Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for stimulation of tissues and structures within a body of a patient. In particular, implantable leads are provided which are comprised of a flexible circuit. Typically, the flexible circuit includes an array of conductors bonded to a thin dielectric film. Example dielectric films include polyimide, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or other biocompatible materials to name a few. Such leads are particularly suitable for stimulation of the spinal anatomy, more particularly suitable for stimulation of specific nerve anatomies, such as the dorsal root (optionally including the dorsal root ganglion).

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia. Some other embodiments of the present invention provide methods for selective neurostimulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia as well as techniques for applying neurostimulation to the spinal cord. Still other embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia in combination with a pharmacological agent.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide neurostimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia. Some other embodiments of the present invention provide neurostimulation systems adapted for selective neurostimulation of one or more nerve root ganglia as well as techniques for applying neurostimulation to the spinal cord. Still other embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia in combination with a pharmacological agent.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia. Some other embodiments of the present invention provide methods for selective neurostimulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia as well as techniques for applying neurostimulation to the spinal cord. Still other embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia in combination with a pharmacological agent.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein enable a base station (BS) and a medical device (MD) to establish a radio frequency (RF) link using any one of a plurality of different RF channels. The MD sniffs the RF channels over which a BS may send a link request, and tunes to the RF channel identified, as a result of the sniffing, as the channel over which a BS may be transmitting a link request. The MD may also demodulate a signal received over the RF channel to which the MD is tuned, and determine, based on a portion of the demodulated signal including a channel identifier, a specific one of the RF channels over which a BS is actually transmitting. This enables the MD to change the channel to which it is tuned if it determines that it is not tuned to the RF channel over which a BS is actually transmitting.

Abstract: Methods and systems described herein can be used to automatically turn on and off stimulation of a target dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and/or adjust stimulation parameters. At least one of an input signal (indicative of an electrical field resulting from an electrical signal propagated by adjacent distal sensory nerve fibers toward the target DRG), an output signal (indicative of an electrical field resulting from an electrical signal propagated by adjacent proximal sensory nerve fibers away from the target DRG) or a DRG signal (indicative of an electrical field produced by cell bodies of primary sensory neurons within the target DRG and resulting from an electrical signal propagated by sensory nerve fibers within the target DRG) is/are obtained and analyzed. Delivery of electrical stimulation is turned on and off and/or at least one of pulse amplitude, pulse width and/or pulse repetition rate is/are adjusted based on results of the analysis.

Abstract: Specific embodiments of the present invention are for use by a base station (BS) that enables power efficient wireless radio frequency (RF) communication between the BS and a medical device (MD), which may or may not be an implantable medical device (IMD). In an embodiment, once a communication session is established between the BS and the MD, the BS selectively turns a drop link mode on and off. The drop link mode is a communication mode that while turned on (i.e., enabled) reduces and preferably minimizes the length of time that an RF link is maintained between the BS and the MD. In accordance with an embodiment, at any given time during a communication session the drop link mode is either turned on (i.e., enabled) or turned off (i.e., disabled).

Abstract: An implantable neurostimulation (INS) device includes a non-rechargeable battery, a rechargeable battery, an antenna, an inductive coil, a neurostimulation module and a telemetry module. The neurostimulation module produces neurostimulation signals for delivery to target neural tissue, and the telemetry module wirelessly communicates with a non-implantable device using at least one of the antenna and the inductive coil. The non-rechargeable battery provides power to the neurostimulation module, and the rechargeable battery provides power to the telemetry module. The INS device also includes a charge module that charges the rechargeable battery in dependence on signals received from a non-implantable device via the inductive coil. Additional modules, such a sensor module, can be powered by the rechargeable battery. Additionally modules, such as controller, can be powered by the non-rechargeable battery.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for targeted treatment of a variety of conditions, particularly conditions that are associated with or influenced by the nervous system, such as pain. Targeted treatment of such conditions is provided with minimal deleterious side effects, such as undesired motor responses or undesired stimulation of unaffected body regions. This is achieved by directly neuromodulating a target anatomy associated with the condition while minimizing or excluding undesired neuromodulation of other anatomies.

Abstract: A system includes a lead having a lead body and at least one electrode; and a retention feature disposed along the lead body proximal to the at least one electrode and configured to assist in atraumatically anchoring the lead to nearby tissue when the lead is positioned in the body. A system includes a lead having a lead body and at least one electrode; and a coiled retention feature disposed along the lead body proximal to the at least one electrode and configured to assist in anchoring the lead to nearby tissue when the lead is positioned in a body. A lead for stimulating a target neural tissue includes an elongate body; at least one electrode disposed along the elongate body; and a passive retention feature disposed along the lead body proximal to the at least one electrode and configured to assist in anchoring the elongate body to tissue near the target neural tissue.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for simultaneously stimulating the spinal anatomy at various locations, such as spinal levels, along the spinal cord. By stimulating multiple levels of the spinal column with the use of a single device, a single access path is created to an implantable pulse generator (IPG) rather than individual access paths for each lead at each spinal level to an IPG. By reducing the number of pathways, the procedure complexity, time and recovery are reduced. In addition, some embodiments provide additional specificity within each targeted level, such as selective stimulation of specific tissue, such as the dorsal root ganglion.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are provided to efficiently identify, from among a plurality of possible neurostimulation parameter sets, one or more preferred neurostimulation parameter sets that treat a targeted pain of a patient. A plurality of different neurostimulation parameter sets are tested on the patient to thereby identify those tested neurostimulation parameter sets that treat the targeted pain. Each of the tested neurostimulation parameter sets defines an electrode configuration that differs from the other tested neurostimulation parameter sets.

