Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for performing procedure on tissue with flow monitoring using flow sensors. The devices include an elongated member, and at least one flow sensor disposed on the elongated member. The flow sensor includes at least one temperature sensor and at least one heating element having a cavity. At least a portion of the at least one temperature sensor is housed in the cavity. A temperature measurement of the temperature sensor provides an indication of the flow rate of a fluid proximate to the flow sensor.

Abstract: A hybrid bioelectrical interface (HBI) device can be an implantable device comprising an abiotic component operable to transmit charge via electrons or ions; a biological component interfacing with the neural tissue, the biological component being sourced from biologic, biologically-derived, or bio-functionalized material; and a conjugated polymer component that together provide a means to chronically interface living neural tissue with electronic devices for extended durations (e.g. greater than 10 years). In some embodiments, conjugated polymers provide a functional electrical interface for charge transfer and signal transduction between the nervous system and an electronic device (e.g. robotic prosthetic limb, retinal implant, microchip).

Abstract: A system and method for long-term monitoring of cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias is disclosed. The invention includes a pulse generator including means for sensing an arrhythmia. The pulse generator is coupled to at least one subcutaneous electrode or electrode array for providing electrical stimulation such as cardioversion/defibrillation shocks and/or pacing pulses. The electrical stimulation may be provided between multiple subcutaneous electrodes, or between one or more such electrodes and the housing of the pulse generator. In one embodiment, the pulse generator includes one or more electrodes that are isolated from the can. These electrodes may be used to sense cardiac signals.

Abstract: A system for controlling and modulating a mammalian's body temperature and thermoregulation system includes: a. a display monitor; b. a pulse generator; c. at least one channel of electrical or electromagnetic stimuli connected to the pulse generator, and adapted for cutaneous application on the body's spinal cord; d. a control panel, and e. at least one Measurement Analysis and Command (MAC) unit. The control panel and the MAC units are adapted to implement the optimal stimulating procedure for blocking the afferent neural pathways, evoking the afferent neural pathways, attenuating the afferent neural pathways, blocking and evoking the efferent neural pathways, blocking and attenuating the efferent neural pathways, attenuating and evoking, or blocking, attenuating, and evoking the efferent neural pathways, involved in the thermoregulation system, thereby controlling and modulating the body's temperature and thermoregulation system.

Abstract: A process for introducing therapeutic doses of electric antioxidants to the human skin with conductive portions in clothing for electrically contacting the skin, for applying direct current, pulsed direct current, or alternating current electricity of various voltage and current levels, for conductive wiring fiber interwoven in clothing, and for electronically controlling the doses of electric antioxidants in microcurrent doses applied percutaneously or transcutaneously to the human skin. A preferred embodiment includes the process for applying clothing that is skin tight, with or without a control module imbedded in the clothing or optionally, a wireless and remote control module for administering the therapeutic doses of electric antioxidants to the skin of the head, feet, legs, hips, or upper torso.

Abstract: Techniques for adjusting stimulation are disclosed. A medical device measures an impedance associated with one or more electrodes, e.g., the impedance presented to the medical device by a total electrical circuit that includes the one or more electrodes, the conductors associated with the electrodes, and tissue proximate to the electrodes. The medical device stores at least one patient-specific relationship between impedance and a stimulation parameter, and adjusts the value of the stimulation parameter based on the measured impedance according to the relationship. The medical device may store multiple relationships, and select one the relationships based on, for example, an activity level of the patient, posture of the patient, or a current stimulation program or electrode combination used to deliver stimulation. By adjusting a stimulation parameter, such as amplitude, according to such a relationship, the stimulation intensity as perceived by the patient may be kept substantially constant.

Abstract: A stimulation system can have a first sensor to generate a first reading and a second sensor to generate a second reading. An analysis module of a programmer such as a patient programmer, which programs a stimulation signal to be delivered to a patient, conducts an evaluation of the patient based on the first and second readings. Evaluations may include determinations such as range of motion determinations, posture determinations, physical task-specific brain activity determinations, cognitive task-specific brain activity determinations, and brain activity-specific movement determinations.

