Patent classifications
A61N1/36062
Interferential stimulation method and system for neuromodulation
An example of a system for delivering neurostimulation energy may include a programming control circuit and a user interface. The programming control circuit may be configured to generate stimulation parameters according to a neurostimulation program including a pattern of interferential stimulation configured to effect asynchronous and/or non-regular activation of nerve fibers by simultaneously delivering a first stimulation current having a first waveform with a first frequency using a first electrode configuration and a second stimulation current having a second waveform with a second frequency using a second electrode configuration. The user interface may be configured to determine the neurostimulation program and to provide the pattern of interferential stimulation with modulation of the first waveform, the second waveform, the first electrode configuration, and/or the second electrode configuration to result in a time-varying beat frequency capable of effecting the asynchronous and/or non-regular activation of the nerve fibers.
Amplitude modulating waveform pattern generation for stimulation in an implantable pulse generator
Improved stimulation circuitry for controlling the stimulation delivered by an implantable stimulator is disclosed. The stimulation circuitry includes memory circuitry that stores pulse programs that define pulse shapes, steering programs that define electrode configurations, and aggregate programs that link a selected pulse program with a selected steering program. The aggregate programs also include an amplitude modulation factor that modulates the amplitude defined by the pulse program. The inclusion of an amplitude modulation factor in the aggregate program allows complex amplitude-modulated waveforms to be produced. Pulse definition circuits in the stimulation circuitry execute aggregate programs to generate stimulation waveforms, which stimulation waveforms can be generated simultaneously by the different pulse definition circuits.
IMPLANTABLE SELF-CLOSING CUFF
A cuff is described for a target anatomic feature within a body, along with a system for utilizing the cuff. The cuff includes a band defining a circumferential opening extending along a length of the band; and a pair of engagement surfaces defined by or affixed to the cuff, the engagement surfaces structured for application of a spreading force to be distributed continuously along a portion of the circumferential opening, thereby increasing the circumferential opening and expanding the cuff for a closed configuration to an open configuration sized for placement of the cuff. The cuff is structured to remain in the closed configuration in the absence of the spreading force and automatically return to the closed configuration after removal of the spreading force.
MRI-COMPATIBLE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES
One or more antennas are electrically coupled to one or more switches of an implantable medical device (IMD) in which the one or more switches are additionally electrically coupled to one or more lead wires of an IMD lead. The one or more switches also are electrically coupled to one or more electrodes or electrical circuitry of the IMD's implantable pulse generator (IPG). In response to exposure of the IMD to an energetic electromagnetic field, a voltage signal is induced in the one or more antennas and provided, possibly via one more filters, as a control signal to the one or more switches. Receipt of the control signal by the one or more switches automatically configures the one or more switches into a non-conductive state, thereby electrically isolating the one or more lead wires from the one or more electrodes or the IPG electrical circuitry.
System and Method for Adaptive Neural Stimulation
Methods and systems for providing electrical stimulation to a patient's spinal cord using electrode leads implanted in the patient's spinal column are described. Embodiments involve cycling between durations during which stimulation is actively applied and durations when no stimulation is applied. The stimulation can be configured such that pain relief washes in during the active stimulation duration and continues for some part of the duration when no stimulation is being applied. Eventually the pain relief may wash out. The washout time may be modeled, so that stimulation may be resumed before the pain relief washes out. The stimulation may be below the patient's perception threshold.
Augmented and virtual reality for use with neuromodulation therapy
A virtual or augmented reality system is disclosed which is capable of both (i) evaluating prospective implantable neurostimulator patient candidates, and (ii) determining optimal stimulation settings for already-implanted neurostimulation patients. Physiological sensors are included with the system to provide objective measurements relevant to a patient's symptoms, such as pain in a Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) system. Such objective measurements are determined during the presentation of various virtual or augmented environments, and can be useful to determining which patients are suitable candidates to consider for implantation. Stimulation settings for already-implanted patients may be adjusted while presenting a virtual or augmented environment to the patient, with objective measurements being determined for each stimulation setting. Such objective measurements can then be used to determine optimal stimulation settings for the patient.
Modular neurological screening adapter system for intraoperative testing and patient-worn trialing
An adapter system connects to implantable electrode leads. The adapter system has the pulse generator configured to generate electrical stimulation pulses and has a first connector member. The adapter has a housing containing two receptacles. Each receptacle receives an end portion of an electrode lead to establish an electrical connection between the adapter and the electrode lead. The adapter contains a second connector member configured to engage with the first connector member to establish a mechanical connection between the housing and the pulse generator and an electrical connection between the pulse generator and the electrode lead. A test cable electrically connects the pulse generator to the electrode leads for testing the electrode leads. The test cable contains a first connector member configured to engage with the second connector member to establish an electrical connection. The test cable contains a second connector member configured to engage with the first connector member.
Stimulation lead with electrodes configured for sensing and stimulation over a partial circumference
A lead body is operable to be implanted proximate a target nerve tissue of a patient. A sensing electrode is configured to sense biopotentials over a first partial circumference of the lead body. A stimulation electrode is configured to deliver stimulation energy over a second partial circumference of the lead body. A signal generator is electrically coupled to the stimulation electrode and a sensing circuit is coupled to the sensing electrode. A processor is operable to apply a stimulation signal to the stimulation electrode via the signal generator and, via the sensing circuit, sense an evoked response to the stimulation signal that propagates along a neural pathway.
Implant location detection and adaptive temperature control
Devices, systems, and techniques are described to detect when a power transmitting and receiving system is in an inefficient position, which may cause a thermal response that less desirable than a more efficient position. The system may power transmitting device configured to wirelessly transfer electromagnetic energy to a power receiving device. Processing circuitry of the system may compute a target output power deliverable by the power transmitting device for a first duration and control the power transmitting device to output the target output power based in part on a heat limit. The processing circuitry may further calculate an energy transfer efficiency to the power receiving unit, update an adjustment factor based on the calculated energy transfer efficiency, and apply the adjustment factor to the heat limit for a subsequent duration.
ROBOTIC NAVIGATION AND GUIDANCE SYSTEM FOR IMPLANTING A NEUROMODULATION DEVICE
The present invention provides a robotic navigation system for identifying a target nerve for guiding and/or performing the implanting a neuromodulation device at the target nerve wherein the neuromodulation device includes a pulse generator and at least one lead in electrical or operative connection with the pulse generator. In some embodiments, the location of the robotically advanced lead and electrode may be imaged and displayed on a display and/or may be visually annunciated using one or more lights to indicate whether the placement location of the lead or electrode is within or outside of a predetermined distance of the target nerve.