Abstract: Methods and systems described herein can be used to automatically turn on and off stimulation of a target dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and/or adjust stimulation parameters. At least one of an input signal (indicative of an electrical field resulting from an electrical signal propagated by adjacent distal sensory nerve fibers toward the target DRG), an output signal (indicative of an electrical field resulting from an electrical signal propagated by adjacent proximal sensory nerve fibers away from the target DRG) or a DRG signal (indicative of an electrical field produced by cell bodies of primary sensory neurons within the target DRG and resulting from an electrical signal propagated by sensory nerve fibers within the target DRG) is/are obtained and analyzed. Delivery of electrical stimulation is turned on and off and/or at least one of pulse amplitude, pulse width and/or pulse repetition rate is/are adjusted based on results of the analysis.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an antenna for a medical device, e.g., an implantable medical device (IMD), comprises an electrically conductive wire that spirals to form a three-dimensional shape of a rectangular cuboid. In another embodiment, the antenna comprises an electrically conductive wire that spirals to form a three-dimensional shape of an elliptical cylinder, an oval cylinder, an elongated pentagonal prism, an elongated hexagonal prism, or some other shape where the longitudinal diameter of the antenna is greater than the lateral diameter of the antenna. The antennas are sized to fit within a portion of a header of the medical device. Such antennas are designed to provide increased antenna gain and antenna bandwidth.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use in guiding implantation of a neuromodulation lead during an implant procedure are disclosed herein. Certain methods and system are for use in guiding implantation of a lead toward an implant position where at least one electrode of the lead is located near a target dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Such methods can involve inserting a distal end of the lead into an epidural space of a spinal column within which is located the target DRG, and using one or more electrodes of the lead to obtain a sensed signal indicative of proximity of at least one electrode of the lead relative to the target DRG. Additionally, the sensed signal is used to guide placement of at least one electrode of the lead toward the implant position near the target DRG.

Abstract: Articulable introducer sheaths and related methods and systems for accessing various surgical sites are disclosed. An introducer sheath comprises a tubular body and a filament. The tubular body has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a central lumen. The filament is constrained on or within at least a portion of the proximal portion and unconstrained over at least a portion of the distal portion. The distal end of the filament is held or attached near a distal end of the tubular body so that advancement of the filament relative to the tubular body causes the unconstrained portion to bow out or extend radially outward, such as to engage a body tissue so as to steer the tubular body when the tubular body has been introduced into a surgical site, such as an epidural space. A surgical tool or medical implant can then be advanced through the sheath.

Abstract: A sub-system for controlling a medical device comprises memory including a first table and a second table. The first table stores blocks of event data corresponding to events that are to be performed during a period of time (e.g., a 0.5 sec. or 1 sec. period of time). The second table stores blocks of time data corresponding to the period of time. The implantable stimulation system also includes a direct memory access (DMA) controller including a first DMA channel and a second DMA channel. The first DMA channel selectively transfers one of the blocks event data from the first table to one or more registers that are used to control events. The second DMA channel selectively transfers one of the blocks of time data from the second table to a timer that is used to control timing associated with the events.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide neurostimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia. Some other embodiments of the present invention provide neurostimulation systems adapted for selective neurostimulation of one or more nerve root ganglia as well as techniques for applying neurostimulation to the spinal cord. Still other embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia in combination with a pharmacological agent.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided to modulate portions of neural tissue of the nervous system, such as portions of the central nervous system or portions of the peripheral nervous system. In some embodiments, the systems and devices of the present invention are used to stimulate one or more dorsal root ganglia, dorsal roots, dorsal root entry zones, or portions thereof, while minimizing or excluding undesired stimulation of other tissues, such as surrounding or nearby tissues, ventral root and portions of the anatomy associated with body regions which are not targeted for treatment. In other embodiments, the systems and devices are used to stimulate portions of the peripheral nervous system. In some embodiments, the modulation generates a massaging sensation, particularly when stimulating neural tissue on particular spinal levels, such as L2 or L3.

Abstract: A sub-system for controlling a medical device comprises memory including a first table and a second table. The first table stores blocks of event data corresponding to events that are to be performed during a period of time (e.g., a 0.5 sec. or 1 sec. period of time). The second table stores blocks of time data corresponding to the period of time. The implantable stimulation system also includes a direct memory access (DMA) controller including a first DMA channel and a second DMA channel. The first DMA channel selectively transfers one of the blocks event data from the first table to one or more registers that are used to control events. The second DMA channel selectively transfers one of the blocks of time data from the second table to a timer that is used to control timing associated with the events.