Abstract: A system for determining an estimate of a battery capacity for the battery of an implantable device that is used over a period of time. The system includes an external device having a processor that is configured to communicate with the implantable device. During the initial phase, the processor is configured to determine the estimate of the battery capacity using battery energy consumption data and a battery capacity at the beginning of use. During the latter phase, the processor is configured to determine the estimate of the battery capacity based on the battery voltage. The system may include an intermediate stage and, during the intermediate phase, the processor is configured to determine the estimate of the battery capacity based on the battery energy consumption data and the battery voltage.

Abstract: A training system for a neurostimulation system that may be used to simulate a neurostimulator programming session and/or lead placement. The system may include a training device that may be coupled to a neurostimulator programmer and may include an interface to allow user interaction and/or display information relevant to the stimulation. The trainer device may include circuitry for simulating a neurostimulator such as an IPG or EPG, and may include circuitry for simulating impedance associated with lead placement.

Abstract: A system and method for locating and guiding a peripheral nerve evaluation (PNE) lead. The system comprising an X-ray system to capture images of the patient. The images are processed by the system and are provided to a user to utilize a measurement device for inserting a needle for placing leads for the PNE procedure.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for improving alignment of a charging device with an implanted medical device are disclosed herein. The system can include an external charging device that communicates one or more charge parameters during charging to a user device having an alignment feature that is embodied in a software application that displays a real-time charging efficiency indicator based on the charge parameters. This alignment feature allows determination of an optimal position by observing charging efficiency while moving the charging device during charging. The application and device may be configured for use by a specialist, such as a field technician or representative of the device provider, to aid the patient. The system can further include a charging device configured for use with the application and having additional charging functionality. The alignment feature may be included for training and/or troubleshooting charging alignment problems experienced by certain patients.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems facilitating remote programming of an implanted neurostimulation system. Establishing communication between an implanted pulse generator (IPG) and a remote programming device associated with a remote support entity through one or more intermediary devices, which can utilize various communication protocols, such as Bluetooth (BT), MedRadio (MR), cellular, WiFi, or any combination thereof. The intermediary devices include a patient device, which can communicate directly with Bluetooth-enabled IPGs and a remote programming device, or can utilize additional intermediary devices such as a patient remote or adapter accessory to facilitate communication with existing non-BT enabled IPGs. The patient device and remote device can further include a software framework to facilitate communication between the IPG and the remote support entity, as well as collecting subjective/objective patient information.

Abstract: A rechargeable medical implant system for sacral stimulation therapy. The device includes a rechargeable power source that wireless charges via an external portable charger device having an audio transducer operably coupled with associated circuitry configured to provide audio feedback to assist the patient in recharging the neurostimulator device. The audio feedback includes two alerts where a first audio alert to indicate that the external charger device is aligned and that coupling between the wireless transmitting unit and the wireless receiving unit has occurred a second audio alert that indicates that the implantable neurostimulator device is fully charged, wherein the second audio alert is different from the first audio alert.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator that includes a current source/sink generator is disclosed herein. The current source/sink generator includes a current drive differential amplifier. The current driver differential amplifier is configured to selectively source current to, or sink current from a target tissue. The current drive differential amplifier includes an inverting input and a non-inverting input. One of the inputs of the current drive differential amplifier is connected to a virtual ground, and the other is connected to a current command. A stimulation controller can supply a voltage to the other of the inputs of the current drive differential amplifier to select either current sourcing or current sinking.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for coupling with an implantable neurostimulator for delivering one or more electrical pulses to a target region within a patient's body are disclosed herein. A device, such as a charger, can include: a power source for storing electrical energy; a resonant circuit that can have a plurality of selectable natural frequencies; a driver coupled to the power source and the resonant circuit; and a processor coupled to the resonant circuit to control the natural frequency of the resonant circuit. The processor can determine the natural frequency of the implantable neurostimulator, and can control the resonant circuit according to the determined natural frequency of the neurostimulator.

