Abstract: A system and method for extracting ETI load parametric data relative to one or more electrodes of an implanted stimulation lead system associated with an IPG. A Kelvin connection scheme is provided for measuring induced voltages present at stimulated electrodes during a stimulation ramping sequence, which may be used for determining the ETI parametric data using a number of techniques, including, without limitation, a waveform analysis.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for operating a system for management of implantable medical devices (IMDs), comprises: conducting communication sessions with a plurality of clinician programmer devices while the clinician programmer devices are engaged in respective programming sessions with IMDs; receiving and storing second programming data from a plurality of clinician programmer devices, wherein the second programming data was created during programming sessions with IMDs without network connectivity to the system for management of IMDs; reconciling programming of the plurality of IMDs that were programmed with the second programming data with data stored by the system for management of IMDs; and communicating second signed validation data to cause IMDs to conduct therapeutic operations according to programming data validated by respective instances of second validation data.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) includes multiple stimulation engines for independently stimulating respective electrode sets of a lead system while avoiding collisions and/or channel contention during stimulation delivery. A first voltage multiplier is configured to generate an adjustable target voltage having sufficient headroom at an output node that is commonly coupled to anodic nodes of respective stimulation engines. Each stimulation engine includes a secondary voltage multiplier to drive the respective anode and a current regulator powered by a floating voltage supply, wherein the current regulator is coupled to a cathodic node and configured to control how much stimulation current is pulled from the patient tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing split stimulation currents in a pulse generator. In one embodiment, a current regulator of the pulse generator includes a digitally-programmable analog voltage generator coupled to a first input of an error amplifier that receives a second input controlled by a programmable resistor network configured to control a programmable total stimulation current output. A plurality of current splitting switches are operative to split the programmable total stimulation current output into a corresponding plurality of split current segments, which may be individually mapped to a selected set of lead electrodes across one or more implantable leads associated with the pulse generator.

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: In some embodiments, a clinician programmer device for controlling a deep brain stimulation (DBS) system is adapted to assist a clinician to conduct an electrode screening review for the DBS system including screening of segmented electrodes. The clinician programmer stores software code for conducting a screening review in memory. The software code may comprise: code for providing one or more interface screens for guiding the user of the device through testing of electrode configurations of the implantable stimulation lead, wherein the code for providing applies at least one testing progression for guiding the user of the device through a defined testing order.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for operating a system for management of implantable medical devices (IMDs), comprises: conducting communications sessions with a plurality of clinician programmer devices, wherein some of the communication sessions occur while the plurality of clinician programmer devices are engaged in respective programming sessions with IMDs; conducting communications sessions with a plurality of patient controller devices, wherein the communication sessions with the patient controller devices include communication of data pertaining to offline programming of IMDs; reconciling programming session data received from the plurality of clinician programmer devices with programming session data received from patient controller devices to identify instances of unauthorized IMD programming; and distributing revocation data to patient controller devices to be downloaded to corresponding IMDs, wherein the revocation data identifies cryptographic keys that are no longer trusted.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lead insertion tool for inserting a lead connector end of an implantable lead into a lead receptacle of a header of an implantable pulse generator, the implantable lead including a lead body extending distally from the lead connector end. The tool includes a lead pathway and an engagement mechanism. The lead pathway extends through the tool and is configured to receive the implantable lead. The engagement mechanism includes an engaged state and a self-biasing non-engaged state. When the engagement mechanism is self-biased into the non-engaged state, the implantable lead is free to displace along the lead pathway. When the engagement mechanism is forced into the engaged state, the lead cannot displace along the lead pathway.

Abstract: A multi-lead stimulation lead connector for facilitating electrical and mechanical connectivity between one or more stimulation leads and a pulse generator, e.g., an EPG used in a test stimulation system. One or more cam lock assemblies are disposed in a housing, each cam lock assembly comprising a cam knob and a cam shaft and having a longitudinal channel defined therein for accepting a proximal end of a respective stimulation lead, the proximal end having a plurality of terminal contact electrodes. By actuating a rotational movement of the cam knob, the cam lock assembly is unlocked in a first direction for guiding the proximal end and locked in a second direction for securely holding the proximal end and effectuating electrical connectivity with a plurality of conductors encapsulated in a cable for interfacing with the EPG.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deploying a paddle neurostimulation lead configured to provide DRG stimulation within a patient. A DRG therapy system includes a delivery tool includes a delivery tube including a first linear segment, a second linear segment, and an arcuate segment coupled between the first and second linear segments, the first and second linear segments having an angle therebetween and the second linear segment defining an elongated opening. The delivery tool further includes a stylet positioned within an interior of the delivery tube, and a handle coupled to the delivery tube and including a stylet actuation mechanism configured to selectively advance and retract the stylet between a deployed position and a retracted position, wherein the stylet extends across the elongated opening in the deployed position to engage an engagement member of the paddle neurostimulation lead.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for deploying a paddle neurostimulation lead within a patient. A delivery tool includes a delivery tube including a first linear segment, a second linear segment, and an arcuate segment coupled between the first and second linear segments, the second linear segment defining an elongated opening. The delivery tool further includes a stylet positioned within an interior of the delivery tube, and a handle coupled to the delivery tube and including a stylet actuation mechanism, the stylet actuation mechanism configured to selectively advance and retract the stylet between a deployed position and a retracted position, wherein the stylet extends across the elongated opening in the deployed position to engage an engagement member of the paddle neurostimulation lead.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to deliver interleaved stimulation to nerve tissue of interest. The system and method comprises an array of stimulation electrodes. The array is configured to be implanted proximate to nerve tissue of interest. An implantable medical device (IMD) is coupled to the array. The IMD includes memory storing a composite resultant pulse (CRP) sequence comprising first and second component sequences of first and second resultant pulse trains, respectively. One or more pulses from at least one of the first or second component sequences are temporally shifted relative to a corresponding target component sequence. The IMD further comprises a pulse generating circuit and switching circuit coupled to an output of the pulse generating circuit and the array. The switching circuit is configured to connect the pulse generating circuit to different combinations of the electrodes.