Abstract: An embodiment relates to a method for delivering a unidirectional afferent nerve stimulation treatment. A test neural stimulation is delivered, and a physiologic response to the test neural stimulation is monitored. At least one neural stimulation parameter for the test neural stimulation is adjusted if the test neural stimulation does not elicit a desired physiologic response. If the test neural stimulation does elicit the desired physiologic response, at least one treatment parameter for a unidirectional afferent nerve stimulation is determined using the at least one neural stimulation parameter for the test neural stimulation that provided the desired physiologic response. The unidirectional afferent nerve stimulation is delivered using the at least one treatment parameter.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus to autonomously stimulate a plurality of nerve fiber groups. The method and apparatus predicts stimulus parameters that can activate 0-100% of the nerve fiber groups selectively according to a patient's characteristics and proportional to therapeutic outcomes, such as determined by experimental data. The method and apparatus may further be configured to input experimental third-party data to obtain a high efficacy from a patient without invasive neurosurgery.

Abstract: A method of applying a neural stimulus with an implanted electrode array involves applying a sequence of stimuli configured to yield a therapeutic effect while suppressing psychophysical side effects. The stimuli sequence is configured such that a first stimulus recruits a portion of the fibre population, and a second stimulus is delivered within the refractory period following the first stimulus and the second stimulus being configured to recruit a further portion of the fibre population. Using an electrode array and suitable relative timing of the stimuli, ascending or descending volleys of evoked responses can be selectively synchronised or desynchronised to give directional control over responses evoked.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system for delivering neurostimulation. Some system embodiments comprise a lead configured to be implanted in the body, a stimulation output circuit configured to deliver neurostimulation pulses to the vagus nerve through the lead, an EMG sensing circuit configured to use the lead to sense EMG signals from laryngeal muscle activity, and an evoked muscular response detection circuit configured to use the EMG signals sensed by the EMG sensing circuit to detect evoked laryngeal muscle activity evoked by the neurostimulation pulse.

Abstract: A three-axis accelerometer signal is used in a medical device for detecting that a patient has fallen. The accelerometer signal is sampled at a low sampling rate for determining a patient position. The accelerometer signal is sampled at a high sampling rate for determining an acceleration magnitude in response to determining the patient position. The patient position and acceleration magnitude are used to detect that a patient has fallen.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and a system of interpreting angular orientation data. It is determined, whether the angular deviation of a current angular orientation (C) of a sensor device (12) from a last extreme angular orientation (L) currently decreases after having increased before up to a provisional new extreme angular orientation (P), thereby determining that the provisional new extreme angular orientation (P) is a new extreme angular orientation. Information relating to a new extreme angular orientation, such as an angular range of motion, may be output to a user.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of using an implantable medical device. One embodiment of the present disclosure comprises delivering electrical stimulation proximate nerve tissue of a patient during a transient physiological effect period separated by a recovery period. The transient physiological effect period is when electrical stimulation has an increased level of efficacy and the recovery period is when additional electrical stimulation does not provide a beneficial physiological effect to the patient.

Abstract: A method for mapping sensor signals to stimulation values and a device using the same are disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving sensor signal from sensors, mapping the sensor signals to stimulation values, and delivering stimulation signals based on the stimulation values. The mapping may be performed using a linear, piecewise linear, or non-linear function. The method may be incorporated in an advanced prosthetic system that activates sensory neurons in a residual limb to provide an amputee with sensations related to grip force and hand opening. The method for implementing sensory feedback may also be incorporated into mechanical or robotic devices such as those used for surgery, games, and/or tele-manipulation.

