Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130041429 | External Charger for a Medical Implantable Device Using Field Inducing Coils to Improve Coupling - By incorporating magnetic field-inducing position determination coils (PDCs) in an external charger, it is possible to determine the position of an implantable device by actively inducing magnetic fields using the PDCs and sensing the reflected magnetic field from the implant. In one embodiment, the PDCs are driven by an AC power source with a frequency equal to the charging coil. In another embodiment, the PDCs are driven by an AC power source at a frequency different from that of the charging coil. By comparing the relative reflected magnetic field strengths at each of the PDCs, the position of the implant relative to the external charger can be determined. Audio and/or visual feedback can then be communicated to the patient to allow the patient to improve the alignment of the charger. | 02-14-2013 |
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 |
20130073005 | External Device for Communicating with an Implantable Medical Device Having Data Telemetry and Charging Integrated in a Single Housing - An improved embodiment of an external device for an implantable medical device system is described herein, where the external device has both circuitry for charging the implantable medical device and circuitry for telemetering data to and from the medical implant contained within a single housing. The external device in one embodiment includes orthogonal radiators in which both the radiators are used for data transfer, and in which at least one of the radiators is used for power transfer. Having charging and data telemetry circuitry fully integrated within a single external device conveniences both patient and clinician. | 03-21-2013 |
20130087541 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOVING INSULATION DISPOSED OVER CONDUCTORS OF IMPLANTABLE ELECTRIC STIMULATION SYSTEMS - A method for forming a lead or lead extension includes forming an arrangement of elongated conductors. Each of the conductors extends from a proximal end of the arrangement to a distal end of the arrangement. Each of the conductors includes a layer of insulation disposed over a conductive core. A conductor-separating element is disposed over either the proximal end or the distal end of the arrangement. The conductor-separating element includes a plurality of ablation windows defined in a body. An end of at least one of the elongated conductors is radially extended over a portion of the conductor-separating element such that a portion of the at least one elongated conductor extends across at least one of the ablation windows. Insulation from the portion of the at least one conductor extending across the ablation window is ablated to expose a portion of the conductive core of the elongated conductor. | 04-11-2013 |
20130096655 | SHORT DURATION PRE-PULSING TO REDUCE STIMULATION-EVOKED SIDE-EFFECTS - A method and neurostimulation system of providing therapy to a patient is provided. At least one electrode is place in contact with tissue of a patient. A sub-threshold, hyperpolarizing, conditioning pre-pulse (e.g., an anodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to render a first region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal root fibers) less excitable to stimulation, and a depolarizing stimulation pulse (e.g., a cathodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to stimulate a second different region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal column fibers). The conditioning pre-pulse has a relatively short duration (e.g., less than 200 μs). | 04-18-2013 |
20130096659 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANCHORING LEADS OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS - A lead anchor assembly includes a burr hole cover that defines a first lead aperture in a side exterior surface, a second lead aperture in a bottom exterior surface, and a fastener aperture. An anchoring unit is disposed in the burr hole cover and includes a fastener for anchoring a lead to the burr hole cover. A lead pathway is defined through the burr hole cover and the anchoring unit. The lead pathway extends from the first lead aperture to the second lead aperture and is configured to receive a lead. A fastener pathway is defined through both the burr hole cover and the anchoring unit and intersects the lead pathway at an anchoring location. The fastener pathway is configured for movement of the fastener along the fastener pathway to engage and disengage the lead when the lead extends along the lead pathway across the anchoring location. | 04-18-2013 |
20130104066 | STIMULATION LEADWIRE AND VOLUME OF ACTIVATION CONTROL AND DISPLAY INTERFACE - A method and system include a processor that outputs a model of anatomical structures of a region in which a leadwire is implanted, the structures being distinguished by graphical indicia associated with respective textual descriptions in a legend. Electrodes of a model of the leadwire overlaid on the anatomical structure models are selectable, in response to which selection the processor displays a control for modifying an electrical setting of the selected contact. | 04-25-2013 |
20130116751 | 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. | 05-09-2013 |