Abstract: Methods and systems for obtaining and analyzing electromyography responses of electrodes of an implanted neurostimulation lead for use neurostimulation programming are provided herein. System setups for neural localization and/or programming include a clinician programmer coupleable with a temporary or permanent lead implantable in a patient and at least one pair of EMG sensing electrodes minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient. The clinician programmer is configured to determine a plurality of recommended electrode configurations based on thresholds and EMG responses of the plurality of electrodes and rank the electrode configuration according to pre-determined criteria.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator (IPG) including a case containing an energy storage device and one or more electrode leads. A header is coupled to the case. The header includes a cassette, an antenna coupled to the cassette and electrically coupled to the case, the case configured as a part of the antenna for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic signals, and an electrode attachment structure configured to couple with the cassette and configured to couple with the one or more electrode leads.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator (IPG) includes a communication module configured to send data to and receive data. A data module is coupled to the communication module and configured to manage data relating to the identity and properties of the IPG. A pulse control module is configured to control the generation of one or more pulses by the IPG. The IPG also includes an energy storage device configured to store energy and a first housing, the first housing containing at least a portion of the IPG. Further, the IPG includes an antenna coupled to the communication module. The antenna is selectively electrically coupled to the first housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved power transmission are disclosed herein. The system can include an implantable neurostimulator for delivering the one or more electrical pulses to a patient's body. The implantable neurostimulator can include a hermetic housing made of a biocompatible material, an energy storage feature for powering the implantable neurostimulator, a receiving coil assembly including an elongate wire winding wound around a first ferritic core, and control circuitry for controlling recharging of the energy storage feature. The system can include a charging device for wirelessly delivering energy to the implantable neurostimulator. The charging device can include a sending coil assembly including a planar wire winding coupled to a surface of a second ferritic core.

Abstract: An implantable neurostimulator for delivering one or more stimulation pulses to a target region within a patient's body. The implantable neurostimulator including a housing and an energy storage feature. There is also a lead coupled to the hermetic housing and a plurality of electrodes located proximate to a distal end of the lead. The neurostimulator includes stimulation circuitry that includes an adjustable resistance element. A voltage of the electric signal derived from the energy storage feature and a resistance of the adjustable resistance element are both adjusted based on a measurement of a value indicative of a tissue impedance of the target region to provide a desired value of a stimulation current for the one or more stimulation pulses.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for coupling with an implantable neurostimulator for delivering one or more electrical pulses to a target region within a patient's body are disclosed herein. A device, such as a charger, can include: a power source for storing electrical energy; a resonant circuit that can have a plurality of selectable natural frequencies; a driver coupled to the power source and the resonant circuit; and a processor coupled to the resonant circuit to control the natural frequency of the resonant circuit. The processor can determine the natural frequency of the implantable neurostimulator, and can control the resonant circuit according to the determined natural frequency of the neurostimulator.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing neurostimulation to a patient, particularly in trial systems assessing suitability of a permanently implanted neurostimulation. Such trial systems can utilize a trial neurostimulation lead that includes a coiled conductor coupled to a proximal contact connector that is coupled with an external pulse generator. The trial neurostimulation lead can be a coiled conductor of a closed wound configuration that can be stretched to form an open coil portion or gaps between adjacent coils to provide more resistance to migration or regression of the lead.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for positioning of an implantable lead in a patient with an integrated EMG and stimulation clinician programmer. The integrated clinician programmer is coupled to the implantable lead, wherein the implantable lead comprises at least four electrodes, and to at least one EMG sensing electrode minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient. The method comprises delivering a test stimulation at a stimulation amplitude level from the integrated clinician programmer to a nerve tissue of the patient with a principal electrode of the implantable lead. Test stimulations are delivered at a same stimulation amplitude level for a same period of time sequentially to each of the four electrodes of the implantable lead.

Abstract: Methods for transcutaneous charging of an implanted device may include removably coupling a charging device with a carrier having adhesive tabs, the tabs being movable between a first position configured to be spaced away from a skin surface and a second position configured to be urged against the skin surface; engaging a bottom surface of the charging device at least partially against the skin surface with the tabs in the first position; positioning the charging device until it is at least partially positioned over or proximate the implanted medical device; and moving the tabs to the second position so that respective adhesive surfaces of the tabs contact and adhere to the skin of the patient sufficiently to support the charging device coupled with the carrier for a duration of time sufficient to charge the implanted device.

Abstract: A pulse generator that includes a communications module is disclosed herein. The communication module includes a transceiver and an antenna circuit. The antenna circuit includes a first pathway having a capacitor and a second, parallel pathway including a capacitor, and a resistor, and a radiating element arranged in series. The antenna circuit is tuned to have a resonant frequency corresponding to a desired transmission frequency and a bandwidth corresponding to shifts in the resonant frequency arising from the implantation of the antenna.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and regulating temperatures of neurostimulator programmers are provided herein. A neurostimulator programmer may include one or more sensors that may detect one or more temperatures associated with the neurostimulator programmer. Each of the one or more sensors may be associated with one or more respective threshold values. When these threshold values are exceeded, one or more courses of actions may be taken by the neurostimulator programmer. For example, the neurostimulator programmer may reduce functionality of one or more heat-generating components, increase monitoring of temperature, and/or initiate shutdown of the neurostimulator programmer. In some cases, two or more such methods may be performed simultaneously, for example, one method to deal with high temperatures and another method to deal with particularly excessive temperatures.