Abstract: A kit for treating lung disease includes at least one lead having at least one contact, and a pulse generator configured to connect to the least one lead. The pulse generator is programmed to generate electrical signals for transmission through the at least one lead and for release by the at least one contact in a predetermined location of an epidural space to mitigate lung disease symptoms.

Abstract: A pulse generator stores a neural dose prescription for releasing electrical signals to stimulate neural tissue. The pulse generator generates the electrical signals for delivery through a lead to the neural tissue, the electrical signals being programmed to mitigate symptoms by stimulating the neural tissue. The pulse generator records delivery of the electrical signals, and calculates a total amount of energy delivered to the neural tissue.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a power source configured to supply electrical impulses to a lead. A housing encloses the power source, and the housing includes a posterior surface, an anterior surface, and a circumferential edge extending between the posterior and anterior surfaces. The housing defines a storage area for excess slack of the lead.

Abstract: A kit for treating lung disease includes at least one lead having at least one contact, and a pulse generator configured to connect to the least one lead. The pulse generator is programmed to generate electrical signals for transmission through the at least one lead and for release by the at least one contact in a predetermined location of an epidural space to mitigate lung disease symptoms.

Abstract: A percutaneous lead for spinal cord stimulation has a body extending between a distal end and a proximal end. One or more contacts are on the body positioned toward the distal end. At least one anchor is configured to extend from a retracted position to a deployed position to secure the percutaneous lead.

Abstract: A device is described for marking a path on a skin surface for inserting an epidural needle into an epidural space. The device includes a first arm having one or more holes spaced apart along the length of the first arm. A pin is attached at the proximal end of the first arm. A second arm has a proximal end attached to the pin allowing the first and second arms to rotate about the pin to adjust an angle separating the first and second arms. The second arm has one or more holes spaced apart along the length of the second arm. The holes on the first and second arms provide locations for marking the path on the skin surface to insert the epidural needle.

Abstract: A spinal catheter for insertion into the epidural space of a human or animal subject includes first and second lumens. A pressurized fluid can be discharged through the first lumen directly onto a tissue obstruction to form a partial/pilot or full/final opening in the tissue obstruction. If a full opening was not formed sufficient for passage of the stimulator lead, the distal-end portion of the stimulator lead can be inserted into the partial opening and then a pressurized fluid can be delivered through the second lumen and into a distensible balloon for expanding the balloon to clear the tissue obstruction sufficient for passage of the stimulator lead. In this way the catheter can be advanced past a tissue obstruction and into place for use within the epidural space, without having to remove and reinsert multiple surgical implements.

Abstract: A spinal catheter for insertion into the epidural space of a human or animal subject includes first and second lumens. A pressurized fluid can be discharged through the first lumen directly onto a tissue obstruction to form a partial/pilot or full/final opening in the tissue obstruction. If a full opening was not formed sufficient for passage of the stimulator lead, the distal-end portion of the stimulator lead can be inserted into the partial opening and then a pressurized fluid can be delivered through the second lumen and into a distensible balloon for expanding the balloon to clear the tissue obstruction sufficient for passage of the stimulator lead. In this way the catheter can be advanced past a tissue obstruction and into place for use within the epidural space, without having to remove and reinsert multiple surgical implements.

Abstract: A spinal catheter for insertion into the epidural space of a human or animal subject includes first and second lumens. A pressurized fluid can be discharged through the first lumen directly onto a tissue obstruction to form a partial/pilot or full/final opening in the tissue obstruction. If a full opening was not formed sufficient for passage of the stimulator lead, the distal-end portion of the stimulator lead can be inserted into the partial opening and then a pressurized fluid can be delivered through the second lumen and into a distensible balloon for expanding the balloon to clear the tissue obstruction sufficient for passage of the stimulator lead. In this way the catheter can be advanced past a tissue obstruction and into place for use within the epidural space, without having to remove and reinsert multiple surgical implements.

Abstract: A spinal cord stimulator lead for implanting into the epidural space of a human or animal subject includes first and second lumens and electrical contacts. A pressurized fluid can be discharged through the first lumen directly onto a tissue obstruction to form a partial/pilot or full/final opening in the tissue obstruction. If a full opening was not formed sufficient for passage of the stimulator lead, the distal-end portion of the stimulator lead can be inserted into the partial opening and then a pressurized fluid can be delivered through the second lumen and into a distensible balloon for expanding the balloon to clear the tissue obstruction sufficient for passage of the stimulator lead. In this way the stimulator lead can be advanced past a tissue obstruction and into place for use to deliver therapeutic energy to spinal tissue adjacent the contacts, without having to remove and reinsert multiple surgical implements.