Abstract: An ECT system capable of focusing the electrical signals on a specific portion of the patient's brain is provided. The ECT system includes a means of applying unidirectional electrical signals and asymmetric electrodes for focusing the signals on the patient. A method of titrating an electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) system and a method of operating an ECT system are also provided. The method includes setting an initial current value, administering an ECT signal to the patient, determining if the seizure threshold has been achieved, and repeating as necessary until the seizure threshold is achieved.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for measuring and treating dysphagia may comprise: one or more dysphagia measuring sensor units attached to the neck of a patient; one or more electrical stimulation electrode units attached to the neck of the patient to provide electrical stimulation to the neck of the patient in accordance with the dysphagia signal sensed by the dysphagia measuring sensor units so as to resolve the dysphagia; and a control unit which controls the dysphagia measuring sensor units and the electrical stimulation electrode units.

Abstract: A patient programmer can have a progress module, wherein the progress module may obtain progress input from a patient in which the generator is implanted. The progress module may include sensors that are able to obtain progress input based on patient interactions with sensors coupled to the patient programmer. The progress module may also include an interface that poses progress-related questions to the patient and obtains responses to the questions from the patient. The patient programmer is also able to store the progress input for reporting purposes.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus can comprise an electrical test energy delivery circuit configured to provide an electrical test signal to a cervical location in a patient body. A detector circuit can use the electrical test signal to detect cervical impedance and generate a cervical impedance signal representing fluctuations in the detected cervical impedance. The implantable apparatus can comprise a therapy delivery circuit, such as configured to provide electrical neural modulation therapy using a neural modulation timing parameter, and a processor circuit that can be coupled to the electrical test energy delivery circuit, the detector circuit, and the therapy delivery circuit.

Abstract: The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (tLESRs). Individuals with tLESRs may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements.

Abstract: A scientific computer system with processor capable of recording, storing, and reprogramming the natural electrical signals of cancer cells as found in tumors of humans and animals. The reprogramming process is designed to create a confounding electrical signal for retransmission into a malignant tumor to damage or shut-down the cellular internal electrical communication system. Altering the electrical charge on the glycocalyx of the outer cell membrane is also part of the treatment by application of ions. The invention causes cancer cell death as a medical treatment using ultra-low voltage and amperage encoded signals which are reprogrammed from cancer cell communication signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining whether an involuntary voiding event was attributable to stress or urge incontinence include determining an activity level of a patient that coincides with the occurrence of the involuntary voiding event or the activity level within a certain time range of the involuntary voiding event. Patient activity data may be collected via a signal that varies as a function of patient activity. The signal may be generated with one or more sensors that detect motion, such as an accelerometer or a piezoelectric crystal, and/or one or more sensors that monitor a physiological parameter of the patient that varies as a function of patient activity, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, electrocardiogram morphology, respiration rate, respiratory volume, core temperature, muscular activity level or subcutaneous temperature of the patient.

Abstract: A system to increase the reliability of the electrical connections between the electrodes and the battery/controlling electronics of an electrical stimulating device as DBS (Deep Brain Stimulator), heart pacemakers and the like. We disclose a redundant male/female connector and/or a set of redundant wires to improve the reliability of the connections between the electrodes at a first location and the battery/controlling electronics at a second location. The redundant male/female connector serves as a backup for a potential loss of electrical continuity due to the adverse effect of body fluids, and the redundant wires serve as a backup for potential loss of electrical continuity due to repetitive muscle movement causing wire movement and stress. DBS connecting wires, that ran behind the ear down the neck of the patient, are subjected to repetitive stresses due to neck twisting and therefore at high risk of breaking.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and apparatus for treating a medical condition of a patient, involving detecting a physiological cycle or cycles of the patient and applying an electrical signal to a portion of the patient's vagus nerve through an electrode at a selected point in the physiological cycle(s). The physiological cycle can be the cardiac and/or respiratory cycle. The selected point can be a point in the cardiac cycle correlated with increased afferent conduction on the vagus nerve, such as a point from about 10 msec to about 800 msec after an R-wave of the patient's ECG, optionally during inspiration by the patient. The selected point can be a point in the cardiac cycle when said applying increases heart rate variability, such as a point from about 10 msec to about 800 msec after an R-wave of the patient's ECG, optionally during expiration by the patient.

