Abstract: Alternative stimuli, i.e., stimuli other than the constant amplitude stimuli used in prior fitting schemes, is used to set the parameters of a cochlear implant system. The use of such alternative stimuli allows the entire fitting process to be completed in a very short time period, and generally eliminates the need for secondary adjustments. In one preferred embodiment, the alternative stimuli comprise white noise that is internally generated within the speech processor.

Abstract: A grill for a barbecuing, the grill having an upper grate, wherein a grillable foodstuff may be placed thereon and a lower grate having channels which may catch juices that drips from the foodstuff. The upper grate and lower grate are positionable relative to each other, so as to vary in position between a maximally overlapped (open) grill position and a minimally overlapped (closed) grill position.

Abstract: A cochlear stimulation lead and method of making an aggressively curved electrode array are provided. In one embodiment of the lead, while the curved section of the lead is curled further beyond the originally molded curvature and held in this position, a filling channel is filled up with a filling material that is hardened or cured in this held position. The resulting lead has a tip curvature that is more curved than the originally molded curvature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cochlear stimulation system and method for capturing and translating fine time structure (“FTS”) in incoming sounds and delivering this information spatially to the cochlea. The system comprises a FTS estimator/analyzer and a current navigator. An embodiment of the method comprises analyzing the incoming sounds within a time frequency band, extracting the slowly varying frequency components and estimating the FTS to obtain a more precise dominant FTS component within a frequency band. After adding the fine structure to the carrier to identify a precise dominant FTS component in each analysis frequency band (or stimulation channel), a stimulation current may be “steered” or directed, using the concept of virtual electrodes, to the precise spatial location (place) on the cochlea that corresponds to the dominant FTS component. This process is simultaneously repeated for each stimulation channel and each FTS component.

Abstract: A system and method for preserving temporal and spatial resolution in complex sounds for poor performing patients having high stimulation thresholds is described. The system and method employs two or more adjacent electrode contacts to deliver concurrent stimulation. This concurrent delivery of stimuli creates a high current field intensity that overlaps between individual current fields generated by the two or more adjacent electrodes and which individual fields are summed to create an overlapping field that has a higher current field intensity than a single current emanating from an individual electrode. The use of this method reduces or eliminates the need to increase either the stimulus current amplitude or to increase the pulse width, both of which may cause loss of system resolution, i.e., loss of fine structure information that is used to resolve complex sounds such as music.

Abstract: A cochlear stimulation lead having a pre-curved electrode array is provided. The molding process provides memory to the curved part of the lead. The lead may be made having a stylet insertion channel that extends from a slightly curved or substantially straight section and into the highly curved section of the lead. Because high compliance is desired for the lead in cochlear stimulation applications, the compliance is controlled not only by the taper at the distal end of the lead and overall lead thickness, but also by choosing the material hardness of the lead carrier/covering and employing compliant zigzagged conductor wire. In addition, differential lead compliance/stiffness can be achieved by using a stiff tubing that forms part of the stylet insertion channel.

Abstract: A new method of recording and processing neural responses (“NR”) is provided, wherein the method does not assume a linear system response and does not assume a linear response at the interface between electrodes and tissue. The method of the present invention cancels out non-linearities and/or system hysteresis. Other artifacts such as system cross-talk between stimulation and recording circuits are also canceled out. The method provided uses at least two stimulating electrodes simultaneously in one recording step.

Abstract: A method of recording neural responses reduces the inaccuracy of the recordings caused by nerve adaptation to repeated exposure of stimuli. In one embodiment, a maximum set of X number of successive stimuli are delivered through an electrode and the resulting neural response recorded and, afterwards, the next stimulation must occur through another electrode. This stimulation sequence prevents the same set of nerves from being stimulated too often, which can result in stimulus adaptation and cause measurement inaccuracy. In one embodiment of the invention, a smart software can be employed to provide visual plots of “growth curves”, including real-time calculated datapoints and their confidence intervals, and automatically terminate the recording session upon reaching a pre-set trigger. Alternatively, a human operator can terminate a recording session, based on visual feedback of growth curves, including their real-time calculated datapoints and confidence intervals.

Abstract: A lead stimulation/recording system is provided, which is a combination of a permanent DBS stimulating lead and a recording microelectrode. The DBS lead has a lumen extending from the proximal to the distal end of the lead, the lumen having an opening on each end of the lead. The microelectrode is configured and dimensioned to be insertable into the DBS lead from either the distal or proximal opening of the DBS lead, thereby permitting the microelectrode to be placed before, concurrently with, or after placement of the DBS lead. In addition, the system may be used with known microelectrode recording systems and methods of inserting the electrodes, such as the five-at-a-time method, the dual-microdrive method, or the single microdrive method.

