to one or more electrodes. The system comprises a user interface configured for allowing a user to select a set of stimulation parameters and to define a graphical shape representative of an anatomical region of interest. The system further comprises memory configured for storing the graphical shape in registration with an anatomical reference, and output circuitry configured for communicating with the neurostimulation device. The system further comprises a controller configured for recalling the registered graphical shape and anatomical reference from the memory, generating display signals capable of prompting the user interface to concurrently display a representation of the electrode(s) relative to the recalled graphical shape and anatomical reference, and programming the neurostimulation device with the selected stimulation parameter set via the output circuitry. | 11-22-2012 |
20120296397 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING NEUROSTIMULATION DEVICES USING CACHED PLUG-IN SOFTWARE DRIVERS - A system for programming a plurality of different models, or generations, of neurostimulation devices includes a plurality of plug in software drivers stored on a hard drive of the system, wherein the plurality of plug-in software drivers are respectively configured for facilitating communication between the plurality of different models of neurostimulation devices and the system processor via a transceiver. In a method of programming a plurality of different models of neurostimulation devices, the system processor dynamically identifies the model of an interrogated neurostimulator and determines which plug-in software driver to use for programming the interrogated neurostimulator. The plug-in software drivers are cached into memory upon start-up of the system. | 11-22-2012 |
20120310304 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING NEURAL STIMULATION TRANSITIONS - A method embodiment comprises generating a neural stimulation signal for a neural stimulation therapy. The signal is generated during a duty cycle of a stimulation period to provide the neural stimulation therapy with an intensity at a therapy level for a portion of the duty cycle. In various embodiments, a ramp up protocol is implemented to begin the duty cycle, a ramp down protocol is implemented to end the duty cycle, or both the ramp up protocol and the ramp down protocol are implemented. The ramp up protocol includes ramping up the intensity from a non-zero first subthreshold level for the neural stimulation therapy at the beginning of the duty cycle to the therapy level. The ramp down protocol includes ramping down the intensity from the therapy intensity level to a non-zero second subthreshold level for the neural stimulation therapy at the end of the duty cycle. | 12-06-2012 |
20120316619 | PROGRAMMING INTERFACE FOR STIMULATION THERAPY - The disclosure is directed to programming implantable stimulators to deliver stimulation energy via one or more implantable leads having complex electrode array geometries. The disclosure also contemplates guided programming to select electrode combinations and parameter values to support efficacy. The techniques may be applied to a programming interface associated with a clinician programmer, a patient programmer, or both. A user interface permits a user to view electrodes from different perspectives relative to the lead. For example, the user interface provides a side view of a lead and a cross-sectional view of the lead. The user interface may include an axial control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different axial positions along the length of a lead, and a rotational control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different angular positions around a circumference of the lead. | 12-13-2012 |
20120323294 | PERCUTANEOUS TIBIAL NERVE STIMULATOR - A tibial nerve stimulation device including a percutaneous electrode for inserting adjacent a stimulation site of a patient and a neurostimulator unit attachable to a transcutaneous electrode configured to be applied to skin adjacent the stimulation site. The neurostimulator unit includes a pulse generator electrically coupled to the percutaneous needle electrode and transcutaneous electrode and a microcontroller in communication with the pulse generator for monitoring a number of available treatment credits and activating the pulse generator, each available treatment credit corresponding to a treatment session and the pulse generator operable to be activated for performing the treatment session when the number of available treatment credits is at least one. A computer system is operable to communicate with the microcontroller of the neurostimulator unit for receiving a treatment credit request and transmitting the number of treatment credits purchased to the microcontroller of the neurostimulator unit. | 12-20-2012 |
20120330379 | DATA-DRIVEN PATTERN DETECTION OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE DATA - Detecting patterns in sensed implantable medical device (IMC) data is described. One implementation involves an IMD that includes a data-driven pattern detection network embodied on the IMD to detect a pattern from sensed patient data. The IMD also includes one or more algorithms embodied on the IMD to utilize the pattern to effect patient therapy. | 12-27-2012 |
20130006330 | DUAL PATIENT CONTROLLERS - Devices, systems, and methods incorporate the most-used functions of a electrical stimulator's controller into a small, thin pocket controller that is not only comfortable to carry in a pocket, but can also be attached to a key ring, lanyard, or other such carrying device for ease of daily use. A separate patient controller charger is used to charge and control the implanted medical device. | 01-03-2013 |
20130006331 | Active Current Control Using the Enclosure of an Implanted Pulse Generator - An electrical stimulation apparatus including a medical device. The medical device includes: a housing component having at least one electrically conductive area. The medical device includes a plurality of conductors configured to be electrically coupled to a distal electrode array. The electrode array are implantable in a human body. The medical device includes a stimulation circuit positioned inside the housing component. The stimulation circuit includes a plurality of controllable stimulation channels. A first subset of the stimulation channels is electrically coupled to the conductors. A second subset of the stimulation channels is electrically coupled to the electrically conductive area of the housing component. The stimulation circuit is operable to simultaneously create a first stimulation path in the electrode array and a second stimulation path that extends from the electrode array to the housing component. | 01-03-2013 |
20130023956 | REMOTE SENSING IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An embodiment uses an accelerometer to sense heart sounds, and determines heart rate information using the sensed heart sounds. An embodiment uses an accelerometer to sense respiratory activity. An embodiment delivers a programmed neural stimulation therapy with a programmed duty cycle, where the programmed duty cycle includes a stimulation ON portion followed by a stimulation OFF portion. An electrode electrically connected to the implanted neural stimulation device is used to remotely detect cardiac activity. The remotely detected cardiac activity is used to detect heart rate information during the stimulation ON portion and to detect heart rate information during the stimulation OFF portion. The detected heart rate information and/or the detected respiration information are used to control a neural stimulation therapy performed by the neural stimulator device and/or are used to provide diagnostic information for the patient's condition. | 01-24-2013 |
20130023957 | REMOTE PACE DETECTION IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A system embodiment for stimulating a neural target comprises a neural stimulator, a pace detector, and a controller. The neural stimulator is electrically connected to at least one electrode, and is configured to deliver a neural stimulation signal through the at least one electrode to stimulate the neural target. The pace detector is configured to use at least one electrode to sense cardiac activity and distinguish paced cardiac activity in the sensed cardiac activity from non-paced cardiac activity in the sensed cardiac activity. The controller is configured to control a programmed neural stimulation therapy using the neural stimulator and using detected paced cardiac activity as an input for the neural stimulation therapy. | 01-24-2013 |
20130053924 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TESTING NEURAL STIMULATION SITES - Various system embodiments comprise a medical device, comprising a flexible tether, a neural stimulation circuit, and a controller. The flexible tether is adapted to be fed into a patient's throat. The flexible tether includes a plurality of electrodes. The neural stimulation circuit is adapted to deliver neural stimulation. The controller is adapted to control the neural stimulation circuit to provide a neural stimulation therapy using at least one electrode from the plurality of electrodes, and to implement a neural stimulation test routine. The neural stimulation test routine is adapted to assess neural stimulation efficacy for electrode subsets of the plurality of electrodes to identify a desired electrode subset for use in delivering the neural stimulation therapy to elicit a desired response. | 02-28-2013 |
20130053925 | External Charger Usable with an Implantable Medical Device Having a Programmable or Time-Varying Temperature Set Point - An improved external charger for charging the battery within or providing power to an implantable medical device is disclosed. The improved external charger includes circuitry for detecting the temperature of the external charger and for controlling charging to prevent exceeding a maximum temperature. The external charger in some embodiments includes a user interface for allowing a patient to set the external charger's maximum temperature. The user interface can be used to select either constant maximum temperatures, or can allow the user to choose from a number of stored charging programs, which programs can control the maximum temperature to vary over time. Alternatively, a charging program in the external charger can vary the maximum temperature set point automatically. By controlling the maximum temperature of the external charger during charging in these manners, the time needed to charge can be minimized while still ensuring a temperature that is comfortable for that patient. | 02-28-2013 |
20130060303 | GENERATION OF PROPORTIONAL POSTURE INFORMATION OVER MULTIPLE TIME INTERVALS - The disclosure describes techniques for generation of proportional posture information over multiple time intervals. The techniques may include obtaining posture state data sensed by a medical device for a patient during delivery of therapy by the medical device, determining durations for which the patient occupied each of a plurality of posture states based on the posture state data, generating proportional posture information for a plurality of different time intervals based on the durations, wherein the proportional posture information for each of the time intervals indicates proportional amounts of the respective time interval in which the patient occupied the posture states, and presenting the proportional posture information to a user via a user interface. | 03-07-2013 |
20130060304 | Method and Apparatus for Generating Electrotherapeutic or Electrodiagnostic Waveforms - Subject matter includes a device comprising: an input port to receive a waveform file for a waveform to be electrically applied to one or more patients via an output port; and electronics configured to: generate the waveform having a shape, magnitude, or frequency based, at least in part, on the waveform file; and provide the waveform to the output port. | 03-07-2013 |
20130066399 | INTRA-PERICARDIAL MEDICAL DEVICE - An intra-pericardial medical device is provided that comprises a lead body having a proximal portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the proximal portion and the distal end portions. An intra-pericardial medical device further includes the control logic housed with the lead body and an energy source housed within the lead body. A stimulus conductor is included and extends along the lead body. An electrode is joined to the stimulus conduct near the distal end portion, where the electrode configured to deliver stimulus pulses. A telemetry conductor is provided within the lead and extends from the proximal portion and along the intermediate portion of the lead body. The telemetry conductor is wound into a series of coil groups to form inductive loops for at least one of receiving and transmitting radio frequency (RF) energy. | 03-14-2013 |
20130066400 | MICROWAVE FIELD STIMULATOR - A system includes a controller module, which includes a storage device, a controller, a modulator, and one or more antennas. The storage device is stored with parameters defining a stimulation waveform. The controller is configured to generate, based on the stored parameters, an output signal that includes the stimulation waveform, wherein the output signal additionally includes polarity assignments for electrodes in an implantable, passive stimulation device. The modulator modulates a stimulus carrier signal with the output signal to generate a transmission signal. The one or more antennas transmit the transmission signal to the implantable, passive stimulation device such that the implantable, passive stimulation device uses energy in the transmission signal for operation, sets the polarities for the electrodes in the implantable, passive stimulation device based on the encoded polarity assignments, generates electrical pulses using the stimulation waveform, and applies the electrical pulses to excitable tissue. | 03-14-2013 |
20130085550 | MEDICAL IMPLANT RANGE EXTENSION BRIDGE APPARATUS AND METHOD - A medical device for use in providing therapy to a patient by bridging or otherwise extending the range of an external device for wirelessly connecting to a medical device, such as an implanted medical device for providing stimulation therapy to a patient | 04-04-2013 |
20130085551 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING PAIN WITH ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - Devices, systems and methods are provided for treating migraine headaches and other conditions by non-invasive electrical stimulation of nerves and other tissue. A hand-held device includes a housing with a controller having a signal generator, an electrode for delivering electrical signals, and a conductive surface configured as a return path for the electrical signals. In certain implementations, the electrode is repositionable with respect to the housing. The patient can self-apply the hand-held device by pressing it against areas in need of pain relief. The device may include a pressure-sensitive gating switch to control delivery of the stimulation therapy. In certain embodiments, the electrode is a rollerball electrode. The device may include a chamber for retaining and dispensing conductive gel to the therapy site. In certain approaches, the device includes an electrode support for coupling an electrical stimulation system to the head for hands-free electrical stimulation therapy. | 04-04-2013 |
20130096647 | Controlled Switching Module For A Multielectrode Lead For An Active Implantable Medical Device - A controlled switching module ( | 04-18-2013 |
20130110200 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR SELECTIVE ACTIVATION OF ELECTRODE CONFIGURATION | 05-02-2013 |
20130110201 | Medical Devices for Trial Stimulation | 05-02-2013 |
20130116748 | CONTROL AND/OR QUANTIFICATION OF TARGET STIMULATION VOLUME OVERLAP AND INTERFACE THEREFOR - A method and system include a processor that outputs a characterization of a correspondence between a volume of estimated tissue activation and a target and/or side effect stimulation volume, and/or that provides controls by which to modify thresholds and/or amounts according to which the volume of estimated activation is to correspond to the target volume. | 05-09-2013 |
20130116749 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STIMULATION-RELATED VOLUME ANALYSIS, CREATION, AND SHARING - A computer implemented system and method facilitates a cycle of generation, sharing, and refinement of volumes related to stimulation of anatomical tissue, such as brain or spinal cord stimulation. Such volumes can include target stimulation volumes, side effect volumes, and volumes of estimated activation. A computer system and method also facilitates analysis of groups of volumes, including analysis of differences and/or commonalities between different groups of volumes. | 05-09-2013 |
20130116750 | METHOD FOR SAFEGUARDING IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICES IN A DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE EMITTING ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION - A method for safeguarding an implanted medical device from the electromagnetic radiation from a diagnostic device is provided. The method includes detecting the implanted medical device by a bidirectional communication with the diagnostic device, determining a device type of the medical device with the diagnostic device, checking whether the device type of the medical device may be operated without errors under the electromagnetic radiation of the diagnostic device and initiating a protective measure if the device type of the medical device cannot be operated without errors under the electromagnetic radiation. | 05-09-2013 |
20130131758 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING AN IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR - In one embodiment, a method of programming an IPG comprises providing one or several GUI screens on the programmer device, the GUI screens comprising a master amplitude GUI control for controlling amplitudes for stimsets of a stimulation program and one or several balancing GUI controls for controlling amplitudes of each stimset of the stimulation program; communicating one or several commands from the programmer device to the IPG to change the amplitude of all stimsets of the stimulation program in response to manipulation of the master amplitude GUI control, wherein the amplitude of each stimulation set is automatically calculated by a level selected through the master amplitude GUI control and one or several calibration parameters for the respective stimulation set; and automatically recalculating the one or several calibration parameters for a respective stimulation set in response to manipulation of one of the balancing GUI controls and storing the recalculated calibration parameters. | 05-23-2013 |
20130150923 | Electrical Stimulation Device - The invention relates to an electrical stimulation device ( | 06-13-2013 |
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 |
20130165993 | System for an Implantable Medical Device Having an External Charger Coupleable to Accessory Charging Coils - An external charger system is disclosed comprising an external charger with an internal charging coil, as well as an output port coupleable to one of a plurality of types of external accessory charging coils of varying shapes and sizes. If the internal charging coil of the external charger is sufficient for a given patient's charging needs, the accessory charging coils may be detached from the external charger, and the external charger may serve as a standalone self-contained external charger. The external charger can automatically detect which of the plurality of types of accessory charging coils is connected, and can adjust its operation accordingly. This versatile design allows the external charger system to be used by large numbers of patients, even if their particular implant charging scenarios are different. | 06-27-2013 |
20130165994 | MAINTAINING STIMULATION THERAPY EFFICACY - An apparatus comprises a therapy circuit configured to provide electrical neural stimulation therapy to a subject using a first set of a plurality of implantable electrodes, a switching circuit communicatively coupled to the therapy circuit and configured to change the delivery of therapy among the plurality of implantable electrodes, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to initiate delivery of the neural stimulation therapy to a first subset of the first set of electrodes during a therapy session, change the therapy delivery from the first subset of electrodes to at least a second subset of electrodes of the first set of the plurality of implantable electrodes, and recurrently alternate the therapy delivery between the first and second subsets of electrodes during the same therapy session. | 06-27-2013 |
20130172956 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING STIMULATION PULSES DURING THE PROGRAMMING OF AN IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR - In one embodiment, a method for the controlling of the stimulation pulses being delivered via electrodes to a patient during the programming of a pulse generator using a controller device and selecting of a minimum amplitude that corresponds to the minimum amplitude for which the patient can detect stimulation; selecting an electrode combination defined in the controller device; setting the stimulation amplitude; making a determination of the amplitude for the stimulation pulses is greater than the perception amplitude, and if so, changing the amplitude of the stimulation pulses to be less than or equal to the perception amplitude; and if not or subsequent to the changing of the amplitude, changing the selected one of a plurality of electrode combinations to a different combination. | 07-04-2013 |
20130172957 | NON-INVASIVE NERVE STIMULATOR CIRCUIT - The present disclosure describes a circuit that may be used in a non-invasive nerve stimulator. The circuit contains a signal source, a power source, an amplification source and a user interface portion. The circuit may be used in a handheld device that is applied directly to the surface of a patient or it may be used in other configurations. | 07-04-2013 |
20130184785 | Automatic On-Off Charger for an Implantable Medical Device - An external charger for an implantable medical device is disclosed which can automatically detect an implant and generate a charging field. The technique uses circuitry typically present in an external charger, such as control circuitry, a Load Shift Keying (LSK) demodulator, and a coupling detector. An algorithm in the control circuitry periodically issues charging fields of short duration in a standby mode. If the coupling detector detects the presence of a conductive material, the algorithm issues a listening window during which a charging field is generated. If an LSK reply signal is received at the LSK demodulator, the external charger can charge the implant in a normal fashion. If a movement signature is detected at the LSK demodulator indicative of a predetermined user movement of the external charger, a charging field is issued for a set timing period, to at least partially charge the IPG battery to restore LSK communications. | 07-18-2013 |
