The present technology provides systems and methods for directly suppressing nerve cells by delivering electrical stimulation having relatively long pulse widths and at amplitudes below an activation threshold of the nerve cells. For example, some embodiments include delivering a therapy signal having individual pulses with pulse widths of between about 5 ms and 100 ms. Directly suppressing the nerve cells is expected to reduce the transmission of pain signals.

Systems, devices, and techniques are described for adjusting a sensing window for sensing a feature of an evoked compound action potential (ECAP). In one example, a medical device includes processing circuitry configured to determine a value of a stimulation parameter that at least partially defines an electrical stimulation pulse and select, based on the value of the stimulation parameter, a sensing window for detecting one or more features of a sensed evoked compound action potential (ECAP) signal elicited by the electrical stimulation pulse. The processing circuitry can also determine a value of each of the one or more features within the sensing window from the sensed ECAP signal and control, based on the value of each of the one or more features, subsequent electrical stimulation deliverable to a patient.

A lead introducer includes an integrated sheath/needle including a splittable sheath configured to split a into a first portion and a second portion, a needle having a length and a proximal end region, and a hub coupled to the proximal end regions of the splittable sheath and the needle and configured to split into a first portion and a second portion. The needle is permanently attached to either the first portion of the hub or the first portion of the splittable sheath (or both) so that when the hub is split into the first and second portions, the needle remains attached to the first portion of the hub or the first portion of the splittable sheath.

Provided herein is a method of blocking a nerve or neuron including applying an electrical stimulation to the nerve or neuron, wherein the electrical stimulation is of an intensity that is greater than an excitation threshold of the nerve or neuron for a length of time sufficient to produce a block of nerve conduction or neuron excitation.

A method for estimating neural activation arising from stimulation by a stimulation system includes identifying different neural elements stimulated by the stimulation; obtaining a neural response signal resulting from the stimulation by the stimulation system; and decomposing the neural response signal to estimate neural activation of each of the different neural elements.

A neuromodulation system and method of providing sub-threshold modulation therapy. Electrical modulation energy is delivered to a target tissue site of the patient at a programmed intensity value, thereby providing therapy to a patient without perception of stimulation. In response to an event, electrical modulation energy is delivered at incrementally increasing intensity values. At least one evoked compound action potential (eCAP) is sensed in a population of neurons at the target tissue site of the patient in response to the delivery of the electrical modulation energy at the incrementally increasing intensity values. One of the incrementally increased intensity values is selected based on the sensed eCAP(s). A decreased intensity value is automatically computed as a function of the selected intensity value. Electrical modulation energy is delivered to the target tissue site of the patient at the computed intensity value, thereby providing sub-threshold therapy to the patient.

Image-guided navigation for spinal cord treatments and therapies are described. The image-guided navigation is augmented with anatomical measurement data related to spinal cord and vertebral anatomy. From these data and medical image data, an augmented model of spinal cord anatomy is generated and/or navigation data can be generated for localizing spinal cord structures, such as by mapping the anatomical measurement data to the medical image data. The augmented model data and/or navigation data can be used for surgical navigation, stimulation parameter setting, electrode configuration selection, pre-surgical planning, surgical visualization, and so on.

A transcutaneous electrical stimulation system is provided that can include a number of features. In one implementation, the system can include a plurality of electrodes configured to be in contact with a skin surface of a patient. The system can further include a flexible hub electrically connected to the electrodes and configured to be in contact with the patient. A bend sensor can be disposed in the hub and configured to measure a curvature of the hub. The system can include a signal processing device electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes and the bend sensor, the signal processing device being configured to change stimulation settings of the plurality of electrodes based on the curvature of the hub. In some implementations, the system can include a multi-channel stimulator. Methods of use are also provided.

The present disclosure relates to implantable neuromodulation devices and methods of fabrication, and in particular to anatomically contoured spinal cord stimulation leads for high density neural interfaces and methods of microfabricating the stimulation leads. Particularly, aspects are directed to a thin film lead assembly that includes a cable having: a first supporting structure formed of dielectric material, a first set of conductive traces formed on the first supporting structure, a second supporting structure formed of dielectric material, and a second set of conductive traces formed on the second supporting structure. The thin film lead assembly also includes an electrode assembly having: a third supporting structure formed of dielectric material, a first set of electrodes in electrical connection with the first set of conductive traces, and a second set of electrodes in electrical connection with the second set of conductive traces.

Systems and methods are disclosed in which a time series analysis algorithm is used to analyze inputs such as adjustments a patient has made to the amplitude of stimulation in an implantable stimulator system. The algorithm uses these inputs to predict how the patient would likely adjust the amplitude in the future, i.e. to predict future amplitudes for the patient as a function of time. Preferably, the algorithm determines one or more of an amplitude level, at least one seasonal variation, or at least one trend when predicting the amplitude. This predicted amplitude can then be used to automatically adjust the amplitude of the stimulation provided by the patient's stimulator. The algorithm may only use previous amplitude adjustments to predict the amplitude, other time-varying inputs, or combinations of both.