20130123866 | NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM WITH LEAD FASTENER AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING - A neurostimulation system includes a lead, a receptacle, and a fastener. The lead includes electrodes disposed along the distal portion of the lead, contacts disposed along the proximal portion of the lead, and a slot extending completely through the lead and formed near an end of the proximal portion of the lead. The receptacle defines a lumen for receiving the proximal end of the lead and includes contacts for making electrical contact with the contacts on the lead when the lead is received by the receptacle. The receptacle further includes a slot through the receptacle that is configured and arranged to align with the slot of the lead when the lead is received by the receptacle. The fastener is configured and arranged to be inserted completely through the slot in the lead and through the slot in the receptacle to fasten the lead and the lead extension together. | 05-16-2013 |
20130123867 | SELF ANCHORING LEAD - An implantable device includes an electrode lead body and at least one stimulating electrode contact disposed on or within the electrode lead body, the lead body being configured and arranged to be self anchoring within body tissue. In addition, the invention is directed to methods of making and using such self anchoring implantable devices. | 05-16-2013 |
20130123868 | IMPLANTABLE ELECTRIC STIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING - A lead assembly includes a lead with a distal end and a proximal end. The lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end and a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end. The lead also defines at least one central lumen and a plurality of outer lumens. The central and outer lumens extend from the proximal end to the distal end such that the plurality of outer lumens extend laterally from the at least one central lumen. The lead further includes a plurality of conductive wires. Each conductive wire couples at least one of the plurality of electrodes electrically to at least one of the plurality of terminals. At least two conductive wires are disposed in each of the plurality of outer lumens. | 05-16-2013 |
20130123892 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION LEADS HAVING RF COMPATIBILITY AND METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTURE - An implantable lead has an inner core, a plurality of coiled conductor guides, and a plurality of conductors. The inner core defines a plurality of lumens. Each coiled conductor guide defines a plurality of helical lumens. Each coiled conductor guide is disposed in a coiled arrangement over a portion of the inner core. Each of the conductors electrically couples at least one electrode to at least one terminal. At least one of the conductors includes a plurality of units. Each unit includes a first conductor segment extending along the inner core from a beginning point to a first position, a coiled conductor segment disposed at least partially in one of the lumens of the coiled conductor guides and extending from the first position to the second position, and a second conductor segment extending along the inner core from the second position to an endpoint. | 05-16-2013 |
20130123893 | 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. | 05-16-2013 |
20130125394 | ELECTRODE DESIGN FOR LEADS OF IMPLANTABLE ELECTRIC STIMULATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING - A lead includes a lead body with a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of terminals are disposed at the proximal end of the lead body. A plurality of electrodes are disposed at the distal end of the lead body. Each electrode includes an electrode body and at least one anchoring member. The at least one anchoring member couples to the electrode body and extends into the lead body and beneath the electrode body to anchor the electrode to the lead body. A plurality of conductive wires electrically couple the plurality of electrodes to the plurality of terminals. | 05-23-2013 |
20130125395 | LEAD ASSEMBLY FOR IMPLANTABLE MICROSTIMULATOR - A lead assembly for a small implantable medical device (a.k.a. micro device | 05-23-2013 |
20130131742 | Multi-Electrode Implantable Stimulator Device with a Single Current Path Decoupling Capacitor - Disclosed herein are circuits and methods for a multi-electrode implantable stimulator device incorporating one decoupling capacitor in the current path established via at least one cathode electrode and at least one anode electrode. In one embodiment, the decoupling capacitor may be hard-wired to a dedicated anode on the device. The cathodes are selectively activatable via stimulation switches. In another embodiment, any of the electrodes on the devices can be selectively activatable as an anode or cathode. In this embodiment, the decoupling capacitor is placed into the current path via selectable anode and cathode stimulation switches. Regardless of the implementation, the techniques allow for the benefits of capacitive decoupling without the need to associate decoupling capacitors with every electrode on the multi-electrode device, which saves space in the body of the device. Although of particular benefit when applied to microstimulators, the disclosed technique can be used with space-saving benefits in any stimulator device. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131760 | TECHNIQUE FOR LINKING ELECTRODES TOGETHER DURING PROGRAMMING OF NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM - 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 including at least one control element, a processor configured for independently assigning stimulation amplitude values to a first set of the electrodes, for linking the first set of electrodes together in response to the actuation of the at least one control element, and for preventing the stimulation amplitude values of the first linked set of electrodes from being varied relative to each other, and output circuitry configured for transmitting the stimulation amplitude values to the neurostimulator. | 05-23-2013 |