20130184786 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES STORING GRAPHICS PROCESSING DATA - In one example, a device includes a telemetry module configured to retrieve graphics processing data from a device that is not configured to perform a rendering process using the graphics processing data and that is associated with delivering therapy to a therapy target of a patient, and a control unit configured to apply the graphics processing data while performing the rendering process to generate an image of an anatomical feature of the patient, wherein the anatomical feature comprises the therapy target for an implantable medical device, and to cause a display unit of a user interface to display the image, wherein the image of the anatomical feature is specific to the patient. The graphics processing data may include a list of vertices or a transform to be applied to a non-patient-specific anatomical atlas. The data may also include a location of a therapy element of the implantable medical device. | 07-18-2013 |
20130190840 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AVOIDING NEURAL STIMULATION HABITUATION - An embodiment relates to a method for delivering a vagal stimulation therapy to a vagus nerve, including delivering a neural stimulation signal to non-selectively stimulate both afferent axons and efferent axons in the vagus nerve according to a predetermined schedule for the vagal stimulation therapy, and selecting a value for at least one parameter for the predetermined schedule for the vagal stimulation therapy to control the neural stimulation therapy to avoid physiological habituation to the vagal stimulation therapy. The parameter(s) include at least one parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting of a predetermined therapy duration parameter for a predetermined therapy period, and a predetermined intermittent neural stimulation parameter associated with on/off timing for the intermittent neural stimulation parameter. | 07-25-2013 |
20130197607 | DUAL PATIENT CONTROLLERS - Devices, systems, and methods incorporate the most-used functions of a electrical stimulator's controller into a small, thin pocket controller that is not only comfortable to carry in a pocket, but can also be attached to a key ring, lanyard, or other such carrying device for ease of daily use. A separate patient controller charger is used to charge and control the implanted medical device. | 08-01-2013 |
20130204327 | REMOTE CONTROL DATA MANAGEMENT - A remote control device communicatively coupled to an implanted stimulation device displays representations of modifications to stimulation settings of the implanted stimulation device according to setting change instructions input by a user, without the instructed change being implemented at the implanted stimulation device. The remote control includes an input component(s) for input of patient condition information correlated to settings of the implanted stimulation device. The implanted stimulation device cycles through stimulation programs without the remote control device indicating the changes and while the remote control device receives input of patient condition information. | 08-08-2013 |
20130211476 | DATA-DRIVEN PATTERN DETECTION OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE DATA - Detecting patterns in sensed implantable medical device (IMC) data is described. One implementation involves an IMD that includes a data-driven pattern detection network embodied on the IMD to detect a pattern from sensed patient data. The IMD also includes one or more algorithms embodied on the IMD to utilize the pattern to effect patient therapy. | 08-15-2013 |
20130211477 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEFINING STIMULATION PROGRAMS INCLUDING BURST AND TONIC STIMULATION - In one embodiment, a method for defining a stimulation program for electrical stimulation of a patient, the method comprising: providing a single screen user interface that comprises a first plurality of controls and a second plurality of controls, the first plurality of controls allowing selection of multiple stimulation parameters for a plurality of stimulation sets, the second plurality of controls allowing selection of multiple stimulation parameters defining burst stimulation and tonic stimulation; receiving user input in one or more of the second plurality of controls; and automatically modifying parameters for one or more stimulation sets in response to receiving the user input in one or more of the second plurality of controls and modifying values displayed in one or more controls of the first plurality of controls according to the modified parameters, the modified parameters reflecting a stimulation program that includes an interleaved pattern of burst stimulation and tonic stimulation for delivery to the patient. | 08-15-2013 |
20130211478 | OPERATIONAL ELECTRODE IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENT FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL STIMULATOR - Controller, system and method for an implantable medical device having a plurality of electrodes, said implantable device being capable of delivering a therapeutic stimulation to a patient. An electrode interface is operatively coupled between a plurality of electrodes and a control module. The control module uses an electrode interface to obtain a plurality of measurements of impedance values for a plurality of selected pairs of individual ones of the plurality of electrodes. A user interface displays an indicia, indicative of operability of a group of at least one of said plurality of electrodes, based on a comparison of said plurality of measurements to a predetermined range, said indicia being a qualitative representation of operability of said group of at least one of said plurality of electrodes. | 08-15-2013 |
20130226263 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF GATHERING DATA AT THE TIME OF PARAMETER OVERRIDES - The current technology is relevant to a system having a programming device in communication with an implantable medical device, an implantable sensor, and electronic medical records. A user interface is in communication with the programming device, and the user interface is configured to receive an override parameter and override rationale. | 08-29-2013 |
20130226264 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING NEUROSTIMULATION ACCORDING TO PHYSICAL STATE - A neurostimulation system senses a signal indicative of a patient's physical state such as posture and/or activity level. In various embodiments, a stored value for each of stimulation parameters controlling delivery of neurostimulation is selected according to the patient's physical state. In various embodiments, values of the stimulation parameters are approximately optimized for each of a number of different physical states, and are stored for later selection. | 08-29-2013 |
20130231715 | NON-REGULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION PATTERNS FOR TREATING NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS - Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency. | 09-05-2013 |
20130231716 | POSTURE STATE REDEFINITION BASED ON POSTURE DATA AND THERAPY ADJUSTMENTS - The disclosure is directed towards posture-responsive therapy. To avoid interruptions in effective therapy, an implantable medical device may include a posture state module that detects the posture state of the patient and automatically adjusts therapy parameter values according to the detected posture state. A system may include a posture state module that records a current posture of a patient, a user interface that receives a therapy adjustment, a processor that associates a posture that the posture state module recorded when the user interface received the therapy adjustment with the therapy adjustment, determines whether the posture falls within a defined posture state, compares the therapy adjustment to therapy information associated with the defined posture state, and updates the set of posture state definitions based on the determination and comparison. | 09-05-2013 |
20130238055 | Method for Controlled Shutdown of an Implantable Medical Device - An improved implantable pulse generator (IPG) containing graceful shutdown circuitry is disclosed. A magnet sensor senses the presence of an emergency shutdown magnet. Output of the magnet sensor is conditioned by a signal conditioning circuit. Output of the signal conditioning circuit is delayed by a delay element before being fed to a power cut-off switch, which cuts-off power to the IPG circuitry. An interrupt signal is routed from before the delay element to the IPG processor as an indicator of imminent shutdown. The processor launches shutdown routine that carries out shutdown operations such as logging the emergency shutdown event, saving and closing open files, saving data from volatile memory to non-volatile memory, etc., before the power cut-off switch is activated upon elapsing of delay provided by the delay element. The magnet sensor, signal conditioning circuit, and delay element are powered separately from the rest of the circuitry of the IPG. | 09-12-2013 |
20130245718 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING NEUROSTIMULATION DOSING - Various implantable device embodiments may comprise a neural stimulator configured to deliver a neurostimulation therapy with stimulation ON times and stimulation OFF times where a dose of the neurostimulation therapy is provided by a number of neurostimulation pulses over a period of time. The neural stimulator may be configured to monitor the dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy against dosing parameters. The neural stimulator may be configured to declare a fault if the monitored dose does not favorably compare to a desired dose for the neurostimulation therapy, or may be configured to record data for the monitored dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy, or may be configured to both record data for the monitored dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy and declare a fault if the monitored dose does not favorably compare to a desired dose for the neurostimulation therapy. | 09-19-2013 |
20130245719 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING LOCATION AND DEPTH OF STIMULATION LEADS - A method and external control device for performing a medical procedure on a patient in which at least one stimulation lead is implanted. An electrical signal is conveyed from the stimulation lead into tissue of the patient. An electrical parameter indicative of tissue impedance is measured in response to the conveyance of the electrical signal. One of a plurality of different anatomical regions in which the stimulation lead is implanted is selected and/or a depth in which the stimulation is implanted is determined based on the measured electrical parameter. A stimulation parameter is defined based on the selected one anatomical region and/or implantation depth. Electrical stimulation energy from the stimulation lead is conveyed into the one determined anatomical region in accordance with the defined stimulation parameter. | 09-19-2013 |
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 |
20130261702 | UTERINE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods for applying stimulating current to a patient for treating insufficient uterine contractions are provided. The system includes stimulation electrodes of a balloon electrode array device, a ring electrode array device, an electrode probe device, or a mesh electrode array device. Some aspects of the invention also provide a connector and cable device for coupling the stimulation electrodes to electronics for generating and providing the stimulating current to the stimulation electrodes. | 10-03-2013 |
20130268025 | Verifying Correct Operation of an Implantable Neurostimulator Device Using Current Distribution Circuitry - Monitoring circuitry for an implantable stimulator device is disclosed. A switching matrix allows current from a current source to be distributed to any of a plurality of electrodes. A voltage drop across the active switches in the switch matrix is monitored and is compared to an expected voltage based upon the amplitude of the current and the known on resistance of the switch. If the monitored and expected voltages differ significantly, then a failure condition can be inferred, and an appropriate action can be taken, such shutting down stimulation. Using the already-existing switches in the switching matrix in this fashion is beneficial because it allows the current through the electrodes to be monitored without providing additional structures in the therapeutic current path, which would increase complexity and add unwanted resistance. | 10-10-2013 |
20130268026 | NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING STIMULATION PROGRAMS - A device for use with a stimulation system comprises a user interface for receiving input from a user, displaying graphical parameter objects respectively corresponding to stimulation parameter sets, and displaying graphical program objects corresponding to stimulation programs. The device further comprises a controller/processor for selecting a graphical parameter object, dragging the graphical parameter object, dropping the graphical parameter object into a graphical program object, and storing the stimulation parameter set corresponding to the graphical parameter object in association with the stimulation program corresponding to the graphical program object. The user interface may further display graphical program objects corresponding to stimulation programs, and a graphical schedule object. The controller/processor may select a graphical program object, drag the graphical program object, drop the graphical program object into a time period of the graphical schedule object, and store the time period in association with the stimulation program corresponding to the graphical program object. | 10-10-2013 |
20130268027 | AUTOMATIC BAROREFLEX MODULATION BASED ON CARDIAC ACTIVITY - An aspect relates to a system for providing baroreflex stimulation. An embodiment of the system comprises a cardiac activity monitor to sense cardiac activity and provide a signal indicative of the cardiac activity, and a baroreflex stimulator. The stimulator includes a pulse generator and a modulator. The pulse generator provides a baroreflex stimulation signal adapted to provide a baroreflex therapy. The modulator receives the signal indicative of the cardiac activity and modulates the baroreflex stimulation signal based on the signal indicative of the cardiac activity to change the baroreflex therapy from a first baroreflex therapy to a second baroreflex therapy. | 10-10-2013 |
20130282078 | TECHNIQUES FOR CONFIRMING A VOLUME OF EFFECT OF SUB-PERCEPTION THRESHOLD STIMULATION THERAPY - A system may include a therapy delivery module configured to deliver electrical stimulation therapy to a tissue of a patient in accordance with a first stimulation therapy program. The first stimulation therapy program may define a first stimulation intensity below a perception threshold stimulation intensity of the patient. The therapy delivery module also may be configured to deliver electrical stimulation therapy to the tissue of the patient in accordance with a second stimulation therapy program. The second stimulation therapy program may define a second stimulation intensity at or above the perception threshold stimulation intensity. The system also may include a processor configured to determine stimulation parameter values for the first stimulation therapy program that result in a first volume of effect and determine stimulation parameter values for the second stimulation therapy program that result in a second volume of effect substantially the same as the first volume of effect. | 10-24-2013 |
20130289657 | PROGRAMMER UPGRADING METHODS, IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE PROGRAMMERS, AND ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE - A method includes receiving identification data at a medical device programmer from a personal medical device via an electronic communication link between the medical device programmer and the personal medical device. The method includes receiving missing programming code at the medical device programmer, via the electronic communication link, from the personal medical device identified in the identification data. The medical device programmer is upgraded using the received missing programming code. The upgraded medical device programmer includes the missing programming code configured to program the identified personal medical device. The medical device programmer may be an IMD programmer including processing circuitry configured to receive identification data from an IMD. The processing circuitry is also configured to receive a missing programming module from the identified IMD for a module manager of the IMD programmer. | 10-31-2013 |
20130289658 | STIMULATION WAFEFORM GENERATOR FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - This disclosure describes techniques for generating stimulation current pulses that have differing pulse shapes in a medical device. A circuit architecture is described that is configured to charge a capacitor to an initial amount of charge, modulate the amount of charge stored in the capacitor based on a control signal, and generate a stimulation current pulse that has an amplitude based on the amount charge stored in the capacitor. The circuit architecture may be configured to generate complex pulse shapes, such as, e.g., steps, ramps, bursts, and combinations thereof. | 10-31-2013 |
20130289660 | VISUALIZING TISSUE ACTIVATED BY ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - A visualization of an area or volume of tissue activated during stimulation according to a set of stimulation parameters is generated. The area or volume of activation is modeled based on a non-uniform grid of model neurons. Select portions of the grid have the model neurons more closely spaced, resulting in finer resolution graphical representation, while less closely spaced model neurons in other portions of the grid may avoid additional computation time. | 10-31-2013 |
20130289661 | Timing Channel Circuitry for Creating Pulses in an Implantable Stimulator Device - Timing channel circuitry for controlling stimulation circuitry in an implantable stimulator is disclosed. The timing channel circuitry comprises a addressable memory. Data for the various phases of a desired pulse are stored in the memory using different numbers of words, including a command indicative of the number of words in the phase, a next address for the next phase stored in the memory, and a pulse width or duration of the current phase, control data for the stimulation circuitry, pulse amplitude, and electrode data. The command data is used to address through the words in the current phase via the address bus, which words are sent to a control register for the stimulation circuitry. After the duration of the pulse width for the current phase has passed, the stored next address is used to access the data for the next phase stored in the memory. | 10-31-2013 |
20130296972 | AUTOMATED SEARCH TO IDENTIFY A LOCATION FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION TO TREAT A PATIENT - A stimulation system, such as a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system, having an automated search to establish a program to treat a patient with electrical stimulation. The stimulation system includes an electrical stimulation generator, a medical lead coupled to the electrical stimulation generator, and a programmer with a communication interface, a display screen, and a user interface. The display screen displays an image of a spinal column and a position of the medical lead relative to the spinal column. The system includes an automated search that stimulates a series of regions and receives patient feedback via the user interface. The system then stimulates a series of subregions within a subset of the regions based on the feedback, receives additional feedback, and identifies a subset of the subregions location for stimulation based on the additional feedback. | 11-07-2013 |
20130310894 | Current Steering Neurostimulator Device with Unidirectional Current Sources - The present disclosure provides a medical device that includes a neurostimulator. The neurostimulator includes one or more channels. Each channel includes a digitally-controlled switch coupled to a voltage source. The switch is in one of an “on” state and an “off” state in response to a first control signal. Each channel also includes a digitally-controlled current sink coupled to the switch. The current sink is coupled between the switch and the voltage source. The current sink draws a variable amount of electrical current in response to a second control signal. Each channel further includes a conductor coupled to the switch and the current sink. The conductor is configured to be coupled to an electrode that is operable to deliver the electrical current drawn by the current sink to a target tissue area. | 11-21-2013 |
20130317567 | REMOTE MONITORING AND CONTROL OF IMPLANTABLE DEVICES - A treatment system includes a regulator implanted within a patient, a computing device storing at least one patient database associated with the patient in whom the regulator is implanted, and a data transfer device. The data transfer device provides bi-directional communication (e.g., voice communication) and a data exchange (e.g., a treatment history, a patient database, and operational instructions) between the regulator and the computing device. A programmer can obtain patient reports and/or default treatment values from the computing device based on the data exchange. | 11-28-2013 |
20130317568 | ASSOCIATING THERAPY ADJUSTMENTS WITH POSTURE STATES USING A STABILITY TIMER - The disclosure describes techniques for associating therapy adjustments with posture states using a timer. The techniques may include detecting a patient adjustment to electrical stimulation therapy delivered to the patient, sensing a posture state of the patient, and associating the detected adjustment with the sensed posture state if the sensed posture state is sensed within a first period following the detection of the adjustment and if the sensed posture state does not change during a second period following the sensing of the sensed posture state. | 11-28-2013 |
20130331909 | IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATOR SUPPORTING TRIAL AND CHRONIC MODES - In some examples, a chronic implantable neurostimulator supports trial and chronic modes of operation. In addition, in some examples, the neurostimulator can alternatively include one or more sensors that may or may not function differently in trial and chronic modes. The device may be designed to be used as both a trial neurostimulator and a permanent, or chronic, neurostimulator. A trial neurostimulation period can be used to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy. A percutaneous or implantable trial neurostimulator is used for the trial neurostimulation period. In most cases, the trial period is successful, in which case the trial stimulator is explanted and replaced with a permanent, i.e., “chronic,” implantable stimulator. In accordance with the disclosure, an implantable neurostimulator supports both trial neurostimulation and chronic neurostimulation in the event trial stimulation is successful. | 12-12-2013 |
20130338731 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NEURAL STIMULATION VIA OPTICALLY ACTIVATED FLOATING MICRODEVICES - Stimulation of the central nervous system can be useful for treating neurological disorders. Wireless neurostimulating devices have the benefit that they can float in tissue and do not experience the sheering caused by tethering tension that connecting wires impose on the stimulators. An optically powered, logic controlled, CMOS microdevice that can decode telemetry data from an optical packet is a way of implementing wireless, addressable, microstimulators. Through the use of an optical packet, different devices can be addressed for stimulation, allowing spatially selective activation of neural tissue. The present invention, involves such a neural stimulation device, specifically an optically powered CMOS circuit that decodes telemetry data and determines whether it has been addressed. | 12-19-2013 |
