A method of evaluating an implantation of a lead is disclosed. Via a graphical user interface of an electronic device, a visual representation of a sacrum of the patient and a lead that is implanted in the sacrum is displayed. The lead includes a plurality of electrode contacts. An evaluation is made as to how well the lead has been implanted in the sacrum based on the visual representation of the sacrum and the lead. The evaluating comprises: determining whether the lead is inserted in a predetermined region of the sacrum, determining how far a predetermined one of the electrode contacts is located from an edge of the sacrum, and determining a degree of curvature of the lead.

A method for spinal cord stimulation treatment includes positioning eight implantable electrodes to a dura matter in an epidural space proximate to a subject's spinal cord so that (i) a first circuit is created between a first and second electrode on a first channel, (ii) a second circuit is created between a third and fourth electrode on a second channel, (iii) a third circuit is created between a fifth and sixth electrode on a third channel, and (iv) a fourth circuit is created between a seventh and eighth electrode on a fourth channel, transmitting signals through the first and second circuits that interfere to produce a first beat signal, transmitting signals through the third and fourth circuits that interfere to produce a second beat signal, and interaction of the first and second beat signals results in a combined beat signal proximate to the subject's spinal cord.

Systems and methods for enhanced implantation of an electrode lead for neuromuscular electrical stimulation of tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine for treatment of back pain, in a midline-to-lateral manner are provided. The implanted lead may be secured within the patient and used to restore muscle function of local segmental muscles associated with the lumbar spine stabilization system without disruption of the electrode lead post-implantation due to anatomical structures.

Implementations described and claimed herein provide thin film devices and methods of manufacturing and implanting the same. In one implementation, a shaped insulator is formed having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a profile shaped according to a selected dielectric use. A layer of conductive traces is fabricated on the inner surface of the shaped insulator using biocompatible metallization. An insulating layer is applied over the layer of conductive traces. An electrode array and a connection array are fabricated on the outer surface of the shaped insulator and/or the insulating layer, and the electrode array and the connection array are in electrical communication with the layer of conductive traces to form a flexible circuit. The implantable thin film device is formed from the flexible circuit according to the selected dialectic use.

A system and method for restoring inspiratory muscle function to restore breathing and expiratory muscle function to restore an effective cough in the same individual, wherein the systems that selectively activate the inspiratory or expiratory muscle function are separately ground to limit or prevent the flow of electrical current to both the expiratory and inspiratory muscles at the same time and to avoid damaging either neuromuscular system. Also described is the method by which the inspiratory or expiratory muscles are activated selectively to optimize the action of the inspiratory muscles to restore breathing and to optimize the action of the expiratory muscles to restore cough.

This disclosure relates to a device for applying a neural stimulus. A battery supplies electrical energy at a battery voltage and an electrode applies the electrical energy to neural tissue. A circuit measures the nervous response of the tissue and a voltage converter receives the electrical energy from the battery and controls a voltage applied to the electrode based on the measured nervous response of the tissue. This direct voltage control is energy efficient because losses across a typical current mirror are avoided. Further, the control based on the measured nervous response leads to automatic compensation of impedance variation due to in-growth or change in posture. As a result, the stimulation results in a desired neural response.

Chronic pain management can be achieved by electrically anesthetizing a peripheral nerve with on-demand electrical nerve block (OD-ENB). OD-ENB can be provided by an implantable capsule. Externally, at least a portion of the capsule can be constructed of a conductive membrane and the rest of the capsule comprises a biocompatible material. A blocking electrode contact, a return electrode contact, and a powering/communication component can be within the capsule. The blocking electrode contact can deliver a direct current (DC) through a portion of the conductive membrane to block conduction in the neural tissue to provide the OD-ENB. The return electrode contact can receive a return current from the neural tissue through another portion of the conductive membrane. The powering/communication component can communicate with one or more external components located external to the patient's body to receive a power signal. Notably the capsule has no internal battery.

A method of assessing or monitoring the normal skin sympathetic nerve activity in a living subject, the subject having a skin, comprises assessing or measuring electrodermal activity, wherein the electrodermal activity is skin conductance, galvanic skin response, electrodermal response, psychogalvanic reflex, skin conductance response, sympathetic skin response or skin conductance level. Skin conductance may be assessed by calculating skin conductance fluctuation peaks per time unit, and when the skin conductance fluctuations peaks are above a certain predefined value, the normal skin sympathetic nerve activity is defined in an analyzing window with a length of about 15 to 60 seconds, the normal skin sympathetic nerve activity is assessed as being obtained or successful. Alternatively, the skin conductance may be assessed by calculating rise time of the mean skin conductance level, the area under the skin conductance fluctuations or the size of the amplitude of the skin conductance fluctuation.

Neuromodulation catheter systems with controlled irrigation capabilities and methods for using such systems are disclosed herein. One such method includes, for example, positioning an irrigated neuromodulation catheter at a treatment site within a renal blood vessel of a human patient, delivering neuromodulation energy at the treatment site, and delivering irrigation fluid to the treatment site having characteristics coordinated with the delivered energy. The characteristics can be adjusted to maintain an energy delivery element and/or tissue of the blood vessel at a constant temperature as power is increased. The method can further include monitoring at least one parameter of the tissue and/or of the energy delivery element, and adjusting the neuromodulation energy and/or the characteristics of the irrigation fluid if the at least one parameter falls outside of a treatment range of values.

The present invention relates to a system and methods generally aimed at surgery. More particularly, the present invention is directed at a system and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments involving the use of neurophysiology.