Abstract: A spinal cord stimulator lead for implanting into the epidural space of a human or animal subject includes first and second lumens and electrical contacts. A pressurized fluid can be discharged through the first lumen directly onto a tissue obstruction to form a partial/pilot or full/final opening in the tissue obstruction. If a full opening was not formed sufficient for passage of the stimulator lead, the distal-end portion of the stimulator lead can be inserted into the partial opening and then a pressurized fluid can be delivered through the second lumen and into a distensible balloon for expanding the balloon to clear the tissue obstruction sufficient for passage of the stimulator lead. In this way the stimulator lead can be advanced past a tissue obstruction and into place for use to deliver therapeutic energy to spinal tissue adjacent the contacts, without having to remove and reinsert multiple surgical implements.

Abstract: A method of implanting a spinal cord stimulator lead in the epidural space of a human or animal subject. The method includes discharging a first pressurized fluid through a first lumen in the stimulator lead directly onto a tissue obstruction to form a partial/pilot or full/final opening in the tissue obstruction. If a full opening was not formed sufficient for passage of the stimulator lead, the method further includes inserting a distal-end portion of the stimulator lead into the partial opening and then delivering a second pressurized fluid through a second lumen in the spinal cord stimulator lead and into a balloon for expanding a distensible balloon to clear the tissue obstruction sufficient for passage of the stimulator lead. The method further comprising advancing the stimulator lead past the cleared tissue obstruction and into place for use to deliver therapeutic energy to spinal tissue adjacent the contacts.

Abstract: A method of implanting a spinal cord stimulator lead in the epidural space of a human or animal subject. The method includes discharging a first pressurized fluid through a first lumen in the stimulator lead directly onto a tissue obstruction to form a partial/pilot or full/final opening in the tissue obstruction. If a full opening was not formed sufficient for passage of the stimulator lead, the method further includes inserting a distal-end portion of the stimulator lead into the partial opening and then delivering a second pressurized fluid through a second lumen in the spinal cord stimulator lead and into a balloon for expanding a distensible balloon to clear the tissue obstruction sufficient for passage of the stimulator lead. The method further comprising advancing the stimulator lead past the cleared tissue obstruction and into place for use to deliver therapeutic energy to spinal tissue adjacent the contacts.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter for an intrathecal drug delivery system and a stylet having a curved forward end. Preferably, the curved forward end has a shape in the form of a “J” or a “C.” Also preferably, the catheter has a distal end that conforms to the curved forward end of the stylet. Thus, the present invention provides a catheter having a blunt forward end that minimizes the risk of penetrating the substance of the spinal cord. Additionally, the curved forward end of the stylet can be formed of a springy material so that it straightens out during the processes of insertion through a guide needle and retraction from the needle.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation to treat gastrointestinal and/or eating disorders. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead that is in communication with predetermined thoracic vertebral segments to cause spinal nervous tissue stimulation, thus treating a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation to treat gastrointestinal and/or eating disorders. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead that is in communication with predetermined thoracic vertebral segments to cause spinal nervous tissue stimulation, thus treating a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders.

Abstract: A method of implanting a spinal cord stimulator lead in the epidural space of a human or animal subject. The method includes expanding a distensible balloon, which is positioned around a distal end of the shaft and in fluid communication with a lumen, to clear a tissue obstruction during the implantation. Preferably, the balloon expands radially outwardly from at least a portion of the shaft's distal end. The method can also include discharging a pressurized fluid, axially through a lumen in the spinal cord stimulator lead, directly to a tissue obstruction during the implantation.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter for an intrathecal drug delivery system and a stylet having a curved forward end. Preferably, the curved forward end has a shape in the form of a “J” or a “C.” Also preferably, the catheter has a distal end that conforms to the curved forward end of the stylet. Thus, the present invention provides a catheter having a blunt forward end that minimizes the risk of penetrating the substance of the spinal cord. Additionally, the curved forward end of the stylet can be formed of a springy material so that it straightens out during the processes of insertion through a guide needle and retraction from the needle.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation to treat gastrointestinal and/or eating disorders. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead that is in communication with predetermined thoracic vertebral segments to cause spinal nervous tissue stimulation, thus treating a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders.

Abstract: A power source for an implantable medical device, such as a spinal cord stimulator, has a controlled contoured anterior surface. Preferably, the contoured anterior surface includes a layer of a biocompatible material, such as a polymer. Also preferably, the layer provides a contour generally conforming to the profile of a human buttock. Optionally, a cosmetic implant of generally substantially the same size and shape as the power source is implanted in the opposite buttock as the power source so as to create balance.