20130338732 | DYNAMIC COMPLIANCE VOLTAGE FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT STIMULATION - An apparatus and method are disclosed for providing efficient stimulation. As an example, a switched mode power supply can be configured to generate a dynamic compliance voltage based on a stimulus waveform that can be non-rectangular. An output stimulation signal can be supplied to one or more outputs based on the compliance voltage. | 12-19-2013 |
20130338733 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING STIMULATION PULSES DURING THE PROGRAMMING OF AN IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR - In one embodiment, a method for the controlling of the stimulation pulses being delivered via electrodes to a patient during the programming of a pulse generator using a controller device and selecting of a minimum amplitude that corresponds to the minimum amplitude for which the patient can detect stimulation; selecting an electrode combination defined in the controller device; setting the stimulation amplitude; making a determination of the amplitude for the stimulation pulses is greater than the perception amplitude, and if so, changing the amplitude of the stimulation pulses to be less than or equal to the perception amplitude; and if not or subsequent to the changing of the amplitude, changing the selected one of a plurality of electrode combinations to a different combination. | 12-19-2013 |
20130345776 | SYSTEM FOR ABATING NEURAL STIMULATION SIDE EFFECTS - Various system embodiments comprise a neural stimulation delivery system adapted to deliver a neural stimulation signal for use in delivering a neural stimulation therapy, a side effect detector, and a controller. The controller is adapted to control the neural stimulation delivery system, receive a signal indicative of detected side effect, determine whether the detected side effect is attributable to delivered neural stimulation therapy, and automatically titrate the neural stimulation therapy to abate the side effect. In various embodiments, the side effect detector includes a cough detector. In various embodiments, the controller is adapted to independently adjusting at least one stimulation parameter for at least one phase in the biphasic waveform as part of a process to titrate the neural stimulation therapy. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 12-26-2013 |
20140005747 | Method and Apparatus for Diagnosing and Treating Neural Dysfunction | 01-02-2014 |
20140005748 | HUMAN-IMPLANTABLE-NEUROSTIMULATOR USER INTERFACE HAVING MULTIPLE LEVELS OF ABSTRACTION | 01-02-2014 |
20140031900 | THERAPY PROGRAM MODIFICATION BASED ON AN ENERGY THREHOLD - A therapy program is modified to decompose an electrical stimulation signal defined by the therapy program into a plurality of subsignals based on a comparison between an energy associated with the stimulation signal and a threshold value. An electrical stimulation signal defined by a therapy program may be decomposed into a plurality of subsignals when an electrical stimulation energy of the stimulation signal exceeds the maximum energy output of the medical device or of a channel of the medical device. The energy associated with each one of the subsignals may be less than the energy threshold value of the medical device. | 01-30-2014 |
20140039577 | TECHNIQUES AND METHODS FOR STORING AND TRANSFERRING REGISTRATION, ATLAS, AND LEAD INFORMATION BETWEEN MEDICAL DEVICES - A neurostimulator system includes a portable component configured for storing patient-specific data, and an external control device configured for obtaining the patient-specific data from the portable component. The portable component is an implantable neurostimulator, a patient's remote controller, and/or an external charger. The patient-specific data is imaging-related data. A method of storing data in a neurostimulation system includes generating patient-specific data, and storing the patient-specific data in at least one of the portable components. A method for programming the implantable neurostimulator includes receiving the patient-specific data from the portable component, simulating a volume of tissue activation for each of one or more candidate stimulation parameters, wherein the simulation is based at least in part on the patient-specific data, selecting at least one of the candidate stimulation parameters, and programming the implantable neurostimulator with the selected stimulation parameters. | 02-06-2014 |
20140039578 | IMPLANTABLE MICROSTIMULATORS AND METHODS FOR UNIDIRECTIONAL PROPAGATION OF ACTION POTENTIALS - Miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators) are capable of producing unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs). The methods and configurations described may, for instance, arrest action potentials traveling in one direction, arrest action potentials of small diameters nerve fibers, arrest action potentials of large diameter nerve fibers. These methods and systems may limit side effects of bidirectional and/or less targeted stimulation. | 02-06-2014 |
20140046403 | External Charger Usable with an Implantable Medical Device Having a Programmable or Time-Varying Temperature Set Point - An improved external charger for charging the battery within or providing power to an implantable medical device is disclosed. The improved external charger includes circuitry for detecting the temperature of the external charger and for controlling charging to prevent exceeding a maximum temperature. The external charger in some embodiments includes a user interface for allowing a patient to set the external charger's maximum temperature. The user interface can be used to select either constant maximum temperatures, or can allow the user to choose from a number of stored charging programs, which programs can control the maximum temperature to vary over time. Alternatively, a charging program in the external charger can vary the maximum temperature set point automatically. By controlling the maximum temperature of the external charger during charging in these manners, the time needed to charge can be minimized while still ensuring a temperature that is comfortable for that patient. | 02-13-2014 |
20140067011 | Systems and Methods for the Identification and Association of Medical Devices - A system for operating a medical device, the system comprises a medical device associated with a machine-readable representation of data and a medical programmer. The medical programmer includes a sensor configured to detect the machine-readable representation of data and a display configured to graphically display a digital image of the medical device associated with the machine-readable representation of data. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067012 | Clinician Programming System and Method - A clinician programming system operable to control an implantable medical device includes a clinician programmer and a secondary unit. The clinician programmer has a housing, and includes a first display configured to display information indicative of the inputs by the clinician or display information indicative of status of an implantable pulse generator, the first display having a first display size. The secondary unit is separate from the housing of the clinician programmer and includes a secondary display. The secondary display is configured to communicate with the clinician programmer via the secondary display communication interface and configured to display information received via the secondary display communication interface. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067013 | Touch Screen Safety Controls for Clinician Programmer - The present disclosure involves an electronic apparatus for programming an implantable medical device to provide a stimulation therapy for a patient. The electronic apparatus includes a user interface configured to communicate with a user, a memory storage configured to store executable instructions, and a computer processor configured to execute the instructions to implement a plurality of safety controls. The safety controls include: starting/stopping the stimulation therapy by starting the stimulation therapy after a predefined time delay but stopping the stimulation therapy instantaneously; disabling programming of the electronic apparatus and terminating any existing stimulation therapy in response to a low-battery status of the electronic apparatus; adjusting a value of a stimulation parameter of the stimulation therapy one predetermined step at a time, each adjustment corresponding to a separate user input; and restricting a range in which the user can set an upper limit and a lower limit of the stimulation parameter. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067014 | Method and System for Associating Patient Records with Pulse Generators - The present disclosure involves a medical system. The medical system includes a medical device configured to deliver a medical therapy to a patient and store an electronic patient record that includes visual identification information of the patient. The medical system includes a clinician programmer configured to program the medical device. The clinician programmer includes a display screen. The clinician programmer includes a transceiver configured to conduct electronic communication with external devices. The clinician programmer includes a memory storage configured to store machine-readable code. The clinician programmer includes a computer processor configured to execute the machine-readable code to: establish an electronic communication with the medical device via the transceiver; and display the electronic patient record, including the visual identification information of the patient, on the display screen after the electronic communication has been established. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067015 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING AVAILABILITY OF CLINICIAN DEFINED PROGRAMMING SETTINGS FOR A PATIENT - An external control device for indicating whether a stimulation parameter set for use in a neurostimulator is available on a remote control in communication with the external control device is provided. The device includes a user interface configured for displaying the stimulation parameter set and an indicator that indicates whether the stimulation parameter set is available to the patient from the remote control. The device also includes control circuitry configured for, in response to input from the user (e.g., actuating the indicator), selectively turning the indicator on or off. The indicator may be an icon, and the icon may be a graphical depiction of a remote control. The user interface may be further configured for receiving additional input from the user, and the control circuitry may be further configured for, in response to the additional input from the user, programming the remote control with the stimulation parameter set. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067016 | Method and System of Bracketing Stimulation Parameters on Clinician Programmers - The present disclosure involves a method of setting stimulation parameters for neurostimulation. A plurality of stimulation parameters available for bracketing is displayed. The stimulation parameters are selected from the group consisting of: stimulation current amplitude, pulse width, frequency, and contact location. Thereafter, in response to an input from a user, at least a subset of the stimulation parameters is selected for bracketing. A respective initial value is then obtained for each of the stimulation parameters in the selected subset. Thereafter, a bracketing process is used to generate a plurality of bracketed values for each of the stimulation parameters in the selected subset. The bracketed values are generated as a function of the initial value. A plurality of stimulation pulses is then delivered to a patient through a neurostimulator that is automatically programmed with a different combination of the bracketed values for the stimulation parameters for each stimulation pulse. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067017 | System and Method of Compressing Medical Maps for Pulse Generator or Database Storage - The present disclosure involves a method of data-reducing and storing a sensation map. A sensation map associated with a patient is provided. The sensation map includes a graphical depiction of a sensation experienced by the patient. The sensation may be pain or paresthesia experienced by the patient in response to an electrical stimulation therapy. A data file is generated. The data file has a data size less than a data size of the sensation map. The data file contains digital information allowing a reconstruction of the sensation map. Electronic communication is then established with an implanted medical device located inside the patient's body. Thereafter, the data file is sent to the implanted medical device for storage. The stored data files are retrievable by another clinician programmer later to reconstruct the sensation map. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067018 | PARAMETER VISUALIZATION, SELECTION, AND ANNOTATION INTERFACE - A system and method for providing a user interface by which to display and/or control stimulation parameter settings includes a processor displaying a ray at an angle from a predetermined direction, and about a point representing a leadwire, that corresponds to a direction at which an electrical field is produced by respective electrical settings of one or more directional electrodes of the leadwire, and whose ray length corresponds to an electrical amplitude of an electrical parameter of the one or more directional electrodes. | 03-06-2014 |
20140081353 | PULSE GENERATOR FOR CRANIAL NERVE STIMULATION - Disclosed herein is a system for trigeminal nerve stimulation. In one embodiment, the system includes a storage medium, a pulse generator in communication with the storage medium, a power source coupled to the pulse generator, and at least one electrode communicatively coupled to the pulse generator. The pulse generator includes a microcontroller which executes instructions from the storage medium and the microcontroller is configured to perform at least one of the following operations: produce electrical pulses having defined characteristics, record a log of use and anomalous events, restrict use to a specified individual, interface with electrodes, provide a signal to the specified individual indicating operational conditions and trouble conditions, and provide a signal to the specified individual indicating an end of a treatment period. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081354 | ASSIGNMENT AND MANIPULATION OF IMPLANTABLE LEADS IN DIFFERENT ANATOMICAL REGIONS WITH IMAGE BACKGROUND - This disclosure describes techniques for combining an image of a region defined by the user to receive stimulation therapy with an image of representation of leads which will deliver the therapy to the defined region, and importing the combined image on an implantable medical device connected to the leads that will deliver the stimulation therapy. During the process of combining the images, the user manipulates one or both of the images to combine the image such that the leads are placed for accurate therapy delivery. In some examples where more than one region is to receive stimulation therapy, each region can have a different image and/or a different set of leads associated therewith, and a combined image of each region may be produced, manipulated, and imported on the implantable medical device. | 03-20-2014 |
20140088666 | UNWRAPPED 2D VIEW OF A STIMULATION LEAD WITH COMPLEX ELECTRODE ARRAY GEOMETRY - The disclosure is directed to programming implantable stimulators to deliver stimulation energy via one or more implantable leads having complex electrode array geometries. The disclosure also contemplates guided programming to select electrode combinations and parameter values to support efficacy. The techniques may be applied to a programming interface associated with a clinician programmer, a patient programmer, or both. A user interface permits a user to view electrodes from different perspectives relative to the lead. For example, the user interface provides a side view of a lead and a cross-sectional view of the lead. The user interface may include an axial control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different axial positions along the length of a lead, and a rotational control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different angular positions around a circumference of the lead. | 03-27-2014 |
20140094875 | REMOTE SENSING IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An embodiment uses an accelerometer to sense heart sounds, and determines heart rate information using the sensed heart sounds. An embodiment uses an accelerometer to sense respiratory activity. An embodiment delivers a programmed neural stimulation therapy with a programmed duty cycle, where the programmed duty cycle includes a stimulation ON portion followed by a stimulation OFF portion. An electrode electrically connected to the implanted neural stimulation device is used to remotely detect cardiac activity. The remotely detected cardiac activity is used to detect heart rate information during the stimulation ON portion and to detect heart rate information during the stimulation OFF portion. The detected heart rate information and/or the detected respiration information are used to control a neural stimulation therapy performed by the neural stimulator device and/or are used to provide diagnostic information for the patient's condition. | 04-03-2014 |
20140100631 | NEUROSTIMULATION PROGRAMMER AND METHOD FOR GLOBALLY ASSIGNING PARAMETER VALUES TO ELECTRODES - An external control device for use with a neurostimulator coupled to electrodes. The external control device comprises a user interface configured for receiving input from a user, and including a display screen configured for displaying graphical representations of the electrodes. The external control device further comprises a controller/processor configured for, in response to the input from the user, linking a subset of the electrodes together, and globally assigning at least one of the same stimulation amplitude value and same on/off state to each of the electrodes. The controller/processor may also be configured for, in response to the input from the user, assigning at least one stimulation parameter value to one of the electrodes, copying/cutting the at least one stimulation parameter value from the one electrode, and pasting the at least one stimulation parameter value to the other electrode and modifying current values of other electrodes to maintain 100% current. | 04-10-2014 |
20140100632 | NEUROSTIMULATION PROGRAMMER AND METHOD FOR DIRECTLY ASSIGNING PARAMETER VALUES TO ELECTRODES - An external control device for use with a neurostimulator coupled to a plurality of electrodes capable of conveying electrical stimulation energy into tissue in which the electrodes are implanted. The external control device comprises a user interface configured for receiving direct input from a user specifying a target value for a target electrode. The user interface includes a display screen configured for displaying graphical representations of the electrodes. The user interface comprises a controller/processor configured for, in response to the direct user input, assigning a new stimulation amplitude value to the target electrode, and output circuitry configured for transmitting the new stimulation amplitude value to the neurostimulator. | 04-10-2014 |
20140100633 | IMPLANTABLE STIMULATOR - An implantable stimulator includes a tube assembly that is configured to house a number of components that are configured to apply at least one stimulus to at least one stimulation site within a patient. The tube assembly has a shape that allows the stimulator to be implanted within said patient in a pre-determined orientation. Exemplary methods of stimulating a stimulation site within a patient include applying an electrical stimulation current to a stimulation site via one or more electrodes extending along one or more sides of a stimulator. The stimulator has a shape allowing the stimulator to be implanted within the patient in a pre-determined orientation. | 04-10-2014 |
20140100634 | PACEMAKER EVENT QUEUE TO CONTROL DEVICE PROCESSOR OPERATING POWER - In the present disclosure, conservation of an implantable medical device power supply of is facilitated by controlling the power consumption of the device's processing component. The power supplied to the processing component is controlled to enable processing of received events as a function of predetermined criteria rather than the actual occurrence of the events which is frequent, but irregular. Accordingly, the need for the processing component to start and stop (and thereby be fully powered on each start) with receipt of each event is obviated thereby maintaining the power consumption of the processing component and increasing longevity of the device. Event data associated with received events is stored in an event queue and subsequently retrieved and transmitted for processing based on predetermined criteria. The power supplied during an idle state of the processing component may be reduced in relation to the power supplied during a wake up state. | 04-10-2014 |
20140107731 | USER INTERFACE WITH 3D ENVIRONMENT FOR CONFIGURING STIMULATION THERAPY - The disclosure describes a method and system that allows a user to configure electrical stimulation therapy by defining a three-dimensional (3D) stimulation field. After a stimulation lead is implanted in a patient, a clinician manipulates the 3D stimulation field in a 3D environment to encompass desired anatomical regions of the patient. In this manner, the clinician determines which anatomical regions to stimulate, and the system generates the necessary stimulation parameters. In some cases, a lead icon representing the implanted lead is displayed to show the clinician where the lead is relative to the 3D anatomical regions of the patient. | 04-17-2014 |
20140121726 | PERCUTANEOUS TIBIAL NERVE STIMULATOR - A tibial nerve stimulation device including a percutaneous electrode for inserting adjacent a stimulation site of a patient and a neurostimulator unit attachable to a transcutaneous electrode configured to be applied to skin adjacent the stimulation site. The neurostimulator unit includes a pulse generator electrically coupled to the percutaneous needle electrode and transcutaneous electrode and a microcontroller in communication with the pulse generator for monitoring a number of available treatment credits and activating the pulse generator, each available treatment credit corresponding to a treatment session and the pulse generator operable to be activated for performing the treatment session when the number of available treatment credits is at least one. A computer system is operable to communicate with the microcontroller of the neurostimulator unit for receiving a treatment credit request and transmitting the number of treatment credits purchased to the microcontroller of the neurostimulator unit. | 05-01-2014 |
20140148874 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAPPING ARBITRARY ELECTRIC FIELDS TO PRE-EXISTING LEAD ELECTRODES - A system for a neurostimulator coupled to electrodes, and a method of providing therapy to a patient using the electrodes implanted within the patient. A target multipole relative to the electrodes is defined. The target multipole is emulated by defining an initial electrical current distribution for the electrodes, such that a first set of active electrodes respectively has electrical current values of a first polarity. Each of the electrical current values of the first polarity is compared to a first threshold value, and at least one of the electrodes in the first active electrode set is zeroed-out based on the comparison. The electrical current value of each of the zeroed-out electrode(s) is redistributed to remaining ones of the electrodes to define a new electrical current distribution for the electrodes. Electrical current is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the new electrical current distribution, thereby providing the therapy. | 05-29-2014 |