20130138165 | 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. | 05-30-2013 |
20130138181 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION LEADS HAVING RF COMPATIBILITY AND METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTURE - A neurostimulation lead or lead extension includes a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of first contacts are disposed on the distal end of the lead body. A plurality of second contacts are disposed on a proximal end of the lead body. A plurality of conductors extend along the lead body. Each of the plurality of conductors electrically couples at least one of the first contacts to at least one of the second contacts. At least one of the conductors includes at least one switch disposed along a length of the conductor. The at least one switch is configured and arranged to separate the conductor into a plurality of individual segments when the at least one switch is opened. | 05-30-2013 |
20130138189 | HIGH-RESOLUTION CONNECTOR FOR A NEUROSTIMULATION LEAD - An implantable connector comprises an electrically insulative housing including an outer wall, an interior cavity surrounded by the outer wall, a port through which the lead body portion can be introduced into the interior cavity, and a pair of first apertures disposed through the outer wall on a first side of the housing. The connector further comprises an electrical spring clip contact mounted to the housing. The contact includes a common portion and a pair of legs extending from opposite ends of the common portion. The legs respectively extend through the first apertures into the interior cavity, such that the legs firmly engage the electrical terminal therebetween when the lead body portion is introduced into the interior cavity. | 05-30-2013 |
20130138192 | 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. | 05-30-2013 |
20130144362 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INCREASING RELATIVE INTENSITY BETWEEN CATHODES AND ANODES OF NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM USING PULSE SLICING - A method and neurostimulation system for providing therapy to a patient is provided. A plurality of electrodes is placed adjacent to tissue of the patient. A plurality of first electrical pulses is delivered to a first set of the electrodes, at least a second electrical pulse is delivered to a second set of the electrodes during the deliverance of each of the first electrical pulses, and at least a third electrical pulse is delivered to a third set of the electrodes during the deliverance of each of the first electrical pulses. The first electrical pulses have a first polarity, and each of the second electrical pulse(s) and third electrical pulses(s) has a second a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. The second and third electrical pulses are temporarily offset from each other. | 06-06-2013 |
20130150907 | LEAD SPLITTER FOR AN ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING - A splitter for an electrical stimulation system includes a junction having a proximal end and a distal end. An elongated proximal member extends from the proximal end of the junction. The proximal member includes a plurality of terminals disposed on a proximal end of the proximal member. A plurality of elongated distal members extend from the distal end of the junction. Each distal member includes a connector disposed on a distal end of the distal member. The connector is configured and arranged for receiving a lead or lead extension. One of the distal members is longitudinally aligned with the proximal member and at least another one of the distal members is longitudinally offset from the proximal member. A plurality of conductors couple the terminals of the proximal member to the connectors of the distal members. | 06-13-2013 |
20130150918 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY TRAINING A NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM - Neurostimulators, neurostimulation systems, and methods for providing therapy to a patient. A neurostimulation system stores reference measurements and reference stimulation parameter sets respectively associated with the reference measurements. A new measurement of least one environmental parameter indicative of a change in a therapeutic environment is taken. Whether the new measurement matches one of the stored reference measurements is determined. If a match is determined, stimulation energy is conveyed from the neurostimulation system to the patient in accordance with the stimulation parameter set corresponding to the matching reference measurement. If a match is not determined, stimulation energy is conveyed from the neurostimulation system to the patient in accordance with a user-defined stimulation parameter set, another reference stimulation parameter set is defined based on the user-defined stimulation parameter set, and the new measurement is stored as an additional reference measurement in association with the additional reference stimulation parameter set. | 06-13-2013 |