Abstract: A system embodiment for stimulating a neural target comprises a neural stimulator, a pace detector, and a controller. The neural stimulator is electrically connected to at least one electrode, and is configured to deliver a neural stimulation signal through the at least one electrode to stimulate the neural target. The pace detector is configured to use at least one electrode to sense cardiac activity and distinguish paced cardiac activity in the sensed cardiac activity from non-paced cardiac activity in the sensed cardiac activity. The controller is configured to control a programmed neural stimulation therapy using the neural stimulator and using detected paced cardiac activity as an input for the neural stimulation therapy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing or affecting neural stimulation efficiency and/or efficacy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and/or method may apply electromagnetic stimulation to a patient's nervous system over a first time domain according to a first set of stimulation parameters, and over a second time domain according to a second set of stimulation parameters. The first and second time domains may be sequential, simultaneous, or nested. Stimulation parameters may vary in accordance with one or more types of duty cycle, amplitude, pulse repetition frequency, pulse width, spatiotemporal, and/or polarity variations. Stimulation may be applied at subthreshold, threshold, and/or suprathreshold levels in one or more periodic, aperiodic (e.g., chaotic), and/or pseudo-random manners. In some embodiments stimulation may comprise a burst pattern having an interburst frequency corresponding to an intrinsic brainwave frequency, and regular and/or varying intraburst stimulation parameters.

Abstract: The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of GERD. Individuals with GERD may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements.

Abstract: CRT settings for an implantable medical device are determined by applying pacing pulses to heart chambers of a scheme of different combinations of interchamber delays. A respective width parameter value representing an R or P wave width is determined for each such delay combination based on an ECG representing signal and the width parameter values are employed to estimate a parametric model defining the width parameter as a function of interchamber delays. Candidate interchamber delays that minimize the width parameter are determined from the parametric model and employed to determine optimal CRT settings. The technique provides an efficient way of finding optimal CRT settings when multiple pacing sites are available in a heart chamber.

Abstract: A physiological signal of a patient is sensed with sense electrodes symmetrically arranged relative to a stimulation electrode. In some examples, a member includes a plurality of relatively small electrodes that are configured to function as both sense and stimulation electrodes. One or more of the electrodes may be selected as stimulation electrodes and two or more different electrodes of the member may be selected as sense electrodes that are symmetrically arranged relative to the one or more selected stimulation electrodes. In some examples, a member includes a plurality of levels of segmented sense electrodes and a plurality of levels of stimulation electrodes. The levels of sense electrodes are arranged such that each level of stimulation electrodes is adjacent at least two levels of sense electrodes symmetrically arranged relative to the level of stimulation electrodes.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a medical system and method for determining a microcirculation parameter of a patient may include a photoacoustic sensor. Specifically, a signal from a photoacoustic sensor may be used to determine if a patient is likely to have sepsis or shock. Although sepsis and shock present similarly with regard to many patient parameters, they may be differentiated by characteristic microcirculation changes.

Abstract: A closed loop electroacupuncture (EA) system monitors any change in sympathetic drive within the body of a patient undergoing EA stimulation. The sensed change in sympathetic drive is then used to adjust at least one parameter of the EA stimulation regimen in an appropriate manner that assists regulation of the patient's autonomic nervous system (ANS). One manner of determining an increase in sympathetic drive is to monitor the body temperature at the skin. A decrease in skin temperature is indicative of increased sympathetic drive and/or exercise stress due to vasoconstriction in the subcutaneous vascular bed. An adjunct to monitoring skin temperature is to monitor subcutaneous tissue impedance. Subcutaneous tissue impedance increases during vasoconstriction. Thus, a sensed change in tissue impedance may be used by itself, or as a compliment to sensed changes in temperature, to provide feedback within the closed loop EA system to adjust the stimulation regimen.