20140155955 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INTERACTING WITH A TARGETED TISSUE OF A PATIENT - A method and an apparatus are provided for interacting with targeted tissue of a patient. The apparatus comprises a central control module, a satellite module, and a lead. The satellite module comprises a processor, a communication module, a switching module, a memory, a sense amp, and a A/D converter. The apparatus is adapted for subcutaneous implantation. The central control module is coupled to the satellite module. The lead is coupled to the satellite module. A programming word comprising information to be sent to the satellite module is provided. The programming word is converted into identifiable groups of pulses corresponding to bits of the programming word. The identifiable groups of pulses are sent to the satellite module. The identifiable groups of pulses are converted to information for providing a therapy to the patient. The energy from the identifiable groups of pulses is stored to power the satellite module. | 06-05-2014 |
20140155956 | NEUROMODULATION TO TREAT MENOPAUSE-RELATED CONDITIONS - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for treating a menopause-related condition in a subject. One step of the method can include inserting a therapy delivery device into a vessel of the subject. Next, the therapy delivery device can be advanced to a point substantially adjacent a target site of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) that is associated with the menopause-related condition. The therapy delivery device can then be activated to deliver a therapy signal to the target site of the SNS in an amount and for a time sufficient to effect a change in sympathetic activity in the subject and thereby treat the menopause-related condition. | 06-05-2014 |
20140155957 | CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES FOR IMPLANTABLE STIMULATORS - Exemplary systems include a stimulator configured to be implanted within a patient, the stimulator having a body defined by at least one side surface disposed in between distal and proximal end surfaces, and a connector assembly configured to be coupled to the stimulator and extend parallel to the at least one side surface of the stimulator. The connector assembly is further configured to facilitate removable coupling of a lead having one or more electrodes disposed thereon to the stimulator. | 06-05-2014 |
20140155958 | ADAPTIVE EVENT STORAGE IN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - Monitoring physiological parameter using an implantable physiological monitor in order to detect a condition predictive of a possible future pathological episode and collecting additional physiological data associated with the condition predictive of a possible future pathological episode. Monitoring another physiological parameter in order to detect a condition indicative of the beginning of a present pathological episode and collecting additional pathological data in response to the condition. Determining that the condition predictive of a future episode and the condition indicative of a present episode are associated and, in response thereto, storing all the collected physiological data. | 06-05-2014 |
20140163643 | Microburst Electrical Stimulation Of Cranial Nerves For The Treatment Of Medical Conditions - Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and apparatus for treating a medical condition in a patient using an implantable medical device by applying an electrical signal characterized by having a number of pulses per microburst, an interpulse interval, a microburst duration, and an interburst period to a portion of a cranial nerve of said patient, wherein at least one of the number of pulses per microburst, the interpulse interval, the microburst duration, or the interburst period is selected to enhance cranial nerve evoked potentials. | 06-12-2014 |
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 |
20140172045 | METHOD FOR AUTOMATION OF THERAPY-BASED PROGRAMMING IN A TISSUE STIMULATOR USER INTERFACE - A method for programming a neurostimulator includes automatically performing a series of steps. One or more control elements may be actuated to select the series of steps from a plurality of series of steps stored in a memory of an external control device. One or more control elements may be actuated during the performance of the series of steps in order to cause one of the steps to pause, stop, restart, skip, or repeat. The series of steps may be a series of pre-programming steps, and the method may further include programming the neurostimulator after the series of pre-programming steps is performed. An external device for programming the neurostimulator includes control circuitry configured for automatically performing the series of steps, and a user interface including the one or more control elements configured for being actuated. The control device also includes the memory for storing the plurality of series of steps. | 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 |
20140180363 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING LEAD CONFIGURATION FROM NEIGHBORING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ELECTRODES - A method and neurostimulation control system for programming electrodes disposed adjacent tissue of a patient. A fixed spatial grid of electrode positions is generated. One of the electrodes is designated as a reference electrode to be currently examined, and assigned to one of the electrode grid positions. One or more previously unassigned ones of the electrodes neighboring the reference electrode are assigned respectively to one or more of the electrode grid positions immediately surrounding the electrode grid position to which the reference electrode is assigned. The electrodes are programmed based on the assignment of the electrodes to the electrode grid positions. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180364 | VARIABLE OUTPUT RAMPING FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A method, system, and apparatus for providing a stimulation signal comprising a variable ramping portion using an implantable medical device (IMD). The first electrical comprises a first ramping portion. The first ramping portion comprises a first parameter and having a first value. The first electrical signal is applied to a target location of the patient's body. A second electrical signal comprising a second ramping portion is generated. The second ramping portion comprises the first parameter having a second value that is different from the first value. The second electrical signal is applied to a target location of the patient's body. | 06-26-2014 |
20140188190 | TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL STIMULATION WAVEFORM GENERATOR AND METHOD OF USE - A transcutaneous waveform generator capable of producing a therapeutic shaped wave that may be administered to the user without perception of electrical stimulation. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188191 | IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATOR FOR PROVIDING ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF CERVICAL VAGUS NERVES FOR TREATMENT OF CHRONIC CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION WITH BOUNDED TITRATION - A system for providing electrical stimulation of cervical vagus nerves for treatment of chronic cardiac dysfunction with bounded titration is provided. The system includes a patient-operable external controller to transmit a plurality of unique signals. The system further includes an implantable neurostimulator, which includes a pulse generator to deliver electrical therapeutic stimulation tuned to restore autonomic balance through continuously-cycling, intermittent and periodic electrical pulses that result in creation and propagation (in both afferent and efferent directions) of action potentials within the cervical vagus nerve of a patient through a pair of helical electrodes via an electrically coupled nerve stimulation therapy lead. The neurostimulator also includes a recordable memory storing an autotitration operating mode that includes a maximum stimulation intensity and is configured to increase an intensity of the delivered electrical therapeutic stimulation up to a level not exceeding the maximum stimulation intensity upon receipt of one of the unique signals. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188192 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CLINICIAN CONTROL OF STIMULATION SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for programming and logging medical device and patient data are provided. The systems include a handheld device, which is capable of communicating with a medical device, and a base station, which provides connectivity for the handheld device to accomplish various functions such as recharging, programming, data back-up and data entry. The methods comprise the steps of detecting a medical device, obtaining and recording information from the medical device. Additionally, medical device parameters may be modified and the recorded information may be archived for future reference. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188193 | SERVER FOR COMMUNICATION WITH AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A system and method for modifying the parameters of an implantable medical device includes an implantable medical device that communicates with a remote control device that, in turn, communicates through the browser of a computer or any other device capable of using mark-up language protocol. The computer optionally communicates with other computers and/or devices through a network. | 07-03-2014 |
20140194951 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION APPARATUS AND METHOD - An electrical stimulation apparatus and an electrical stimulation method are provided. The electrical stimulation apparatus may include an electrode unit, a measurement unit and a stimulation unit. The electrode unit is used for contacting a tissue of interest (target tissue). The measurement unit is coupled to the electrode unit. The measurement unit measure a tissue characteristic of the target tissue. The stimulation unit is coupled to the measurement unit and the electrode unit. The stimulation unit stimulates the target tissue through the electrode unit by using an electrical stimulation signal, and the stimulation unit determines an amount of charge of the electrical stimulation signal according to the tissue characteristic measured by the measurement unit. | 07-10-2014 |
20140214124 | Implantable Electroacupuncture System and Method for Treating Cardiovascular Disease - An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats cardiovascular disease through application of stimulation pulses applied at at least one of acupoints EX-HN1, BL14, HT7, HT5, PC6, ST36, LI11, LU7 and LU2. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4 is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214125 | Implantable Electroacupuncture System and Method for Treating Dyslipidemia and Obesity - An Implantable ElectroAcupuncture System (IEAS) treats dyslipidemia or obesity through application of stimulation pulses applied at at least one of acupoints ST36, SP4, ST37, ST40, SP6, SP9, K16, or LR8, or underlying nerves saphenous or peroneal. The IEAS includes an hermetically-sealed implantable electroacupuncture (EA) device having at least two electrodes located outside of its housing. The housing contains a primary power source, pulse generation circuitry, and a sensor that wirelessly senses externally-generated operating commands. The pulse generation circuitry generates stimulation pulses as controlled, at least in part, by the operating commands sensed through the sensor. The stimulation pulses are applied to the specified acupoint or nerve through the electrodes in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Such stimulation regimen requires that the stimulation session be applied at a very low duty cycle not greater than 0.05. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214126 | Implantable Electroacupuncture Device and Method for Treating Obesity - An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats obese conditions of a patient through application of stimulation pulses applied at acupoints SP4, LR8 or ST40, or their underlying nerves saphenous and peroneal. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214127 | Implantable Electroacupuncture Device and Method for Treating Dyslipidemia - An Implantable ElectroAcupuncture Device (IEAD) treats dyslipidemia conditions of a patient through application of stimulation pulses applied at acupoint ST40, or its underlying nerves saphenous and peroneal. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214128 | Circuits and Methods for Using a High Impedance, Thin, Coin-Cell Type Battery in an Implantable Electroacupuncture Device - An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats a disease or medical condition of a patient through application of stimulation pulses applied at a specified acupoint or other target tissue location. In a preferred implementation, the IEAD is an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214129 | ENERGY EFFICIENT NEUROMODULATION - A therapy system for applying an electrical signal to a target nerve includes an electrode, an implantable component and an external component. The electrode has an impedance of at least about 2000 ohms. The electrical signal is applied using constant current or constant voltage. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214130 | RF RESISTANT FEEDTHROUGH ASSEMBLY AND ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS CONTAINING THE ASSEMBLY - A control module for an electrical stimulation system includes a casing having an electrically-conductive portion; an electronic subassembly disposed in the casing; and a header portion coupled to the casing and including a connector for a lead or lead extension. The control module also includes a feedthrough assembly coupling the casing to the header portion. The feedthrough assembly includes a non-conductive ceramic block; conductive feedthrough pins passing through the ceramic block and electrically coupling the connector to the electronic subassembly disposed in the casing; a metal flange disposed around, and attached to, the ceramic block, and a non-conductive spacer attached to the metal flange and to the casing to raise the ceramic block above, and away from, the casing. Other control modules include a ceramic block that has a rim portion that raises the plate portion, through which the feedthrough pins pass, of the block away from the casing. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214131 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING MIGRATION OF NEUROSTIMULATION LEADS - Apparatus and methods for detecting lead migration through the use of measured artifactual data about the tissue in the vicinity of the lead. | 07-31-2014 |
20140222105 | MINIMINALLY INVASIVE DERMAL ELECTROPORATION DEVICE - The disclosure is directed to a device for electroporating and delivering one or more antigens and a method of electroporating and delivering one or more antigens to cells of epidermal tissues using the device. The device comprises a housing, a plurality of electrode arrays projecting from the housing, each electrode array including at least one electrode, a pulse generator electrically coupled to the electrodes, a programmable microcontroller electrically coupled to the pulse generator, and an electrical power source coupled to the pulse generator and the microcontroller. The electrode arrays define spatially separate sites. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222106 | Device and Implantation System for Electrical Stimulation of Biological Systems - The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of GERD. Individuals with GERD may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222107 | System of redundant wires and connectors for picafina DBS and heart pacemaker electrical stimulating device implanted in animals including human animals - A system to increase the reliability of the electrical connections between the electrodes and the battery/controlling electronics of an electrical stimulating device as DBS (Deep Brain Stimulator), heart pacemakers and the like. We disclose a redundant male/female connector and/or a set of redundant wires to improve the reliability of the connections between the electrodes at a first location and the battery/controlling electronics at a second location. The redundant male/female connector serves as a backup for a potential loss of electrical continuity due to the adverse effect of body fluids, and the redundant wires serve as a backup for potential loss of electrical continuity due to repetitive muscle movement causing wire movement and stress. DBS connecting wires, that ran behind the ear down the neck of the patient, are subjected to repetitive stresses due to neck twisting and therefore at high risk of breaking. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222108 | PATIENT PROGRAMMER WITH AUTOMATED MRI COMPATIBILITY VERIFICATION FOR ACTIVE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A system may include an active implantable medical device implantable in a body of a patient and a patient programmer for the AIMD. The patient programmer may be configured to obtain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility information relating to compatibility of the AIMD with an MRI modality. | 08-07-2014 |
20140236261 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INDICATING NEUROSTIMULATION DELIVERY - A method and system for providing an indication of delivery of a neural stimulation therapy is disclosed. In an example, a method may include identifying current timing of an intermittent neural stimulation (INS) programmed in an implantable medical device (IMD) where the programmed INS includes alternating stimulation ON and stimulation OFF times and a timing for delivering stimulation bursts of a plurality of stimulation pulses during the stimulation burst ON times. An indication of the current timing of the INS may be provided using an INS indicator of an external device. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236262 | APPARATUS FOR MEASURING AND TREATING DYSPHAGIA - According to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for measuring and treating dysphagia may comprise: one or more dysphagia measuring sensor units attached to the neck of a patient; one or more electrical stimulation electrode units attached to the neck of the patient to provide electrical stimulation to the neck of the patient in accordance with the dysphagia signal sensed by the dysphagia measuring sensor units so as to resolve the dysphagia; and a control unit which controls the dysphagia measuring sensor units and the electrical stimulation electrode units. Accordingly, the apparatus for measuring and treating dysphagia according to the one embodiment of the present invention has the dysphagia measuring sensor units, and the electrical stimulation electrode units which provide electrical stimulation to the neck of the patient in accordance with the dysphagia signal sensed by the dysphagia measuring sensor units so as to resolve the dysphagia, thus simultaneously enabling convenient measurement of the dysphagia and treatment of the dysphagia using the electrical stimulation electrode units. | 08-21-2014 |
20140243929 | CONTROLLED TITRATION OF NEUROSTIMULATION THERAPY - Described herein are methods and devices that utilize electrical neural stimulation to treat heart failure by modulating a patient's autonomic balance in a manner that inhibits sympathetic activity and/or augments parasympathetic activity. Because other therapies for treating heart failure may also affect a patient's autonomic balance, a device for delivering neural stimulation is configured to appropriately titrate such therapy in either an open-loop or closed-loop fashion. | 08-28-2014 |
20140249601 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WIRELESS CONTROL OF NONINVASIVE ELECTROTHERAPY - Methods and devices for providing noninvasive electrotherapy and electrical stimulation are described herein. In one aspect, a device for noninvasive electrotherapy includes wireless communication circuitry configured to receive pulse generation control signals wirelessly transmitted from a computing device. The device can include pulse generation circuitry configured to deliver electrical waveforms according to instructions encoded in the pulse generation control signals. The computing device can include a cellular telephone device, a portable media player, a personal digital assistant, a tablet computer, or an internet access device. | 09-04-2014 |
20140249602 | DEVICE LONGEVITY PREDICTION FOR A DEVICE HAVING VARIABLE ENERGY CONSUMPTION - A system and method for estimating the longevity of an implantable medical device (IMD). In one embodiment of a method for estimating a life of a power source of an implantable medical device, a first life estimate of the power source is determined based on a first open-loop value corresponding to an open-loop parameter for open-loop therapy delivery, a first closed loop value corresponding to a closed-loop parameter for closed-loop therapy delivery, and prior usage data corresponding to prior therapy delivery. The first life estimate of the power source is displayed. The first life estimate displayed includes a first open-loop portion associated with open-loop therapy delivery and a first closed-loop portion associated with closed-loop therapy delivery. | 09-04-2014 |
20140257432 | Switchable Dual-Coil Communication Circuitry for Extending Communication Range in an Implantable Medical Device System - Two LC circuits (each with its own coil) are used in either or both of an external controller or an implanted medical device to extend the range at which the two devices can communicate. Only one of the LC circuits (i.e., one of the coils) is used when the device is transmitting, while both LC circuits (i.e., both coils) are used when the device is receiving. When receiving, the LC circuits are preferably connected in series. The series connection of the LC circuits does not affect the resonant frequency, and thus this resonant frequency is the same for both transmission and reception despite the different LC circuits used. Switching circuitry is controlled to disconnect one of the LC circuits when the device is transmitting, and to connect the LC circuits in series during reception. | 09-11-2014 |