20130150919 | METHOD FOR DIRECT MODULATION OF THE SPINOTHALAMIC TRACT - A method for treating a patient suffering from chronic neuropathic pain, comprises epidurally applying electrical stimulation energy to a spinothalamic tract of the patient, thereby treating the chronic neuropathic pain. The method may further comprise increasing the activation threshold of a side-effect exhibiting neural structure relative to the activation threshold of the spinothalamic tract of the patient, wherein the electrical stimulation energy is applied to the spinothalamic tract of the patient while the activation threshold of the neural structure relative to the spinothalamic tract is increased, thereby treating the chronic neuropathic pain without stimulating the neural structure. | 06-13-2013 |
20130150920 | METHOD FOR DIRECT MODULATION OF THE DORSOLATERAL FUNICULUS - A method for treating a patient suffering from chronic neuropathic pain, comprises epidurally applying electrical stimulation energy to a dorsolateral funiculus of the patient, thereby treating the chronic neuropathic pain. The method may further comprise increasing the activation threshold of a side-effect exhibiting neural structure relative to the activation threshold of the dorsolateral funiculus of the patient, wherein the electrical stimulation energy is applied to the dorsolateral funiculus of the patient while the activation threshold of the neural structure relative to the dorsolateral funiculus is increased, thereby treating the chronic neuropathic pain without stimulating the neural structure. | 06-13-2013 |
20130150925 | REMOTE CONTROL FOR 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. | 06-13-2013 |
20130150933 | IMPLANTABLE LEADS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A stimulation lead includes an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion and has a multilumen tube extending along the elongate body and defining a central lumen and a plurality of peripheral lumens disposed circumferentially around the central lumen; a plurality of conductors, at least one of the conductors extending along the central lumen and a remainder of the conductors extending along the plurality of peripheral lumens with at least one of the conductors in each peripheral lumen; a plurality of terminals disposed along the proximal portion of the elongate body and electrically coupled to proximal ends of the conductors; and a plurality of electrodes disposed along the distal portion of the elongate body and electrically coupled to distal ends of the conductors. Each of the conductors is coupled to at least one terminal and at least one electrode. | 06-13-2013 |
20130150938 | IMPLANTABLE SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED RF TOLERANCE - One embodiment is an implantable lead including a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end; multiple electrodes disposed along the distal end of the lead body; multiple terminal contacts disposed along the proximal end of the lead body; multiple stimulation conductors extending along the lead body and electrically coupling the electrodes to the terminal contacts; at least one diversionary terminal contact disposed along the proximal end of the lead body; and at least one diversionary conductor extending at least partially along the length of the lead body and coupled to the at least one diversionary terminal contact and not coupled to any of the electrodes. The at least one diversionary conductor is configured and arranged to capacitively couple to the stimulation conductors. | 06-13-2013 |
20130152387 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COUPLING COILED CONDUCTORS TO CONDUCTIVE CONTACTS OF AN ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM - An implantable lead includes an elongated member. A plurality of electrodes are disposed on a distal end of the elongated member. A plurality of terminals are disposed on a proximal end of the elongated member. Each of a plurality of conductors electrically couples at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. The plurality of conductors are disposed in the elongated member in a coiled configuration and have an end portion. Each of a plurality of constraining elements is disposed over at least one of the plurality of conductors such that the underlying at least one of the plurality of conductors is maintained in the coiled configuration. At least one of the plurality of electrodes or terminals is disposed over the constraining element and electrically coupled to at least one of the plurality of conductors. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158628 | SEAMLESS INTEGRATION OF DIFFERENT PROGRAMMING MODES FOR A NEUROSTIMULATOR PROGRAMMING SYSTEM - A system and method for programming a neurostimulation device coupled to a plurality of electrodes implanted adjacent tissue of a patient are provided. A first electrode configuration corresponding to a first mode of programming the neurostimulation device is defined. A second programming mode of programming the neurostimulation device different from the first programming mode is selected. A second electrode configuration is defined based on the first electrode configuration in response to the selection of the second programming mode. The neurostimulation device is programmed using the second programming mode. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158630 | COMPUTATIONALLY EFFICIENT TECHNIQUE FOR DETERMINING ELECTRODE CURRENT DISTRIBUTION FROM A VIRTUAL MULTIPOLE - A system and method of providing therapy to a patient using a plurality of electrodes implanted within the patient. A virtual multipole configuration is defined relative to the plurality of electrodes. The distance between each of a group of the electrodes and a virtual pole of the virtual multipole configuration is determined. A stimulation amplitude distribution is determined for the electrode group based on the determined distances, thereby emulating the virtual multipole configuration. Electrical energy is conveyed from the electrode group in accordance with the computed stimulation amplitude distribution. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158642 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ALTERING ONE OR MORE RF-RESPONSE PROPERTIES OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS - An implantable lead includes a lead body and at least one safety element. The lead body has a distal end and a proximal end. The lead body defines at least one lumen extending along at least a portion of the lead body. The lead body includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on the distal end of the lead body, a plurality of terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead body, and a plurality of conductors disposed in the lead body, each conductor electrically coupling at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. The at least one safety element is disposed along at least a portion of the lead body and is configured and arranged to reduce damage to patient tissue adjacent to the plurality of electrodes due to heating, induced electrical signals, or both when the lead is exposed to radio frequency irradiation. | 06-20-2013 |
20130160287 | SYSTEMS AND LEADS WITH A RADIALLY SEGMENTED ELECTRODE ARRAY AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - A method of making a lead for a stimulation device includes forming at least one pre-electrode in the shape of a ring, the at least one pre-electrode comprises at least two thin-walled portions separated by at least two thick-walled portions; disposing the at least one pre-electrode near a distal end of a lead body; joining at least one conductor to each thick-walled portion of the at least one pre-electrode; and grinding the lead body and the at least one pre-electrode to remove the thin-walled portions of the at least one pre-electrode to form segmented electrodes from the thick-walled portions of the at least one pre-electrode. | 06-27-2013 |
20130165995 | Multiple Telemetry and/or Charging Coil Configurations for an Implantable Medical Device System - An implantable medical device system for orientation-independent telemetry to and from the device are disclosed. The system includes an external controller which produces an electromagnetic field to induce a current in a coil in the implantable medical device and vise versa. In a preferred embodiment, the external controller comprises three orthogonal coils, each of which is potentially activated to generate or receive the electromagnetic field. Algorithms are disclosed to allow for the choice of one or more of the coils best suited for telemetry based on the chosen coil's orientation with respect to the telemetry coil in the implantable medical device. Because all three of the orthogonal coils are potentially activated if necessary, the result is that at least one of the coils will be in a proper orientation with respect to the coil in the implantable medical device, thereby improving telemetry or power transfer efficiency. | 06-27-2013 |
20130165997 | Pressure-Sensitive External Charger for an Implantable Medical Device - An improved external charger for an implantable medical device is disclosed in which charging is at least partially controlled based on a sensed pressure impingent on its case, which pressure is indicative of the pressure between the external charger and a patient's tissue. The improved external charger includes pressure detection circuitry coupled to one or more pressure sensors for controlling the external device in accordance with the sensed impingent pressure. The sensed pressure can be used to control charging, for example, by suspending charging, by adjusting a maximum set point temperature for the external charger based on the measured pressure, or by issuing an alert via a suitable user interface. By so controlling the external charger on the basis of the measured pressure, the external charger is less likely to create potentially problematic or uncomfortable conditions for the user. | 06-27-2013 |
20130166008 | ELECTRODE ARRAY HAVING CONCENTRIC WINDOWED CYLINDER ELECTRODES AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - A device for brain stimulation includes a lead body having a distal end section and at least one inner conductive cylinder with at least one inner window cut out from the inner cylinder. The inner cylinder is disposed at the distal end section of the lead body. The device also includes an outer conductive cylinder with at least one outer window cut out from the outer cylinder. The outer cylinder is secured to and disposed concentric to the inner cylinder with a portion of each of the at least one inner cylinder aligned with the at least one outer window of the outer cylinder. The device further includes an insulator configured and arranged to electrically insulate each of the at least one inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. | 06-27-2013 |