Abstract: A coin-sized implantable electroacupuncture (EA) device defines a stimulation paradigm, or stimulation regimen, that controls when EA stimulation pulses are applied to a selected acupoint, or other specified tissue location, to treat hypertension or nondipping. The stimulation regimen is applied when the patient is sleeping in order to minimize or mitigate the occurrence of nondipping or reverse dipping of the patient's blood pressure. In one embodiment, medical personnel, set a timing reference marker at the time of implant that defines how much time should elapse before a nighttime stimulation window opens that allows an EA stimulation session to be applied to the patient. In another embodiment, the patient sets the time when the nighttime stimulation window opens or when the EA stimulation session begins. Typically, an EA stimulation session is applied to the patient at a low duty cycle, e.g., only once a week during the nighttime.

Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats a disease or medical condition of a patient through application of stimulation pulses applied at a specified acupoint or other target tissue location. In a preferred implementation, the IEAD is an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.

Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats cardiovascular disease through application of stimulation pulses applied at at least one of acupoints EX-HN1, BL14, HT7, HT5, PC6, ST36, LI11, LU7 and LU2. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4 is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.

Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats a medical condition of a patient through application of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation pulses applied at a target tissue location, such as an acupoint. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates EA stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting lead migration through the use of measured artifactual data about the tissue in the vicinity of the lead.

Abstract: An electrode assembly is provided that is configured to be coupled to nervous tissue of a subject, the electrode assembly including one or more conductive elements. At least a portion of the electrode assembly, including the conductive elements, is configured to be dissolvable after the electrode assembly has been coupled to the tissue. The electrode assembly is configured to come loose from the tissue upon dissolving of the dissolvable at least a portion thereof. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. A sensor may be used to measure a parameter that correlates to a temperature of the system that occurs during the transcutaneous coupling of energy. For example, the sensor may measure temperature of a surface of an antenna of the external power source. The measured parameter may then be compared to a programmable limit. A control circuit such as may be provided by the external power source may then control the temperature based on the comparison. The programmable limit may be, for example, under software control so that the temperature occurring during transcutaneous coupling of energy may be modified to fit then-current circumstances.

Abstract: Techniques for modeling therapy fields for therapy delivered by medical devices are described. Each therapy field model is based on a set of therapy parameters and represents where therapy will propagate from the therapy system delivering therapy according to the set of therapy parameters. Therapy field models may be useful in guiding the modification of therapy parameters. As one example, a processor compares an algorithmic model of a therapy field to a reference therapy field and adjusts at least one therapy parameter based on the comparison. As another example, a processor adjusts at least one therapy parameter to increase an operating efficiency of the therapy system while substantially maintaining the modeled therapy field.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an electrostimulation energy storage capacitor, a circuit path communicatively coupled to the electrostimulation energy storage capacitor and configured to provide quasi-constant current neural stimulation through a load from the electrostimulation energy storage capacitor, a current measuring circuit communicatively coupled to the circuit path and configured to obtain a measure of quasi-constant current delivered to the load, and a control circuit communicatively coupled to the current measuring circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to initiate adjustment of the voltage level of the storage capacitor for a subsequent delivery of quasi-constant current according to a comparison of the measured load current to a specified load current value.

Abstract: Various system embodiments comprise circuitry to determine when an arrhythmia has terminated, and a neural stimulator adapted to temporarily deliver neural stimulation therapy to assist with recovering from the arrhythmia in response to termination of the arrhythmia.