20140277277 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FACILITATING POWER REGULATION FOR AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - Apparatus and methods configured to perform power regulation for an implantable device are presented. In an aspect, an implantable device can include a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the implantable device and a circuit disposed on or within the substrate. The circuit can include a high load power regulator configured to provide a first current level to components of the implantable device and a low load power regulator configured to provide a second current level to components of the implantable device, wherein the second current level is lower that the first current level. The circuit can also include a regulator switch configured to enable or disable current draw from the high load power regulator and the low load power regulator as a function of power state and associated power requirement of the components of the implantable device. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277278 | CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING NEUROSTIMULATION BASED ON FAR-FIELD CARDIAC SIGNALS SENSED BY A SPINAL CORD STIMULATION DEVICE - Techniques are provided for controlling spinal cord stimulation (SCS) or other forms of neurostimulation. Far-field cardiac electrical signals are sensed using a lead of the SCS device and neurostimulation is selectively delivering using a set of adjustable SCS control parameters. Parameters representative of cardiac rhythm are derived from the far-field cardiac electrical signals. The parameters representative of cardiac rhythm are correlated with SCS control parameters to thereby map neurostimulation control settings to cardiac rhythm parameters. The delivery of further neurostimulation is then controlled based on the mapping of neurostimulation control settings to cardiac rhythm parameters to, for example, address any cardiovascular disorders detected based on the far-field cardiac signals. In this manner, a closed loop control system is provided to automatically adjust SCS control parameters to respond to changes in cardiac rhythm such as changes associated with ischemia, arrhythmia or heart failure. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277279 | Methods And Associated Algorithms For Programming A Baroreflex Activation Therapy Device - Methods and associated devices and algorithms for programming a therapy for an implanted baroreflex activation system are described and may include determining one or more programmable operating parameters of the therapy which do not cause a patient to experience extraneous stimulation associated with the therapy and programming the implanted baroreflex stimulation system with programmable operating parameters. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277280 | PHRENIC NERVE STIMULATION DETECTION WITH POSTURE SENSING - A method and a system of phrenic nerve stimulation detection in conjunction with posture sensing is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method may include receiving a trigger for conducting a pace-induced phrenic nerve stimulation (PS) search using the IMD within the patient. On receiving the trigger, the IMD may be used for conducting the PS search. A procedure of conducting the PS search may include measuring a posture of the patient using an implantable posture sensor, searching for PS while the patient is in the measured posture and obtaining a PS result from the PS search for the measured posture. The method may include recording both the PS result and the measured posture in a memory of the IMD. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277281 | NEUROMODULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING MULTIPLE MODULATION PATTERNS IN A SINGLE CHANNEL - A neuromodulation system and method includes delivering first electrical modulation energy to a patient through a timing channel at a relatively high energy level (e.g., at a frequency in the range of 2 KHz-50 KHz) during a first time period in accordance with a stored modulation energy delivery schedule, delivering second electrical modulation energy to the patient through the same timing channel at a relatively low energy level (e.g., at a frequency in the range of 2 Hz to 1500 Hz) during a second time period in accordance with the stored modulation energy delivery schedule. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277282 | USE OF COMPOUND ACTION POTENTIALS TO AUTOMATICALLY ADJUST NEUROSTIMULATION THERAPY IN RESPONSE TO POSTURAL CHANGES OF PATIENT - A neurostimulation system and method of treating a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to a target tissue site in accordance with a stimulation parameter to treat the patient and evoke at least one compound action potential (CAP) in a population of neurons. A magnitude of the evoked CAP is measured. A function of the measured evoked CAP magnitude(s) is compared to a threshold value. The stimulation parameter is adjusted based on the comparison. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277283 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE HAVING POWER SUPPLY FOR GENERATING A REGULATED POWER SUPPLY - Techniques are disclosed for generating a plurality of output voltages from a single input power source. The techniques include implementing a switched capacitor voltage converter to provide at least two output voltages having different supply ratios. The supply ratio is defined as a function of the input voltage provided to the switched capacitor voltage converter by the power source. The switched capacitor voltage converter includes a plurality of capacitors selectively coupled to a plurality of switches to define at least a first and a second mode with each of the modes having a plurality of configurations. In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the techniques include coupling the plurality of capacitors to define the first or second mode based on predetermined criteria. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277284 | CLINICAL RESPONSE DATA MAPPING - A system and method include a processor that, based on at least a subset of stored data of clinical effects of one or more stimulations of anatomical tissue performed using electrodes of an implanted leadwire, generates and outputs at least one graphical marking representing the at least the subset of the stored data. Each of the at least one graphical marking represents a respective portion of the at least the subset of the stored data and is output in association with a respective set of values for each of at least two parameters by which one or more the stimulations were performed. The markings are plotted in a graph defined by axes corresponding to values of respective stimulation parameters. Alternative, the markings are arranged in a column of a tabular report. The markings are two-toned to provide respective information for both therapeutic and adverse side effects. | 09-18-2014 |
20140296938 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING DEVICES TO A NEUROSTIMULATOR - A method for defining connections between a plurality of lead bodies and a plurality of output ports of a neurostimulator, and an external control device for performing the method are disclosed. The external control device includes a user interface and control circuitry. The method includes displaying the lead bodies and the output ports of the neurostimulator; selecting a first one of the lead bodies; dragging a connector from the first lead body to a first one of the output ports of the neurostimulator; and dropping the connector onto the first output port of the neurostimulator, thereby defining a connection between the first lead body and the first output port of the neurostimulator. In another embodiment, a method includes defining the connection between the first lead body and the first output port, and graphically displaying the connection between the first lead body and the first output port of the neurostimulator. | 10-02-2014 |
20140303689 | MANAGEMENT OF STIMULATION SAFETY LIMITS IN A NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM - An electrical stimulation system for use with a plurality of electrodes implanted within a tissue region comprises a neurostimulator configured for delivering electrical stimulation energy to the plurality of electrodes in accordance with a set of stimulation parameters, thereby injecting a charge into the tissue region, a control device configured for receiving user input to modify the set of stimulation parameters, and controller/processor circuitry configured for, in response to the user input computing a charge injection metric value as a function of a physical electrode parameter and an electrical source parameter for a first set of the electrodes, wherein the electrode set comprises at least two electrodes, comparing the computed charge injection metric value to a safety threshold value, and performing a corrective action based on the comparison. | 10-09-2014 |
20140309713 | LONG-TERM ELECTROSTIMULATION OF RECEPTORS - An electrostimulation device includes an implantable internal unit, which includes an array of electrodes assembled on or in a housing, and affixing structure for affixing the unit with respect to a targeted anatomy of a patient, a microprocessor mounted in the housing and in communication with the electrodes, a transceiver mounted in the housing and in communication with the microprocessor, and a power supply for providing power to the electrodes, the microprocessor and the transceiver. | 10-16-2014 |
20140316486 | VAGAL STIMULATION - The disclosure herein relates generally to methods for treating heart conditions using vagal stimulation, and further to systems and devices for performing such treatment. Such methods may include monitoring physiological parameters of a patient, detecting cardiac conditions, and delivering vagal stimulation (e.g., electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve or neurons having parasympathetic function) to the patient to treat the detected cardiac conditions. | 10-23-2014 |
20140316487 | VAGAL NERVE STIMULATOR WITH MODE SWITCHING - Various aspects of the present subject matter relate to an implantable device. Various device embodiments comprise at least one port to connect to at least one lead with at least electrode, stimulation circuitry connected to the at least one port and adapted to provide at least one neural stimulation therapy to at least one neural stimulation target using the at least one electrode, sensing circuitry connected to the at least one port and adapted to provide a sensed signal, and a controller connected to the stimulation circuitry to provide the at least one neural stimulation therapy and to the sensing circuitry to receive the sensed signal. In response to a triggering event, the controller is adapted to switch between at least two modes. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 10-23-2014 |
20140316488 | NEURAL STIMULATION MODULATION BASED ON MONITORED CARDIOVASCULAR PARAMETER - An aspect relates to a system for providing baroreflex stimulation. An embodiment of the system comprises a heart rate monitor to sense a heart rate and provide a signal indicative of the heart rate, and a baroreflex stimulator. The stimulator includes a pulse generator to intermittently generate a stimulation signal to provide baroreflex stimulation for a baroreflex therapy, and further includes a modulator to adjust the stimulation signal based on the signal indicative of the heart rate such that the stimulation signal provides a desired baroreflex stimulation corresponding to a desired heart rate. | 10-23-2014 |
20140316489 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING NEUROSTIMULATION DEVICES USING CACHED PLUG-IN SOFTWARE DRIVERS - A system for programming a plurality of different models, or generations, of neurostimulation devices includes a plurality of plug in software drivers stored on a hard drive of the system, wherein the plurality of plug-in software drivers are respectively configured for facilitating communication between the plurality of different models of neurostimulation devices and the system processor via a transceiver. In a method of programming a plurality of different models of neurostimulation devices, the system processor dynamically identifies the model of an interrogated neurostimulator and determines which plug-in software driver to use for programming the interrogated neurostimulator. The plug-in software drivers are cached into memory upon start-up of the system. | 10-23-2014 |
20140324123 | Methods and Apparatus for Detecting and Localizing Partial Conductor Failures of Implantable Device Leads - Method and apparatus for diagnosis of conductor anomalies, such as partial conductor failures, in an implantable lead for an implantable medical device are disclosed. In various embodiments, small changes in the lead impedance are identified by the use of a small circuit element that is incorporated as part of the distal end of the implantable lead. In various embodiments, the small circuit element is electrically connected to a lead conductor and/or electrode of the implantable lead. Methods of diagnosing conductor anomalies in accordance with these embodiments generate measured values that depend only on the impedance of the conductors and electrodes of the lead, and not on the behavior of the conductor-tissue interface and other body tissues. | 10-30-2014 |
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 |
20140324125 | HUMAN-IMPLANTABLE-NEUROSTIMULATOR USER INTERFACE HAVING MULTIPLE LEVELS OF ABSTRACTION - A programming-device user interface may include multiple levels of abstraction for programming treatment settings. A stimulation zone-programming interface may be at a highest level of abstraction and may include idealized stimulation zones. A field strength-programming interface may be at a middle level of abstraction and may include electromagnetic field-strength patterns generated by the stimulation zones, and/or electrode settings, and a depiction of how the electromagnetic fields interact with each other. An electrode-programming interface may be at a lowest level of abstraction and may depict treatment settings at an electrodes-view level. These interfaces may include a display of a stimulatable area of the patient's body. The display may include a depiction of leads and/or the underlying physiology, such as a depiction of a portion of a spine. Algorithms map treatment settings from one level of abstraction to settings at one or more other levels of abstraction. | 10-30-2014 |
20140330345 | Systems and methods for tissue stimulation in medical treatment - Stimulation treatments for various medical disorders, such as neurological disorders, comprise novel systems, strategies, and methods for providing TMS, electrical, magnetic, optical and other stimulation. Some stimulation methods comprise varying the stimulation parameters to improve the therapeutic efficacy of stimulation, and decrease risk of habituation and side-effects such as interference with normal brain, sensory, motor, and cognitive processes. The creation, and subsequent variation, of stimulation parameters can use sensed data in order to match, adjust, or avoid matching characteristics of the stimulation therapy relative to certain endogenous brain activities. Novel methods are described for choosing, creating and subsequently stimulating with partial signals which summate to produce therapeutic vector fields having unique temporal patterns and low- or high-frequency spectral content. | 11-06-2014 |
20140336726 | FRACTIONALIZED STIMULATION PULSES IN AN IMPLANTABLE STIMULATOR DEVICE - A method for configuring stimulation pulses in an implantable stimulator device having a plurality of electrodes is disclosed, which method is particularly useful in adjusting the electrodes by current steering during initialization of the device. In one aspect, a set of ideal pulses for patient therapy is determined, in which at least two of the ideal pulses are of the same polarity and are intended to be simultaneous applied to corresponding electrodes on the implantable stimulator device during an initial duration. These pulses are reconstructed into fractionalized pulses, each comprised of pulse portions. The fractionalized pulses are applied to the corresponding electrodes on the device during a final duration, but the pulse portions of the fractionalized pulses are not simultaneously applied during the final duration. | 11-13-2014 |
20140336727 | Microwave Field Stimulator - A system includes a controller module, which includes a storage device, a controller, a modulator, and one or more antennas. The storage device is stored with parameters defining a stimulation waveform. The controller is configured to generate, based on the stored parameters, an output signal that includes the stimulation waveform, wherein the output signal additionally includes polarity assignments for electrodes in an implantable, passive stimulation device. The modulator modulates a stimulus carrier signal with the output signal to generate a transmission signal. The one or more antennas transmit the transmission signal to the implantable, passive stimulation device such that the implantable, passive stimulation device uses energy in the transmission signal for operation, sets the polarities for the electrodes in the implantable, passive stimulation device based on the encoded polarity assignments, generates electrical pulses using the stimulation waveform, and applies the electrical pulses to excitable tissue. | 11-13-2014 |
20140343628 | AUTOMATIC CURRENT BALANCING WITH LOCK CONTROL FOR A CLINICIAN PROGRAMMER - A method of programming electrodes includes automatic current balancing and lock control. A virtual representation of a lead is displayed. The lead includes a plurality of electrodes. A subset of the electrodes is selected for programming. Each of the electrodes in the subset has one of two polarities. The two polarities are anode and cathode. A first percentage of a total stimulation current is assigned to a first one of the electrodes in the subset. In response to a user input, the first percentage is fixed to the first electrode. A plurality of second electrodes in the subset that have the same polarity as the first electrode is identified. Thereafter, a respective second percentage of the total stimulation current is automatically assigned to each of the second electrodes. A sum of the first percentage and the respective second percentages is equal to 100%. | 11-20-2014 |
20140343629 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING A GRAPHICAL IMPEDANCE HISTORY FOR OUTPUT CHANNELS OF A LEAD - A method of displaying impedance information of an implantable medical device is provided. One or more impedance values are received over a period of time for a plurality of channels. The channels may each include an electrode contact on an implantable lead. A graph is displayed that illustrates a variation of the impedance values over at least a portion of the period of time for one or more of the channels. A visual landscape that is representative of the impedance values for the plurality of channels is also displayed. | 11-20-2014 |
20140343630 | ARBITRARY WAVEFORM GENERATOR & NEURAL STIMULATION APPLICATION - A method, device and/or system for generating arbitrary waveforms of a desired shape that can be used for generating a stimulation pulse for medical purposes such as for spinal cord stimulation therapy. | 11-20-2014 |
20140343631 | CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES FOR IMPLANTABLE STIMULATORS - Exemplary systems include a stimulator configured to be implanted within a patient, the stimulator having a body defined by at least one side surface disposed in between distal and proximal end surfaces, and a connector assembly configured to be coupled to the stimulator and extend parallel to the at least one side surface of the stimulator. The connector assembly is further configured to facilitate removable coupling of a lead having one or more electrodes disposed thereon to the stimulator. | 11-20-2014 |
20140343632 | TRANSVASCULAR NERVE STIMULATION APPARATUS AND METHODS - Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves. | 11-20-2014 |
20140358194 | External Device for Determining an Optimal Implantable Medical Device for a Patient Using Information Determined During an External Trial Stimulation Phase - An external controller is disclosed for communicating with an external trial stimulator (ETS) for an implantable medical device. The external controller is programmed with a battery algorithm able to assist a clinician in choosing a suitable implant for the patient based on battery performance parameters estimated for a number of implants during an external trial stimulation phase that precedes implantation of the implant. The algorithm is particularly useful in assisting the clinician in choosing between a rechargeable-battery implant or a primary-battery implant for the patient. | 12-04-2014 |
20140371816 | CONTROLLING A PERSONAL MEDICAL DEVICE - Medical monitoring and treatment apparatus, which is controlled by a plurality of control sources, includes a “personal medical device” (PMD) or an “implantable medical device” (IMD), respectively carried by, or implanted in, a patient. The PMD/IMD is alternatively self-controlled or controlled by one or more local external control stations, at or near the location of the patient, and/or one or more remote external control stations, remote from the patient. Either or both of the local and remote stations may be operated by a person, such as the patient, a patient facilitator and/or a medical professional, or the stations may operate automatically. Since the device is controlled by multiple sources, hierarchies are used to select the source of control. | 12-18-2014 |
20140371817 | Remote Monitoring and Updating of a Medical Device Control Unit - A medical device control unit is provided. The control unit may include a communications interface, a memory, and at least one processing device. The processing device may be configured to cause application of a control signal to a primary antenna associated with a unit external to a subject's body. The processing device may further be configured to monitor a feedback signal indicative of the subject's breathing and store, in the memory, information associated with the feedback signal. The processing device may also cause transmission of the stored information, via the communications interface, to a location remote from the control unit. The processing device may further be configured to receive an update signal, from the location remote from the control unit, and cause application of an updated control signal to the primary antenna based on the update signal. | 12-18-2014 |
20140371818 | LOW-POWER SYSTEM CLOCK CALIBRATION BASED ON A HIGH-ACCURACY REFERENCE CLOCK - Various techniques are described for periodically performing a calibration routine to calibrate a low-power system clock within an implantable medical device (IMD) based on a high accuracy reference clock also included in the IMD. The system clock is powered continuously, and the reference clock is only powered on during the calibration routine. The techniques include determining a clock error of the system clock based on a difference between frequencies of the system clock and the reference clock over a fixed number of clock cycles, and adjusting a trim value of the system clock to compensate for the clock error. Calibrating the system clock with a delta-sigma loop, for example, reduces the clock error over time. This allows accurate adjustment of the system clock to compensate for errors due to trim resolution, circuit noise and temperature. | 12-18-2014 |
20140371819 | AUTOMATED PROGRAMMING OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ELECTRODES USING POST-IMPLANT IMAGING - In general, the disclosure is related to characterization of implanted electrical stimulation electrode arrays using post-implant imaging. The electrode arrays may be carried by implanted leads. Characterization of implanted electrode arrays may include identification of the type or types of leads implanted within a patient and/or determination of positions of the implanted leads or electrodes carried by the leads relative to one another or relative to anatomical structures within the patient. In addition, the disclosure relates to techniques for specifying or modifying patient therapy parameters based on the characterization of the implanted electrode arrays. | 12-18-2014 |