20130172950 | LEAD WITH LEAD STIFFENER FOR IMPLANTABLE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING - A lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on the distal end of the lead, a plurality of contact terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead, a plurality of conductor wires extending along the lead to couple the electrodes electrically to the contact terminals, a central lumen defined by the lead and extending from the proximal end of the lead towards the distal end of the lead, and a tubular stiffener disposed in the proximal end of the central lumen. The tubular stiffener is configured and arranged to facilitate insertion of the proximal end of the lead into a connector. | 07-04-2013 |
20130178924 | ELECTRICAL LEAD FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE SUCH AS AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - A lead for an electronic device which resists the induction of a current from an electromagnetic field external to said lead includes one or more pairs of adjacent segments of electrical wire, each of the pairs including a first segment of electrical wire and a second segment of electrical wire. The lead also includes one or more shielded RF chokes, wherein each of the shielded RF chokes is provided between the first segment of electrical wire and the second segment of electrical wire of a respective one of the one or more pairs of adjacent segments. Also, an implantable device that includes a generator for generating one or more electrical pulse and a lead as described for delivering the pulses to tissue within a patient's body. A method for making the described implantable device is also provided. | 07-11-2013 |
20130184639 | TREATMENT OF MOOD AND/OR ANXIETY DISORDERS BY ELECTRICAL BRAIN STIMULATION AND/OR DRUG INFUSION - A system and method for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and/or applying electrical stimulation to the brain to treat mood and/or anxiety disorders uses an implantable system control unit (SCU), specifically an implantable signal/pulse generator (IPG) or microstimulator with one or more electrodes in the case of electrical stimulation, and an implantable pump with one or more catheters in the case of drug infusion. In cases requiring both electrical and drug stimulation, one or more SCUs are used. Alternatively and preferably, when needed, an SCU provides both electrical stimulation and one or more stimulating drugs. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one SCU includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters. | 07-18-2013 |
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 |
20130184790 | FIXATION OF IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATORS - Systems and techniques for improving the fixation of implantable pulse generators. In one aspect, a device includes an implantable pulse generator that comprises electrical circuitry configured to generate an electrical pulse and a biocompatible casing that houses the electrical circuitry and on which a collection of electrodes and a collection of fixation elements are mounted. The electrodes are in electrical contact with the electrical circuitry and the fixation elements increase the surface area of the biocompatible casing to reduce the likelihood that the biocompatible casing shifts after implantation. | 07-18-2013 |
20130184798 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING POSITION AND 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. | 07-18-2013 |
20130197602 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING THE CIRCUMFERENTIAL POSITIONING OF ELECTRODES OF LEADS FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS - A lead assembly for an electrical stimulation system includes terminals disposed along a proximal end of a lead body and electrodes disposed along a distal end of the lead body. The electrodes include segmented electrodes. At least one distal marker is disposed along the distal end of the lead body. The distal marker identifies the circumferential position of at least one of the segmented electrodes along the lead body. The distal marker is aligned with at least one of the segmented electrodes along the longitudinal length of the lead body. At least one proximal marker is disposed along the proximal end of the lead body. The proximal marker is aligned with the distal marker along the longitudinal length of the lead body. The distal marker and the proximal marker are discontinuous with one another along the lead body. | 08-01-2013 |
20130204270 | INSERTION ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - An insertion assembly for assisting implantation of at least one lead into a patient includes an insertion needle and a sheath. The sheath removably couples with the insertion needle while the insertion needle is being advanced into the patient. When the sheath is coupled to the insertion needle, the sheath is disposed over at least a portion of an outer surface of the insertion needle. The sheath is radially expandable from a non-expanded state to an expanded state that is rigid enough to retract surrounding patient tissue when inserted into the patient. When the sheath is in an expanded state, first and second diameters of the sheath at opposing ends of the sheath are each large enough to concurrently receive at least one of a paddle lead or at least two percutaneous leads. | 08-08-2013 |