Abstract: A neurostimulation system is disclosed herein. The neurostimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator and an implantable therapy lead configured to be electrically coupled to the implantable pulse generator. The implantable therapy lead includes a flexible paddle electrode array with flexible electrodes. Each flexible electrode has a segmented configuration having first and second electrode segments and a flexible bridge or living hinge joining together the first and second electrode segments.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a neurological disorder comprising determining a first set of neural stimulation parameters capable of treating a first subset of symptoms, determining a second set of neural stimulation parameters capable of treating a second subset of symptoms, and applying a neural stimulation therapy based upon the first set of neural stimulation parameters and the second set of neural stimulation parameters to the patient. The first set of neural stimulation parameters can include electrical stimulation at a first frequency, and the second set of neural stimulation parameters can include electrical stimulation at a second frequency. In other embodiments, a treatment method comprises applying a first neural stimulation therapy to the patient in a continuous or generally continuous manner during a first time interval, and applying a second neural stimulation therapy to the patient in a noncontinuous or interrupted manner following the first time interval.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a paddle lead is implanted within a patient such that the electrodes are positioned within the cervical or thoracic spinal levels. An electrode combination on a first row of electrodes can be determined that is effective for a first pain location with minimal effects on other regions of the body. The first pain location can be addressed by stimulating a first dorsal column fiber due to the relatively fine electrical field resolution achievable by the multiple columns. Then, another electrode combination on a second row of electrodes can be determined for a second pain location with minimal effects on other regions. The second pain location could be addressed by stimulating a second dorsal column fiber. After the determination of the appropriate electrodes for stimulation, the patient's IPG can be programmed to deliver pulses using the first and second rows according to the determined electrode combinations.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a neurostimulation lead for stimulating neural tissue of a patient, comprises: a lead body of insulative material; a plurality of electrodes; a plurality of terminals; a plurality of conductors, wherein the plurality of electrodes are electrically coupled to the plurality of terminals through the plurality of conductors; wherein the plurality of conductors are disposed in a helical manner in a repeating pattern of groups of conductors separated by gaps along a substantial length of the lead body, each gap being larger than an inter-conductor pitch within the groups of conductors; wherein the insulative material is a compliant material permitting elongation of the lead at low stretching forces and the insulative material of the lead body is fused through a substantial volume of the lead body and along a substantial length of the lead body.

Abstract: The present application relates to a new stimulation design which can be utilized to treat neurological conditions. The stimulation system produces a burst mode stimulation which alters the neuronal activity of the predetermined site, thereby treating the neurological condition or disorder. The burst stimulus comprises a plurality of groups of spike pulses having a maximum inter-spike interval of 100 milliseconds. The burst stimulus is separated by a substantially quiescent period of time between the plurality of groups of spike pulses. This inter-group interval may comprise a minimum of 5 seconds.

Abstract: A neurostimulation system is disclosed herein. The neurostimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator and an implantable therapy lead configured to be electrically coupled to the implantable pulse generator. The implantable therapy lead includes a flexible paddle electrode array with flexible electrodes. Each flexible electrode has a segmented configuration having first and second electrode segments and a flexible bridge or living hinge joining together the first and second electrode segments.

Abstract: The present application relates to a new stimulation design which can be utilized to treat neurological conditions. The stimulation system produces a combination of burst and tonic stimulation which alters the neuronal activity of the predetermined site, thereby treating the neurological condition or disorder.

Abstract: A method is provided to deliver C tactile fiber stimulation to nervous tissue of a patient. The method comprises delivering a first tactile stimulation waveform to a first electrode combination within an array of electrodes located proximate to nervous tissue of interest. The method further provides sequentially delivering successive tactile stimulation waveforms to successive electrode combinations within the array of electrodes. The first and successive tactile stimulation waveforms include at least one series of pulses having a pulse amplitude and pulse frequency. Delaying delivery of the successive tactile stimulation waveforms by a firing delay, the pulse amplitude, pulse frequency and firing delay represent therapy parameters. The method manages at least one of the therapy parameters of the first and successive tactile stimulation waveforms to excite C tactile fibers of the nervous tissue of interest.