20150012060 | REMOTE ELECTRICAL TREATMENT SYSTEM - The remote electrical treatment system contains an authentication server, a prescription server, a backup server, a prescription access device, and an electrical treatment device. A user can requests an electrical treatment prescription anywhere and anytime from the authentication server through the prescription access device, and conducts electrical treatment either when the user is on-lined or off-lined. The present invention therefore frees the user from time and space constraints, provides greater usage flexibility and application support, thereby achieving superior treatment density and enhanced medical quality. | 01-08-2015 |
20150012061 | CIRCUIT FOR DISCRIMINATING BETWEEN BATTERY CHARGING SIGNALS AND RF TELEMETRY SIGNALS RECEIVED BY A SINGLE COIL IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical device for providing a stimulation therapy includes a coil configured to receive both inductive charging and telemetry signals. The inductive charging signals are in a first frequency band. The telemetry signals are in a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band. The medical device includes inductive charging circuitry configured to provide electrical power to the medical device via the inductive charging signals. The medical device includes telemetry circuitry configured to conduct telecommunications with external device via the telemetry signals. The medical device includes a first component electrically coupled between the coil and the inductive charging circuitry. The first component is configured to allow the inductive charging signals to pass through. The medical device includes a second component electrically coupled between the coil and the telemetry circuitry. The second component is configured to substantially block the inductive charging signals while allowing the telemetry signals to pass through. | 01-08-2015 |
20150012062 | Systems and Methods for Reducing Power Consumption in an Implantable Medical Device - A medical device for providing a stimulation therapy includes stimulation circuitry configured to provide a plurality of electrical pulses to be delivered to a patient. The stimulation circuitry contains a microcontroller configured to generate the electrical pulses. Each electrical pulse includes a primary phase, an interphase after the primary phase, and a recovery phase after the primary phase. Consecutive electrical pulses are separated by a standby period. The microcontroller is configured to operate in an active mode during at least one of: the primary phase and the interphase. The microcontroller is configured to operate in a power-conservation mode during a substantial majority of the standby period. The microcontroller consumes substantially less power when operating in the power-conservation mode than in the active mode. | 01-08-2015 |
20150012063 | CHARGE PUMP SYSTEM, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR AN IMPLANTABLE STIMULATOR - A medical device for providing an electrical stimulation therapy for a patient includes a microcontroller configured to generate a plurality of electrical pulses and a control signal. The medical device includes a stimulation driver coupled to the microcontroller. The stimulation driver is configured to amplify the electrical pulses into amplified electrical pulses to be delivered to the patient as a part of the electrical stimulation therapy. The medical device includes a battery configured to supply a first voltage. The medical device includes a voltage up-converter coupled between the battery and the stimulation driver. The voltage up-converter is configured to convert, in response to the control signal from the microcontroller, the first voltage to a compliance voltage for the stimulation driver. The compliance voltage is a fraction of the first voltage, and the fraction is greater than 1. | 01-08-2015 |
20150012064 | Neurostimulator Configured to Sense Evoked Potentials in Peripheral Nerves - A method of providing stimulation therapy to a patient includes performing first and second calibration processes in first and second patient posture states, respectively. The first and second calibration processes respectively associates a sensation experienced by a patient, in the respective patient posture states, with first and second amounts of an evoked potential, respectively, and also with first and second values of a stimulation parameter to achieve the first and second amounts of evoked potential, respectively. Thereafter, a current patient posture state is detected. If the current patient posture state is detected as the first patient posture state, stimulation therapy is applied to the patient using the first value of the stimulation parameter as an initial value. If the current patient posture state is detected as the second patient posture state, stimulation therapy is applied to the patient using the second value of the stimulation parameter as the initial value. | 01-08-2015 |
20150012065 | Electrode Band System and Methods of Using the System to Treat Obesity - At least one of a plurality of disorders of a patient characterized at least in part by vagal activity innervating at least one of a plurality of organs of the patient is treated by a method that includes positioning an electrode on a vagus nerve. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity by an amount selected to treat the disorder. In some embodiments, the disorder is obesity. The signal may be a blocking or a stimulation signal. In some embodiments, the signal is selected to, at least in part, downregulate neural activity on the vagus nerve. | 01-08-2015 |
20150012066 | NONINVASIVE DELIVERY AND CONTROL OF STIMULATION SIGNALS - System and method for the non-invasive, wireless generation, delivery, and control of electrostimulation signals. The system contains a circuit board with a plurality of components protected by a silicone housing disposed in overlying relation to form a hollow interior therein. Collectively, this is one electrode. A plurality of electrodes are attached to an individual's body via leads on the underside of the electrodes. The electrodes are structured and adapted to transmit an electrical impulse into the individual's body, thereby performing a treatment (e.g., for pain relief). An electronic device can be used to activate or deactivate each electrode, along with control the length and strength of impulses, depending on the protocol used for the individual's treatment. Each impulse is made up of a plurality of bursts, and each burst is made up of a plurality of pulses, which are higher voltage signals transmitted from the circuit board through the leads. | 01-08-2015 |
20150025598 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM - Provided is an electrical system including an intelligent learning terminal to analyze biometric information associated with a user and calculate an intensity of electrical stimulation for the user based on a result of the analyzing, and at least one wireless electrical stimulator to provide electrical stimulation to the user based on the calculated intensity of electrical stimulation, wherein the intelligent learning terminal is connected to the at least one wireless electrical stimulator based on wired or wireless communication. | 01-22-2015 |
20150057719 | Intra-Oral Balance Device Based on Palatal Stimulation - A device for vestibular substitution includes a mouthpiece fitting entirely within a person's mouth in a shape that conforms to the palate. The mouthpiece encases a circuit board containing an electronic system that can deliver electrical pulses to electrical stimulators touching the palate based on head movement. The electronic system includes a motion sensor, a control unit; a stimulation circuit; and a battery. The control unit is preferably a microcontroller with a digital Input/Output capability, a Serial Peripheral Interface/Inter-Integrated Circuit protocol, a timer, and an oscillator for sensor interfacing and timing control. The microcontroller enables processing data from the accelerometer to indicate head movement, and controlling each embedded electrical stimulator to deliver electrical pulses with adjustable waveform parameters. The device may also include a wireless transceiver for remote control of the device from outside the person's mouth. | 02-26-2015 |
20150066108 | SYSTEMS AND METHOD OF ADJUSTING THE COMPLIANCE VOLTAGE IN A NEUROMODULATION DEVICE - A therapeutic neuromodulation system configured for providing therapy to a patient. The therapeutic neuromodulation system comprises a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to a plurality of electrodes implanted within tissue, analog output circuitry configured for delivering therapeutic electrical energy between the plurality of electrical terminals in accordance with a set of modulation parameters that includes a defined current value, a voltage regulator configured for supplying an adjustable compliance voltage to the analog output circuitry, and control/processing circuitry configured for automatically performing a compliance voltage calibration process at a compliance voltage adjustment interval by periodically computing an adjusted compliance voltage value as a function of a compliance voltage margin. The control/processing circuitry may also be configured for automatically adjusting at least one of the compliance voltage adjustment interval and the compliance voltage margin during the compliance voltage calibration process. | 03-05-2015 |
20150066109 | Methods and Systems of Electrode Polarity Switching in Electrical Stimulation Therapy - Methods for electrically stimulating body tissues to improve function or reduce symptoms provide an electrical stimulation system having two or more electrodes that are capable of being switched independently from a hyperpolarizing (depolarizing) state to a hypopolarizing state. Multiple combinations of hyperpolarizing electrodes and hypopolarizing electrodes are created by polarity switching to determine a polarity configuration having the best performance as determined by symptom reporting and clinical diagnostic tests. Polarity switching is triggered manually or is programmed to be switched automatically. Determining the configuration providing electrical stimulation resulting in the greatest benefit allows the system to be operated with one or more electrodes in a hypopolarizing state, thereby reducing energy requirements, tissue tolerance, and tissue fatigue. | 03-05-2015 |
20150066110 | Medical Device Application for an External Device Using Data Logged at an Implantable Medical Device - A Medical Device Application (MDA) is disclosed for an external device (e.g., a cell phone) that can communicate with an Implantable Medical Device (IMD). The MDA receives data logged in the IMD, processes that data in manners reviewable by an IMD patient, and that can control the IMD based on such processed data. The MDA can use the logged data to adjust IMD therapy based on patient activity or posture, and allows a patient to learn optimal therapy settings for particular activities. The MDA can also use the logged data to allow a patient to review details about IMD battery performance, whether such battery is primary or rechargeable, and to control stimulation parameters based on that performance. The MDA also allows a patient to enter medicine dose information, to review the relationship between medicinal therapy and IMD therapy, and to adjust IMD therapy based on the dosing information. | 03-05-2015 |
20150066111 | PROGRAMMING INTERFACE FOR SPINAL CORD NEUROMODULATION - A tool for assisting in the planning or performing of electrical neuromodulation of a patient's spinal cord. The tool may have various functions and capabilities, including calculating a volume of activation, registering an electrode(s) shown in a radiologic image, constructing functional images of the patient's spinal anatomy, targeting of neuromodulation, finding a functional midline between multiple electrodes, determining the three-dimensional position of multiple electrodes, and/or accommodating for electrode migration. In certain embodiments, the tool can be embodied as computer software or a computer system. | 03-05-2015 |
20150066112 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING TELEMETRY IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE BASED ON POWER SOURCE CAPACITY - An implantable microstimulator configured for implantation beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation to prevent and/or treat various disorders, uses a self-contained power source. Periodic or occasional replenishment of the power source is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external device. A bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator to provide information regarding the system's status, including the power source's charge level, and stimulation parameter states. Processing circuitry automatically controls the applied stimulation pulses to match a set of programmed stimulation parameters established for a particular patient. The microstimulator preferably has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3 mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end. The case is externally coated on selected areas with conductive and non-conductive materials. | 03-05-2015 |
20150073497 | OPTIMIZED FLASH MEMORY DEVICE FOR MINIATURIZED DEVICES - An implantable medical device have an associated memory device is disclosed. The implantable medical device utilizes techniques for optimizing one or more embedded operations of the memory device, such operations including programming, reading or erasing data. The techniques for optimizing the embedded operations include controlling the operations as a function of an energy source of the implantable medical device. | 03-12-2015 |
20150073498 | Medical Device Application for Configuring a Mobile Device into an External Controller for an Implantable Medical Device - A Medical Device Application (MDA) operates on the mobile device to temporarily configure it into a known secure configuration for use as an external controller, and to prevent operation of the mobile device inconsistent with this function. In particular, the MDA operates to (1) disable or reconfigure hardware modules, and/or (2) terminate or suspend software tasks, that might corrupt operation of the mobile device as an external controller. The MDA can comprise an application (“app”) that the patient can download onto his mobile device and run to initialize the mobile device into the known secure configuration. The MDA also preferably provides a graphical user interface to allow a user to communicate with the implantable medical device using the now-secure mobile device. After using the mobile device to communicate with the implantable medical device, the MDA can be exited and the mobile device returned to its original configuration. | 03-12-2015 |
20150073499 | Modified Booting Process for a Mobile Device to Configure It as an External Controller for an Implantable Medical Device - A Medical Device Application (MDA) modifies the booting process for a mobile device to configure it into a known secure configuration for communicating with an implantable medical device (IMD). The modified booting process allows a user to select either normal use of the mobile device or use as a medical device for communicating with an IMD, and takes automatic actions to implement the secure configuration if the latter is selected. For example, a secure medical device kernel can be provided to the mobile device's operating system, which when loaded configures the mobile device into the secure configuration. Alternatively, the operating system can load with its less-secure normal kernel, but automatically runs initialization software after it loads to initialize the mobile device into the secure configuration. The MDA further preferably provides a graphical user interface to allow a user to communicate with the IMD using the now-secure mobile device. | 03-12-2015 |
20150073500 | Filtering Algorithm for Assessing Communications Wirelessly Received by an Implantable Medical Device - A filtering algorithm implemented by a filtering module in an implantable medical device (IMD), or in an external device for communicating with an IMD, is disclosed which reviews blocks based on a number of rules. The filtering module preferably comprises both firewall and instruction analysis modules. The instruction analysis module analyzes the instructions and associated data (if present) in each block to determine whether such blocks would compromise operation of the IPG or injure a patient if executed. Instruction rules corresponding to an instruction identified in the block are retrieved by the instruction analysis module. The instruction analysis module reviews the block per the retrieved rules, and possibly also in light of current and historical IPG therapy setting or mode data, or other received but un-executed blocks. If a block is compliant, it is executed by the IMD or transmitted to the IMD. | 03-12-2015 |
20150073501 | 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. | 03-12-2015 |
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 |
20150073503 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING DEVICES TO A NEUROSTIMULATOR - A method for defining connections between a plurality of lead bodies and a plurality of output ports of a neurostimulator, and an external control device for performing the method are disclosed. The external control device includes a user interface and control circuitry. The method includes displaying the lead bodies and the output ports of the neurostimulator; selecting a first one of the lead bodies; dragging a connector from the first lead body to a first one of the output ports of the neurostimulator; and dropping the connector onto the first output port of the neurostimulator, thereby defining a connection between the first lead body and the first output port of the neurostimulator. In another embodiment, a method includes defining the connection between the first lead body and the first output port, and graphically displaying the connection between the first lead body and the first output port of the neurostimulator. | 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 |
20150080981 | POWER GENERATION FOR IMPLANTABLE DEVICES - A rechargeable medical system comprised of an implanted device, rechargeable power storage operatively connected to the implantable device, a charging module operatively connected to the rechargeable storage, and external devices including a patient programmer and external charging means. The charging module can harvest at least one of thermal, photovoltaic, movement, RF, and magnetic energy to generate electrical power. The system has components for charging the storage from the generated power, and for measuring power generation, usage and reserve levels. The system provides for physically initiating and disrupting charging operations, for generating and communicating signals relevant to power harvesting, for monitoring, providing, and displaying data related to energy generation and energy generation criteria, and for tracking historical harvesting and energy consumption. The system may also have long-range and short-range wireless power harvesting capability. | 03-19-2015 |
20150080982 | Window in a Case of an Implantable Medical Device to Facilitate Optical Communications With External Devices - An improved medical device system is disclosed in which system devices communicate optically. An Implantable Medical Device (IMD) is disclosed having a hermetic window assembly on one side of its case, through which a photoemitter and photodetector can transmit and receive optical signals. The optical radiation in the signals is preferably visible, which permits communications from the IMD to be seen prior to implantation and even after implantation through a patient's tissue. External controllers for adjusting therapeutic operation of the IMD, external chargers for providing a magnetic charging field to charge a battery in the IMD, and combined external controllers/chargers are also disclosed that optically communicate with the IMD through the patient's tissue. The optical communication capabilities of the external charger are particularly useful in determining misalignment with the IMD. | 03-19-2015 |
20150080983 | CLINICIAN PROGRAMMING SYSTEM AND METHOD - In a method for programming an implantable device, an input is received at a user interface on a tablet-style clinician programmer. A first display signal is generated on the clinician programmer that updates content on a first display based on the received user input. The first display has a first size. A second display signal is generated for transmission to a secondary unit having a second display separate from the clinician programmer. The second display has a second size larger than the first size. The generating of the second display signal includes enhancing the content of the second display signal to provide a clear image on the second size display. The second display signal is transmitted from the clinician programmer to the second display. | 03-19-2015 |
20150088227 | TRIAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS - A trial stimulation system includes a disposable trial electrical stimulator that, in some examples, is sterilized for a single use in a stimulation trial of one patient. Additionally, systems for securing a disposable trial stimulator to the body of a patient are described, which may function to improve the durability of the system during the trial period and reduce the risk of damage or malfunction to the system due to lead/electrode dislocation and/or off-label uses like showering or bathing with the trial stimulator still secured to the body. | 03-26-2015 |
20150088228 | NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM FOR SELECTIVELY ESTIMATING VOLUME OF ACTIVATION AND PROVIDING THERAPY - An external control device, neurostimulation system, and method of programming a neurostimulator. A volume of tissue activation for each of a first one or more candidate stimulation parameter sets is simulated without conveying electrical stimulation energy into the tissue. One of the first candidate stimulation parameter set(s) is selected based on each simulated volume of tissue activation. Electrical stimulation energy is conveyed into the tissue in accordance with a second one or more candidate stimulation parameter sets, wherein the initial one of the second candidate stimulation parameter set(s) is the selected one of the first candidate stimulation parameter set(s). One of the second candidate stimulation parameter set(s) is selected based on a therapeutic efficacy of the electrical stimulation energy conveyed into the tissue. The neurostimulator is programmed with the selected one of the second candidate stimulation parameter set(s). | 03-26-2015 |
20150100106 | TRIAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS - A trial stimulation system includes a disposable trial electrical stimulator that, in some examples, is sterilized for a single use in a stimulation trial of one patient. Additionally, systems for securing a disposable trial stimulator to the body of a patient are described, which may function to improve the durability of the system during the trial period and reduce the risk of damage or malfunction to the system due to lead/electrode dislocation and/or off-label uses like showering or bathing with the trial stimulator still secured to the body. | 04-09-2015 |