Abstract: An adapter system is provided for adapting and connecting a leadless microstimulator to a separate monopolar, bipolar, or tripolar electrode. Advantageously, the microstimulator does not need to be physically modified. The adapter system encloses the microstimulator and electrically connects the microstimulator to the selected, separate electrode via an extension lead or leads. The adapter has two forms: a monopolar adapter having a single opening or a bipolar adapter having two openings. The separate electrode is equipped with at least one extension lead having a connector that can be inserted into the opening of the monopolar adapter or the bipolar adapter and connect to the microstimulator that is placed within the monopolar or bipolar adapter.

Abstract: An improved forward-masking method of recording and processing neural responses (“NR”) is provided, wherein the method does not assume a linear system response and does not assume a linear response at the interface between electrodes and tissue. The method of the present invention cancels out non-linearities and/or system hysteresis. Other artifacts such as system cross-talk between stimulation and recording circuits are also canceled out.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cochlear stimulation system and method for capturing and translating FTS in incoming sounds and delivering this information spatially to the cochlea. An embodiment of the system may comprise an FTS estimator/analyzer and a current navigator. An embodiment of the method of the invention can comprise: analyzing the incoming sounds within a time frequency band, extracting the slowly varying frequency components and estimating the FTS to obtain a more precise dominant FTS component within a frequency band. After adding the fine structure to the carrier to identify a precise dominant FTS component in each frequency band (or stimulation channel), a stimulation current is steered to the precise spatial location on the cochlea that corresponds to the dominant FTS component, the steering accomplished by delivering non-simultaneous stimuli through at least two electrodes.

Abstract: A quick-connect system for mechanically and electrically connecting two components therebetween. In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanical quick-connect is comprised of: a receptacle in the first component; a barrel protruding from the second component; and a lock for locking the barrel inside the receptacle. Electrical connection, such as a coaxial connection, can also be obtained between the barrel and receptacle, while in the locked position by using a pin assembly axially located in the barrel. The lock may comprise a tooth and slot configuration, wherein the tooth is in compressive contact with a spring which compression continuously exerts force on the tooth and causes the end of the tooth to engage to the cam slot on the barrel, thereby locking the barrel inside the receptacle. The barrel may be disengaged with a turn that is less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In a preferred embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.

Abstract: An activity monitoring system measures the effectiveness of pain management using using data from motion or activity sensors attached to the patient's body to compute measures of exertion level of a patient. Increased levels of exertion are an indication of successful pain management. The patient's walking gait smoothness and walking gait stability are also graded as indicators of pain management effectiveness. The motion or activity sensors may be part of a temporary stimulation system used during percutaneous trials, part of a permanent implanted system, or an independent sensor package carried on the patient's body. The particular location and axes of the motion or activity sensors may be chosen based on the location of the pain being treated. The effectiveness of a particular pain management stimulation parameter set is based on the statistics accumulated over a period of time, for example one hour.

Abstract: A voltage converter for use within small implantable electrical devices, such as a microstimulator, uses a coil, instead of capacitors, to provide a voltage step up and step down function. The output voltage is controlled, or adjusted, through duty-cycle modulation. Good efficiencies are achieved for virtually any voltage within the compliance range of the converter. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, applicable to implantable devices having an existing RF coil through which primary or charging power is provided, the existing RF coil is used in a time-multiplexing scheme to provide both the receipt of the RF signal and the voltage conversion function. This minimizes the number of components needed within the device, and thus allows the device to be packaged in a smaller housing, or frees up additional space within an existing housing for other circuit components.

Abstract: A patient and/or a clinician may program an implant device, e.g., an implanted spinal cord stimulator (SCS), through the use of a programming computer, or clinician programmer, linked with the implant device so that the paresthesia resulting from an applied electrical stimulus pattern is adjusted or programmed so as to match the area of perceived pain or other need. Data is initially stored in the computer that relates to known information regarding the anatomical relationships between the spine and the body. The body is divided into dermatomes and/or subdivisions of dermatomes, and a representation of the body, including its dermatomes and/or subdivisions of dermatomes are displayed on the screen (or other display device) associated with the computer. The patient moves a cursor over the regions of the body displayed on the computer screen to select the region of pain, or a region of paresthesia, by a click of a mouse or the press of a button.