Abstract: A neural stimulation system automatically corrects or adjusts the stimulus magnitude (stimulation energy) in order to maintain a comfortable and effective stimulation therapy. Because the changes in impedance associated with the electrode-tissue interface can indicate obstruction of current flow and positional lead displacement, lead impedance can indicate the quantity of electrical stimulation energy that should be delivered to the target neural tissue to provide corrective adjustment. Hence, a change in impedance or morphology of an impedance curve may be used in a feedback loop to indicate that the stimulation energy needs to be adjusted and the system can effectively auto correct the magnitude of stimulation energy to maintain a desired therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling therapy delivery based on the relative orientation and/or motion of a device accelerometer and a lead accelerometer are described. In one embodiment, a therapy system includes an electrical stimulator and a lead. The electrical stimulator comprises a processor that controls delivery of a therapy to a target stimulation site in a patient and a device accelerometer coupled to the electrical stimulator. The lead is coupled to the electrical stimulator to deliver the therapy from the electrical stimulator to the target stimulation site in the patient, and includes a lead accelerometer. The processor compares signals from the accelerometers, and controls delivery of the therapy to the patient based on the comparison. In this manner, the processor may adjust stimulation to, for example, address movement of electrodes relative to target tissue when a patient changes postures.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring and controlling stimulation current, for example in an implantable device, are disclosed. A series capacitor (Cb) is disposed along the conduction path, and the voltage (Uc) across the capacitor measured, so as to provide a direct measurement of the delivered stimulation current.

Abstract: Provided is a self-directed rehabilitation training method for providing rehabilitation exercise to a patient needing requiring the rehabilitation according to a will of the patient, which is a rehabilitation training method for providing rehabilitation intention inducing environment to the patient, measuring the state of the patient, and providing rehabilitation exercise appropriate for the patient. According to the present invention, it is possible for the patient to do the rehabilitation exercise in an active environment by measuring brain signals of the patient to adjust intensity or time of the rehabilitation exercise.

Abstract: A system and method for graphically identifying candidate electrodes of a leadwire for stimulation of a patient anatomy includes a processor obtaining data corresponding to an anatomic region, identifying a spatial relationship between electrodes of the leadwire to the anatomic region, based on the identifying, selecting a subset of the electrodes of the leadwire, generating, based on the obtained data and the selected subset, a graphical output arrangement that includes a model of the leadwire including graphical representations of at least some of the electrodes and a graphical selection marking identifying the selected subset of the electrodes.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present subject matter provide an implantable medical device. In various embodiments, the device comprises a pulse generator, a first monitor and a controller. The pulse generator is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal for a neural stimulation therapy. The neural stimulation signal has at least one adjustable parameter. The first monitor is adapted to detect an undesired effect. In some embodiments, the undesired effect is myocardial infarction. The controller is adapted to respond to the first monitor and automatically adjust the at least one adjustable parameter of the neural stimulation signal to avoid the undesired effect of the neural stimulation therapy. Other aspects are provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and circuitry for monitoring and adjusting a compliance voltage in an implantable stimulator devices to an optimal value that is sufficiently high to allow for proper circuit performance (i.e., sufficient current output), but low enough that power is not needlessly wasted via excessive voltage drops across the current output circuitry. The algorithm measures output voltages across the current source and sink circuitry during at least periods of actual stimulation when both the current sources and sinks are operable, and adjusts the compliance voltage so as to reduce these output voltages to within guard band values preferably indicative for operation in transistor saturation. The output voltages can additionally be monitored during periods between stimulation pulses to improve the accuracy of the measurement, and is further beneficial in that such additional measurements are not perceptible to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for modulating a patient's neurological disease state. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more sensors that sense at least one signal that comprise a characteristic that is indicative of a neurological disease state. A signal processing assembly is in communication with the one or more sensors and processes the at least one signal to estimate the neurological disease state and to generate a therapy to the patient that is based at least in part on the estimated neurological disease state. A treatment assembly is in communication with the signal processing assembly and delivers the therapy to a nervous system component of the patient.

Abstract: A neural stimulation system senses autonomic activities and applies neural stimulation to sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves to control autonomic balance. The neural stimulation system is capable of delivering neural stimulation pulses for sympathetic excitation, sympathetic inhibition, parasympathetic excitation, and parasympathetic inhibition.