20150100107 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION FOR A FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM - An electrical stimulation system and method for generating a stimulation signal for at least two electrodes coupled to a body part in a functional electrical stimulation system. One example embodiment includes a controller unit operable for receiving stimulation parameters and a trigger signal, and in response to receiving the trigger signal, outputting control signals based on the stimulation parameters. A voltage conversion module coupled to the unit receives the control signals and converts a supply voltage based on the received control signals. A switch receives the converted supply voltage at a first terminal and outputs a simulation signal at a second terminal. Outputting of the converted supply voltage at the second terminal by the switch is controlled by a driver module based on the received control signals. | 04-09-2015 |
20150119956 | IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATOR-IMPLEMENTED METHOD UTILIZING MULTI-MODAL STIMULATION PARAMETERS - Multi-modal stimulation therapy may be utilized in which two or more stimulation therapies having different stimulation parameters may be delivered to a single patient. This can preferentially stimulate different nerve fiber types and drive different functional responses in the target organs. The stimulation parameters that may vary between the different stimulation therapies include, for example, pulse frequency, pulse width, pulse amplitude, and duty cycle. | 04-30-2015 |
20150119957 | AUTOMATIC ANODE AND CATHODE FRACTIONAL CONTROL AND LOCATION TO SELECTIVELY AVOID DORSAL ROOT STIMULATION - A therapeutic neurostimulation system configured for providing therapy to a patient. The neurostimulation system comprises a neurostimulation lead having an array of electrodes arranged along a longitudinal axis configured for being implanted along a spinal cord of a patient, a neurostimulation device configured for delivering electrical stimulation energy to active ones of the electrode array, and control/processing circuitry for instructing the neurostimulation device to configure an active electrode as a cathode, and two active electrodes longitudinally flanking and laterally offset from the cathode as anodes, selecting a ratio of stimulation amplitude values for the two anodes based on a known longitudinal location of the implanted neurostimulation lead relative to the spinal cord, and instructing the neurostimulation device to distribute the electrical stimulation energy between the two anodes in accordance with the selected stimulation amplitude value ratio. | 04-30-2015 |
20150119958 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO AUTOMATICALLY INCORPORATE LEAD INFORMATION FROM MEDICAL IMAGE INTO PROGRAMMABLE USER INTERFACE - An external control system for use with a neurostimulation device and at least one neurostimulation lead implanted within the tissue of a patient is provided. The external control system comprises a user interface configured for receiving input from a user, output circuitry configured for communicating with the neurostimulation device, and control/processing circuitry configured for receiving a medical image of the neurostimulation lead(s) relative to an anatomical structure, processing the medical image to detect the location of the neurostimulation lead(s) relative to the anatomical structure, generating a set of stimulation parameters based on the user input and the detected location of the neurostimulation lead(s) relative to the anatomical structure, and directing the output circuitry to transmit instructions to the neurostimulation device to convey electrical stimulation energy in accordance with the stimulation parameter set. | 04-30-2015 |
20150119959 | IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATOR FOR PROVIDING ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF CERVICAL VAGUS NERVES FOR TREATMENT OF CHRONIC CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION WITH BOUNDED TITRATION - A system for providing electrical stimulation of cervical vagus nerves for treatment of chronic cardiac dysfunction with bounded titration is provided. The system includes a patient-operable external controller to transmit a plurality of unique signals. The system further includes an implantable neurostimulator, which includes a pulse generator to deliver electrical therapeutic stimulation tuned to restore autonomic balance through continuously-cycling, intermittent and periodic electrical pulses that result in creation and propagation (in both afferent and efferent directions) of action potentials within the cervical vagus nerve of a patient through a pair of helical electrodes via an electrically coupled nerve stimulation therapy lead. The neurostimulator also includes a recordable memory storing an autotitration operating mode that includes a maximum stimulation intensity and is configured to increase an intensity of the delivered electrical therapeutic stimulation up to a level not exceeding the maximum stimulation intensity upon receipt of one of the unique signals. | 04-30-2015 |
20150127065 | PERCUTANEOUS NEUROSTIMULATOR - The present invention concerns a percutaneous neurostimulator ( | 05-07-2015 |
20150127066 | NON-REGULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION PATTERNS FOR TREATING NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS - Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency. | 05-07-2015 |
20150127067 | REMOTE PACE DETECTION IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A system embodiment for stimulating a neural target comprises a neural stimulator, a pace detector, and a controller. The neural stimulator is electrically connected to at least one electrode, and is configured to deliver a neural stimulation signal through the at least one electrode to stimulate the neural target. The pace detector is configured to use at least one electrode to sense cardiac activity and distinguish paced cardiac activity in the sensed cardiac activity from non-paced cardiac activity in the sensed cardiac activity. The controller is configured to control a programmed neural stimulation therapy using the neural stimulator and using detected paced cardiac activity as an input for the neural stimulation therapy. | 05-07-2015 |
20150134028 | IPG CONFIGURED TO DELIVER DIFFERENT PULSE REGIMES TO DIFFERENT LEADS FOR PUDENDAL NERVE STIMULATION - The present disclosure involves a method of generating different stimulation waveforms as a part of sacral nerve stimulation therapy. A first stimulation waveform having a first stimulation waveform characteristic is generated. The first stimulation waveform is delivered to a first body part of a patient at least in part via a first channel. A second stimulation waveform having a second stimulation waveform characteristic is generated. The second stimulation waveform characteristic is different from the first stimulation waveform characteristic. The second stimulation waveform is delivered to a second body part of the patient at least in part via a second channel that is separate and independent from the first channel. The first body part and second body part correspond to different organs or different types of nerves. | 05-14-2015 |
20150142080 | TREATMENT OR THERAPEUTIC APPARATUS - Apparatus for treatment of an animal or human is disclosed which comprises a pulse delivery system for generating a series of electrical current pulses having a pre-programmed waveform. A flexible belt or belt-like carrier is provided and arranged in use to be secured to, on or around an animal or human and which comprises a pair of spaced-apart electrodes for making contact with the skin of the animal or human, and a connector for electrically connecting an output terminal of the pulse delivery system to the electrodes so that in use the current pulses are delivered between the electrodes across or through underlying tissue of the animal or human. | 05-21-2015 |
20150148867 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING NEUROSTIMULATION DOSING - Various implantable device embodiments may comprise a neural stimulator configured to deliver a neurostimulation therapy with stimulation ON times and stimulation OFF times where a dose of the neurostimulation therapy is provided by a number of neurostimulation pulses over a period of time. The neural stimulator may be configured to monitor the dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy against dosing parameters. The neural stimulator may be configured to declare a fault if the monitored dose does not favorably compare to a desired dose for the neurostimulation therapy, or may be configured to record data for the monitored dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy, or may be configured to both record data fir the monitored dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy and declare a fault if the monitored dose does riot favorably compare to a desired dose for the neurostimulation therapy. | 05-28-2015 |
20150290461 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING ELECTRICAL STIMULATION USING PADDLE LEAD - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for neurostimulation. The method includes applying electrical stimulation to a patient using a paddle lead that includes a plurality of electrodes, acquiring evoked response data using at least some of the plurality of electrodes, wherein the evoked response data is indicative of a patient response to the electrical stimulation, transmitting the evoked response data to a computing device, and processing the evoked response data using the computing device to facilitate monitoring the applied electrical stimulation. | 10-15-2015 |
20150297895 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REGULATION OF ENDOCRINE AND EXOCRINE GLANDS BY MEANS OF NEURO-ELECTRICAL CODED SIGNALS - Methods, systems, and devices for endocrine and exocrine gland control, Neuro-electrical coded signals can be selected from a storage area that is representative of body organ function. The selected neuro-electrical coded signals are then transmitted to a treatment member, which is in direct contact with the body, and which then broadcasts the neuro-electrical coded signals to a specific endocrine and exocrine gland nerve or gland to modulate the gland functioning. A control module is provided for transmission to the treatment member. The control module contains the neuro-electrical coded signals which are selected and transmitted to the treatment member, and computer storage can be provided for greater storage capacity and manipulation of the neuro-electrical coded signals. | 10-22-2015 |
20150306394 | DYNAMIC STIMULATION ADJUSTMENT FOR IDENTIFICATION OF A NEURAL FULCRUM - Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients for treating chronic heart failure. A computer-implemented control system is operated to automatically identify a neural fulcrum zone based on a monitored patient physiological response. Ongoing neurostimulation therapy is delivered within the neural fulcrum zone. | 10-29-2015 |
20150306404 | METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE OF A LAST FAR FIELD COMMUNICATION SESSION DURING A SUBSEQUENT FAR FIELD COMMUNICATION SESSION WHILE USING A SAME SESSION KEY - An external device transfers a key to an implantable medical device over a proximity communication and then establishes a first far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the key is used for the first communication session. This first communication session may occur before implantation while the implantable medical device is positioned outside of the sterile field so that using a proximity communication is easily achieved. Once the implantable medical device is passed into the sterile field for implantation, the external device may then establish a second far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the last key that was used for the first communication session is again used for the second communication session which avoids the need for another proximity communication to occur within the sterile field. | 10-29-2015 |
20150321014 | Circuits and Methods for Using a High Impedance, Thin, Coin-Cell Type Battery in an Implantable Electroacupuncture Device - An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats a specified medical condition of a patient through application of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation pulses applied substantially at or near a specified acupoint, its underlying nerves, or other target tissue location. The IEAD includes an IEAD housing having an electrode configuration thereon that includes at least two electrodes, and pulse generation circuitry located within the IEAD housing and electrically coupled to the at least two electrodes. The pulse generation circuitry is adapted to deliver stimulation pulses to the patient's body tissue at or near the target tissue location in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen, the stimulation regimen requiring that the stimulation session have a duration of T | 11-12-2015 |
20150321019 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION DEVICE HAVING REMOTE ACCESS - An electrical stimulation device configured to perform an electrical stimulation therapy on a patient includes a stimulation circuit, at least one electrode lead comprising one or more electrodes, a communication circuit and a controller. The controller is configured to execute a stimulation program received through the communication circuit. Electrical stimulation pulses are generated by the stimulation circuit and delivered to the at least one electrode lead in response to the execution of the stimulation program. | 11-12-2015 |
20150328464 | ACTIVE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH AUTOMATIC OPTIMIZATION OF THE CONFIGURATION OF A MULTI-ELECTRODE STIMULATION LEAD - A device includes a pulse generator coupled to a neurostimulation lead placed around the nerve and a set of electrodes individually connected to the generator by a splitter circuit controlled to preferentially stimulate certain regions of the nerve relative to other regions. The device performing an iterative search of an optimal configuration operating by selection of a plurality of different stimulation configurations, storing of a cardiac physiological parameter measured for each selected stimulation configuration, and designation as optimal stimulation configuration of the one of said selected different stimulation configurations, depending on at least the stored values of the physiological parameter measured for different electrode configurations. | 11-19-2015 |
20150335898 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUS BURST AND TONIC STIMULATION - A system and method for simultaneous burst and tonic stimulation of nerve tissue is provided. The system and method includes providing a lead with at least one stimulation electrode configured to be implanted at a target position proximate to nerve tissue of interest. The system and method further includes coupling the lead to an implantable pulse generator (IPG). The IPG generates current pulses that are delivered through blocking capacitors to the stimulation electrodes. The system and method further provides programming the IPG to deliver a first series of current pulses configured as a tonic stimulation waveform to the stimulation electrodes and to deliver a second series of current pulses configured as a burst stimulation waveform to the stimulation electrodes. The tonic and burst stimulation waveforms each include at least two current pulses with different amplitude polarities. | 11-26-2015 |
20150360039 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING EFFECTIVE STIMULATION PARAMETERS - One aspect of the present disclosure relates a method for determining effective stimulation parameters to apply to a patient in order to improve the patient's medical condition. The method can employ functional and/or structural imaging to determine the effective stimulation parameters. As such, the method includes programming a stimulation device with an initial stimulation parameter. An image can be received of at least a portion of the patient that is affected by a stimulation by the stimulation device. Based on the image, the efficacy of the stimulation with the at least one initial stimulation parameter can be assessed. The at least one initial stimulation parameter can be updated based on the assessed efficacy. | 12-17-2015 |
20150374991 | TECHNIQUES FOR PLACING MEDICAL LEADS FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF NERVE TISSUE - This disclosure is directed to extra, intra, and transvascular medical lead placement techniques for arranging medical leads and electrical stimulation and/or sensing electrodes proximate nerve tissue within a patient. | 12-31-2015 |
20150374998 | APPROVAL PER USE IMPLANTED NEUROSTIMULATOR - Methods and apparatus for delivering therapy from an implanted neurostimulator to a patient are provided. One feature is an external controller that acts as a gateway for therapy. The external controller can be a handheld controller that communicates wirelessly with the implanted neurostimulator. In some embodiments, the controller communicates with a database to determine a therapy approval status of the neurostimulator. Therapy can be approved by a physician prescription, or by prepayment, for example. In some embodiments, the neurostimulator is deactivated when no approved therapies remain. | 12-31-2015 |
20160008601 | Lead Splitter for Neurostimulation Systems | 01-14-2016 |
20160008603 | RESPONSIVE NEUROSTIMULATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION | 01-14-2016 |
20160008609 | WIRELESS ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM | 01-14-2016 |
20160008610 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR USE WITH MULTIPOLAR PACING LEADS | 01-14-2016 |
20160008611 | Timing Channel Circuitry for Creating Pulses in an Implantable Stimulator Device | 01-14-2016 |
20160022986 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING MULTIPLE TUMORS IN PATIENTS WITH METASTATIC DISEASE BY ELECTRIC FIELDS - An insulated electrode system for delivering a plurality of tumor treating electromagnetic fields including an array of electrode elements for proximate location on a body of a patient. Each electrode element of the array having an insulation layer. Each electrode element being independently electrically accessible and configured to be dynamically assigned to emanate an electromagnetic field relative to at least one other of said electrode elements. | 01-28-2016 |
20160022992 | STIMULATION PATTERNS FOR TREATING DRY EYE - Described herein are electrical stimulation patterns and methods of use thereof for treating dry eye disease, tired eye, or other forms of ocular discomfort. The methods generally include applying patterned stimulation to an anatomical structure located in an ocular region or a nasal region to increase tear production. | 01-28-2016 |
20160045742 | NEUROSTIMULATION TITRATION PROCESS - Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients for treating chronic heart failure. A titration process is used to gradually increase the stimulation intensity to a desired therapeutic level. This titration process can minimize the amount of time required to complete titration so as to begin delivery of the stimulation at therapeutically desirable levels. | 02-18-2016 |
20160045750 | TOUCH SCREEN FINGER POSITION INDICATOR FOR A SPINAL CORD STIMULATION PROGRAMMING DEVICE - A method of visualizing a user interaction with a clinician programmer is disclosed. A user engagement with respect to a screen of the clinician programmer is detected via one or more sensors associated with the screen of the clinician programmer. One or more locations on the screen of the clinician programmer corresponding to the user engagement is determined. An external monitor is communicatively coupled to the clinician programmer. The external monitor displays one or more cursors that graphically represent the one or more locations on the screen of the clinician programmer corresponding to the user engagement, respectively. | 02-18-2016 |
20160045751 | Systems and Methods for Neurostimulation Electrode Configurations Based on Neural Localization - Methods and systems for obtaining and analyzing electromyography responses of electrodes of an implanted neurostimulation lead for use neurostimulation programming are provided herein. System setups for neural localization and/or programming include a clinician programmer coupleable with a temporary or permanent lead implantable in a patient and at least one pair of EMG sensing electrodes minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient. The clinician programmer is configured to determine a plurality of recommended electrode configurations based on thresholds and EMG responses of the plurality of electrodes and rank the electrode configuration according to pre-determined criteria. The clinician programmer further includes graphical user interface on which the plurality of recommended electrode configurations are displayed for modification and/or selection by a clinician in programming an IPG or EPG coupled with the lead to apply a neurostimulation treatment according to the selected electrode configuration. | 02-18-2016 |
20160059017 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAPPING ARBITRARY ELECTRIC FIELDS TO PRE-EXISTING LEAD ELECTRODES - A system for a neurostimulator coupled to electrodes, and a method of providing therapy to a patient using the electrodes implanted within the patient. A target multipole relative to the electrodes is defined. The target multipole is emulated by defining an initial electrical current distribution for the electrodes, such that a first set of active electrodes respectively has electrical current values of a first polarity. Each of the electrical current values of the first polarity is compared to a first threshold value, and at least one of the electrodes in the first active electrode set is zeroed-out based on the comparison. The electrical current value of each of the zeroed-out electrode(s) is redistributed to remaining ones of the electrodes to define a new electrical current distribution for the electrodes. Electrical current is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the new electrical current distribution, thereby providing the therapy. | 03-03-2016 |
20160067495 | THERAPY PROGRAM SELECTION FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION THERAPY BASED ON A VOLUME OF TISSUE ACTIVATION - In some examples, a processor of a system evaluates a therapy program based on a score determined based on a volume of tissue expected to be activated (“VTA”) by therapy delivery according to the therapy program. The score may be determined using an efficacy map comprising a plurality of voxels that are each assigned a value. In some examples, the efficacy map is selected from a plurality of stored efficacy maps based on a patient condition, one or more patient symptoms, or both the patient condition and one or more patient symptoms. In addition, in some examples, voxels of the efficacy map are assigned respective values that are associated with a clinical rating scale. | 03-10-2016 |
20160074663 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NESTED NEUROSTIMULATION - A method and system are provided to deliver nested stimulation to brain tissue of interest. The method and system set first parameters that define a carrier waveform. The method and system set second parameters that define a high frequency waveform, wherein at least one of the carrier waveform and high frequency waveform are defined to correspond to physiologic neural oscillations associated with the brain tissue of interest. The method and system operates a pulse generator to generate a nested stimulation waveform that combines the carrier waveform and high frequency waveform. The nested stimulation waveform has a plurality of pulse bursts. The method and system deliver the nested stimulation waveform through one or more electrodes to the brain tissue of interest. | 03-17-2016 |
