Abstract: Techniques capable of selectively affecting and adjusting a volume of neural tissue in the brain, parenchyma of the spinal cord, or a peripheral nerve are disclosed. A lumen having at least one opening at its distal end that is capable of directing a lead outwardly along a predetermined trajectory is preferred. The lumen is capable of accepting a plurality of leads that can project outward in different directions from the distal end of the lumen. The leads have one or more electrodes at its ends and are thereby configured by the lumen in accordance with a predetermined two- or three-dimensional geometry. Anode/cathode relationships may be established between the electrodes by the operator to stimulate the neural tissue surrounding these electrodes. The operator may also adjust the stimulation to selectively stimulate the desired portion of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve. Sensor feedback may be implemented to adjust the treatment therapy.

Abstract: The locus of electrically excitable tissue where action potentials are induced can be controlled using the physiological principle of electrotonus. In one embodiment, first and second pulses are applied to first and second electrodes, respectively, to generate first and second subthreshold potential areas, respectively, within the tissue. The locus within the tissue where action potentials are induced is determined by a superposition of the first and second subthreshold areas according to the physiological principle of electrotonus. In another embodiment, a two-dimensional array of electrodes are formed. The cathode may be positioned near the center of the two-dimensional array or may be left out. The first and second subthreshold areas may thereby be steered. An array of anodal rings may be used to contain the field of excitation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses techniques capable of selectively affecting and adjusting a volume of neural tissue in the brain, parenchyma of the spinal cord, or a peripheral nerve. The invention preferably utilizes a lumen having at least one opening at its distal end that is capable of directing a lead outwardly along a predetermined trajectory. The lumen is capable of accepting a plurality of leads that can project outward in different directions from the distal end of the lumen. The leads have one or more electrodes at its ends and are thereby configured by the lumen in accordance with a predetermined two- or three-dimensional geometry. Anode/cathode relationships may be then established between the electrodes as desired by the operator to stimulate the neural tissue surrounding these electrodes. The operator may also adjust the stimulation to selectively stimulate the desired portion of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for therapeutically treating peripheral vascular disease. A sensor is implemented for sensing the extent of blood flow in a patient's limb or ischemic pain and generating a corresponding sensor signal. The signal is processed to determine the level of spinal cord stimulation or peripheral nerve stimulation to be applied. This information is provided to a signal generator which thereby provides electrical stimulation energy to one or more stimulation leads. Stimulation of the spinal cord, peripheral nerve or neural tissue ganglia thereby improves blood flow, helps restore tissue health and reduces the extent of ischemic pain in the limbs of a PVD patient or organs of other patients. Stimulation may be adjusted automatically to account for changing conditions of the patient throughout the day.

Abstract: A medical positioning device internal to a catheter or lead for the nonlinear insertion of a catheter or lead into an interior organ. The medical positioning device comprising an outer tubular member, a superelastic inner tubular member having a curvature positioned within the outer tubular member, and an innermost member positioned within the inner tubular member. The superelastic inner tubular member straightens when placed substantially within the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member resumes its original curvature and moves along a curvilinear trajectory when advanced outwardly from the outer tubular member. Insertion of the outer tubular member into the body, advancement of the inner tubular member into an interior organ, and advancement of the innermost member guides and positions a catheter or lead into an interior organ and to a treatment site along a nonlinear insertion path.

Abstract: A medical positioning device internal to a catheter or lead for the nonlinear insertion of a catheter or lead into an interior organ. The medical positioning device comprising an outer tubular member, a superelastic inner tubular member having a curvature positioned within the outer tubular member, and an innermost member positioned within the inner tubular member. The superelastic inner tubular member straightens when placed substantially within the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member resumes its original curvature and moves along a curvilinear trajectory when advanced outwardly from the outer tubular member. Insertion of the outer tubular member into the body, advancement of the inner tubular member into an interior organ, and advancement of the innermost member guides and positions a catheter or lead into an interior organ and to a treatment site along a nonlinear insertion path.