20160074664 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TACTILE C-FIBER STIMULATION - A method is provided to deliver C tactile fiber stimulation to nervous tissue of a patient. The method comprises delivering a first tactile stimulation waveform to a first electrode combination within an array of electrodes located proximate to nervous tissue of interest. The method further provides sequentially delivering successive tactile stimulation waveforms to successive electrode combinations within the array of electrodes. The first and successive tactile stimulation waveforms include at least one series of pulses having a pulse amplitude and pulse frequency. Delaying delivery of the successive tactile stimulation waveforms by a firing delay, the pulse amplitude, pulse frequency and firing delay represent therapy parameters. The method manages at least one of the therapy parameters of the first and successive tactile stimulation waveforms to excite C tactile fibers of the nervous tissue of interest. | 03-17-2016 |
20160082260 | Architectures for an Implantable Medical Device System - An improved architecture for an implantable medical device such as an implantable pulse generator (IPG) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the various functional blocks for the IPG are incorporated into a signal integrated circuit (IC). Each of the functional blocks communicates with each other, and with other off-chip devices if necessary, via a centralized bus governed by a communication protocol. To communicate with the bus and to adhere to the protocol, each circuit block includes bus interface circuitry adherent with that protocol. Because each block complies with the protocol, any given block can easily be modified or upgraded without affecting the design of the other blocks, facilitating debugging and upgrading of the IPG circuitry. Moreover, because the centralized bus can be taken off the integrated circuit, extra circuitry can easily be added off chip to modify or add functionality to the IPG. | 03-24-2016 |
20160082266 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING DEVICES TO A NEUROSTIMULATOR - A method for defining connections between a plurality of lead bodies and a plurality of output ports of a neurostimulator, and an external control device for performing the method are disclosed. The external control device includes a user interface and control circuitry. The method includes displaying the lead bodies and the output ports of the neurostimulator; selecting a first one of the lead bodies; dragging a connector from the first lead body to a first one of the output ports of the neurostimulator; and dropping the connector onto the first output port of the neurostimulator, thereby defining a connection between the first lead body and the first output port of the neurostimulator. In another embodiment, a method includes defining the connection between the first lead body and the first output port, and graphically displaying the connection between the first lead body and the first output port of the neurostimulator. | 03-24-2016 |
20160089538 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AVOIDING NEURAL STIMULATION HABITUATION - An embodiment relates to a method for delivering a vagal stimulation therapy to a vagus nerve, including delivering a neural stimulation signal to non-selectively stimulate both afferent axons and efferent axons in the vagus nerve according to a predetermined schedule for the vagal stimulation therapy, and selecting a value for at least one parameter for the predetermined schedule for the vagal stimulation therapy to control the neural stimulation therapy to avoid physiological habituation to the vagal stimulation therapy. The parameter(s) include at least one parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting of a predetermined therapy duration parameter for a predetermined therapy period, and a predetermined intermittent neural stimulation parameter associated with on/off timing for the intermittent neural stimulation parameter. | 03-31-2016 |
20160114171 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXTENDING THE LIFE OF AN IMPLANTED PULSE GENERATOR BATTERY - Systems and methods for extending the life of an implanted pulse generator battery are disclosed. A representative method for establishing charge parameters for a battery-powered implantable medical device includes receiving a patient-specific therapy signal parameter and, based at least in part on the patient-specific therapy signal parameter, determining a discharge rate for a battery of the implanted medical device. The method can further include determining a therapy run time, based at least in part on the discharge rate. The method can still further include determining at least one battery charging parameter, based at least in part on the run time. | 04-28-2016 |
20160114178 | EXTERNAL TRIAL STIMULATOR USEABLE IN AN IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATOR SYSTEM - An improved external trial stimulator provides neurostimulation functionality for implanted medical electrodes prior to implantation of an implantable neurostimulator. The external trial stimulator is housed in a four-part housing that provides mechanical and electrostatic discharge protection for the electronics mounted in a central frame of the housing. Connectors attached to leads from the electrodes connect to contacts that are recessed in the housing through ports that are centered for easy access. Multiple indicators provide information to users of the external trial stimulator. | 04-28-2016 |
20160114179 | PARAMETER VISUALIZATION, SELECTION, AND ANNOTATION INTERFACE - A system and method for providing a user interface by which to display and/or control stimulation parameter settings includes a processor displaying a ray at an angle from a predetermined direction, and about a point representing a leadwire, that corresponds to a direction at which an electrical field is produced by respective electrical settings of one or more directional electrodes of the leadwire, and whose ray length corresponds to an electrical amplitude of an electrical parameter of the one or more directional electrodes. | 04-28-2016 |
20160121113 | Diabetes glucagon mitigation system and method with an electrical energy wave generator - A system and method for relieving high blood sugar factor of diabetes includes an electric energy wave generator with a frequency effect level control formulation. The frequency effect level control formulation includes a control of a single frequency effect level and a control of a multi-frequency modulation effect level and controls and emits a single frequency electric energy wave to a diabetic patient's body in the single frequency effect level according to the frequency effect level control formulation and controls and emits a multi-frequency electric energy wave in a multi-frequency modulation effect level, so as to reduce and eliminate a high blood sugar factor of the diabetic patient's body by the electric energy wave. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121126 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROGRAMMING COMPLEX NEUROSTIMULATION PATTERNS - An example of a neurostimulation system may include a storage device, a programming control circuit, and a graphical user interface (GUI). The storage device may be configured to store a stimulation waveform representing a pattern of neurostimulation pulses. The programming control circuit may be configured to generate stimulation parameters controlling delivery of the neurostimulation pulses according to the stimulation waveform. The GUI may be configured to define the stimulation waveform as a function of one or more adjustable parameter curves each being a function of time. The one or more adjustable parameter curves each represent a user-programmable parameter. The GUI includes a waveform definition module that may be configured to present the stimulation waveform, present each parameter curve of the one or more adjustable parameter curves, allow for adjustment of the each parameter curve, and update the stimulation waveform in response to the adjustment of the each parameter curve. | 05-05-2016 |
20160129245 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE RELATIVE POSITION AND ORIENTATION OF NEUROSTIMULATION LEADS - A method for determining whether the relative position of electrodes used by a neurostimulation system has changed within a patient comprises determining the amplitude of a field potential at each of at least one of the electrodes, determining if a change in each of the determined electric field amplitudes has occurred, and analyzing the change in each of the determined electric field amplitudes to determine whether a change in the relative position of the electrodes has occurred. Another method comprises measuring a first monopolar impedance between a first electrode and a reference electrode, measuring a second monopolar impedance between second electrode and the reference electrode, measuring a bipolar impedance between the first and second electrodes, and estimating an amplitude of a field potential at the second electrode based on the first and second monopolar impedances and the bipolar impedance. | 05-12-2016 |
20160129256 | NEUROSTIMULATION TITRATION UTILIZING T-WAVE ALTERNANS - Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients. A titration process is used to gradually increase the stimulation intensity to a desired therapeutic level until a target T-wave alternans change from a baseline T-wave alternans is achieved. | 05-12-2016 |
20160129259 | NEUROSTIMULATION TITRATION PROCESS VIA ADAPTIVE PARAMETRIC MODIFICATION - Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients. A titration process is used to gradually increase the stimulation intensity to a desired therapeutic level. Between titration sessions one or more parameters, such as, for example, an acclimation interval, may be adjusted based on the patient's response to the stimulation. This personalized titration process can minimize the amount of time required to complete titration so as to begin delivery of the stimulation at therapeutically desirable levels. | 05-12-2016 |
20160136429 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION USING SENSORS TO ADJUST STIMULATION PARAMETERS - A wearable or portable device for use in an electrical stimulation system can include a sensor to measure a biosignal; a processor to receive the biosignal from the sensor; and a communications arrangement coupled to the processor to wirelessly communicate with at least one of an external programming unit or a control module of the electrical stimulation system. The wearable device is configured and arranged to be worn by a user so that the wearable device can measure the biosignal of the user. | 05-19-2016 |
20160136442 | MEDICAL DEVICE WITH PERSONALIZED THERAPY PROTOCOLS - Devices and methods are described that generate personalized therapy protocols for home use of therapeutic medical devices. The devices include an intuitive user interface to guide user to select proper settings, a personalized therapy protocol-generating approach according to user selection and personal profile, and follow-up therapy protocol adjustments to achieve optimized results based on feedbacks collected from past treatments. | 05-19-2016 |
20160144169 | REMOTE PROGRAMMING OF MRI SETTINGS OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A system including an implantable medical device (IMD) configured to be programmed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) settings for use during an MRI scan, a server configured to receive MRI settings associated with the IMD, and configured to store the MRI settings associated with the IMD, and a portable retrieval programmer. The portable retrieval programmer includes a housing configured for portability by a user, a first communication module in the housing configured to communicate with the server to retrieve the MRI settings associated with the IMD, and a device communication module connectible to and disconnectible from the housing and configured to communicate with the IMD to retrieve the identity data and program the IMD with the MRI settings. | 05-26-2016 |
20160151633 | UNWRAPPED 2D VIEW OF A STIMULATION LEAD WITH COMPLEX ELECTRODE ARRAY GEOMETRY | 06-02-2016 |
20160158564 | NEUROSTIMULATION PROGRAMMER AND METHOD FOR GLOBALLY ASSIGNING PARAMETER VALUES TO ELECTRODES - An external control device for use with a neurostimulator coupled to electrodes. The external control device comprises a user interface configured for receiving input from a user, and including a display screen configured for displaying graphical representations of the electrodes. The external control device further comprises a controller/processor configured for, in response to the input from the user, linking a subset of the electrodes together, and globally assigning at least one of the same stimulation amplitude value and same on/off state to each of the electrodes. The controller/processor may also be configured for, in response to the input from the user, assigning at least one stimulation parameter value to one of the electrodes, copying/cutting the at least one stimulation parameter value from the one electrode, and pasting the at least one stimulation parameter value to the other electrode and modifying current values of other electrodes to maintain 100% current. | 06-09-2016 |
20160158565 | TECHNIQUE FOR DETERMINING ELECTRODE CURRENT DISTRIBUTION - 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. | 06-09-2016 |
20160199660 | TECHNIQUES FOR LOGGING AND USING PROGRAMMING HISTORY IN A NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM | 07-14-2016 |
20160375248 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTING STIMULATION PARAMETERS BASED ON STIMULATION TARGET REGION, EFFECTS, OR SIDE EFFECTS - A system or method for identifying sets of stimulation parameters can include receiving at least one image of a region of a patient; registering the at least one image with an anatomical or physiological atlas that identifies different anatomical or physiological structures; identifying a desired stimulation region using the at least one image; comparing the desired stimulation region with each of a plurality of predetermined estimated stimulation regions, where each of the estimated stimulation regions is a calculated estimate of a stimulation volume for a corresponding set of electrical stimulation parameters; selecting one of the predetermined estimated stimulation regions based on the comparing; and providing the corresponding set of electrical stimulation parameters for the selected one of the predetermined estimated stimulation regions to a user or an electrical stimulation device. Other systems or methods use functional maps or subregions of a region of synchronous neural activity to identify stimulation parameters. | 12-29-2016 |
20160375249 | SYSTEM FOR STIMULATION THERAPY OF THE VAGUS NERVE BY IMPLEMENTATION OF A STATE TRANSITION MODEL - One system includes a stimulation device such as a vagus nerve stimulation lead, and a controller for controlling the stimulation device according to a set of stimulation parameters. A memory of the stimulation device contains a state transition model, and for each state defines a set of stimulation parameters and at least one expected response during the application of stimulation with the parameters. A matrix determines the transition rules between states based on physiological levels measured versus target levels. A state transition control unit determines, in an organized timely method, possible transitions between states according to rules on the physiological levels obtained in response to the implementation of the stimulation parameters of the current state, and a transition from a current state to a new state causes a corresponding change in the parameter set used for stimulation. | 12-29-2016 |
20160375250 | SYSTEM FOR STIMULATION THERAPY OF THE VAGUS NERVE BY IMPLEMENTATION OF A SELF-ADAPTIVE STATE TRANSITION MODEL BASED ON PHYSICAL OR PHYSIOLOGICAL LEVELS - One system includes a stimulation device such as a vagus nerve stimulation lead, and a controller for controlling the stimulation device according to a set of stimulation parameters. A memory of the stimulation device contains a state transition model, and for each state defines a set of stimulation parameters and at least one expected response during the application of stimulation with the parameters. A matrix determines the transition rules between states based on physiological levels measured versus target levels. A state transition control unit determines, in an organized timely method, possible transitions between states according to the rules on physiological levels obtained in response to the implementation of the stimulation parameters of the current state, and a transition from a current state to a new state causes a corresponding change in the parameter set used for stimulation. | 12-29-2016 |
20160375251 | SYSTEM FOR STIMULATION THERAPY OF THE VAGUS NERVE BY IMPLEMENTATION OF A STATE TRANSITION MODEL WITH A LEARNING PHASE - One system includes a stimulation device such as a vagus nerve stimulation lead, and a controller for controlling the stimulation device according to a set of stimulation parameters. A memory of the stimulation device contains a state transition model, and for each state defines a set of stimulation parameters and at least one expected response during the application of stimulation with the parameters. A matrix determines the transition rules between states based on physiological levels measured versus target levels. A state transition control unit determines, in an organized timely method, possible transitions between states according to the rules on physiological levels obtained in response to the implementation of the stimulation parameters of the current state, and a transition from a current state to a new state causes a corresponding change in the parameter set used for stimulation. | 12-29-2016 |
20160375252 | SYSTEM FOR STIMULATION THERAPY OF THE VAGUS NERVE BY IMPLEMENTATION OF A STATE TRANSITION MODEL OPERATING AT MULTIPLE TEMPORAL OR SPATIAL RESOLUTIONS - One system includes a stimulation device such as a vagus nerve stimulation lead, and a controller for controlling the stimulation device according to a set of stimulation parameters. A memory of the stimulation device contains a state transition model, and for each state defines a set of stimulation parameters and at least one expected response during the application of stimulation with the parameters. A matrix determines the transition rules between states based on physiological levels measured versus target levels. A state transition control unit determines, in an organized timely method, possible transitions between states according to the rules on physiological levels obtained in response to the implementation of the stimulation parameters of the current state, and a transition from a current state to a new state causes a corresponding change in the parameter set used for stimulation. | 12-29-2016 |
20160375253 | THERAPEUTIC WINDOW DETERMINATION - A therapeutic window for at least one electrode of a medical system may be determined based on a volume of tissue expected to be activated (“VTA”) by electrical stimulation delivered by the at least one electrode. In some examples, a processor determines the therapeutic window for a particular electrode by at least determining an efficacy threshold based on the VTA expected to result from the delivery of electrical stimulation according to a set of electrical stimulation parameter values including the stimulation parameter at the efficacy threshold, and determining an adverse-effects threshold based on the VTA expected to result from the delivery of electrical stimulation according to a set of electrical stimulation parameter values including the stimulation parameter at the adverse-effects threshold. | 12-29-2016 |
20160375258 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTING STIMULATION PARAMETERS BY TARGETING AND STEERING - Methods and systems for selecting stimulation parameters using targeting and steering techniques are presented. For example, a method or system (via actions performed by a processor) can include receiving a name of an anatomical or physiological target or a name of a disease or disorder; receiving a clinical goal; and using at least 1) the anatomical or physiological target or disease or disorder and 2) the clinical goal, selecting a set of stimulation parameters. Another method or system (via actions performed by its processor) can include receiving a first set of stimulation parameters; receiving a command to alter the first set of stimulation parameters that does not include, or is not composed exclusively of, a numerical value for any of the stimulation parameters; and modifying the first set of stimulation parameters to create a second set of stimulation parameters based on the command. | 12-29-2016 |
20160375259 | PROGRAMMING POSTURE RESPONSIVE THERAPY - A programming session for an implantable medical device that includes a posture responsive therapy mode includes at least two phases. In a first phase, a first set of therapy parameter values are modified while the posture responsive therapy mode is deactivated. In the posture responsive therapy mode, the medical device automatically selects one or more therapy parameter values that define therapy delivered to a patient based on a detected posture state. In a second phase, the posture responsive therapy mode is activated and a second set of therapy parameter values are adjusted after observing a patient response to the posture responsive therapy delivered with the first set of therapy parameter values selected during the first phase. The second set of therapy parameter values may, for example, define the patient posture states or the modification profiles with which the medical device adjusts therapy upon detecting a posture state transition. | 12-29-2016 |
20160375260 | OPTIMIZED FLASH MEMORY DEVICE FOR MINIATURIZED DEVICES - An implantable medical device have an associated memory device is disclosed. The implantable medical device utilizes techniques for optimizing one or more embedded operations of the memory device, such operations including programming, reading or erasing data. The techniques for optimizing the embedded operations include controlling the operations as a function of an energy source of the implantable medical device. | 12-29-2016 |
20190148009 | TECHNIQUE FOR LINKING ELECTRODES TOGETHER DURING PROGRAMMING OF NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM | 05-16-2019 |
20220134117 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR REMOTE PROGRAMMING OF IMPLANTED NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEMS - Methods and devices for facilitating remote programming of an implanted neurostimulation device are provided herein. Such methods include establishing communication between an implanted pulse generator of the neurostimulation system and a remote device associated with a remote support entity through one or more intermediary devices. The intermediary devices can include any of: a patient remote, a charger, a specialized communicator device, a plug-in accessory, and a patient device to facilitate communication of patient and program information for a current neurostimulation therapy. The remote device determines or receives a program update of one or more parameters or a new neurostimulation program and updates the implantable pulse generator through the intermediary devices. The patient device and remote device can further include a software framework to facilitate communication between the patient and the remote support entity in a live programming session, as well as collecting subjective/objective patient information regarding the current treatment. | 05-05-2022 |