Abstract: The invention provides an IPG and lead configuration which boasts both a novel optical folding assembly and an optical processor assembly which offers the advantages of low heat generation and compact package size. The invention further provides a novel heat dissipation pattern formed in the exterior of the case. The pattern ideally takes the form of closely packed hemispherical indentions on one or more of the top and bottom IPG surfaces.

Abstract: A percutaneous lead is provided which includes a generally tubular, multi-duct, flexible lead body. The lead body supports a distal set of electrodes and a proximal set of contacts which are connected by conductors in the ducts. The lead body further houses an optical fiber with a side firing section. The side firing section is held adjacent an optical transmission window, integrally formed with the flexible lead body. A cylindrical ferrule is provided to position the fiber in the header of an IPG.

Abstract: The system incorporates a feed forward control system which automatically adjusts mean stimulation current to maintain consistent dosing of electrical current applied to the spinal cord despite motion of the spinal cord relative to the epidural electrode array. Optical boundary conditions are captured using a sample and hold circuit when the spinal cord is in its most dorsal position (supine patient position) and most ventral position (prone or sitting positions). Optimal mean stimulation current is manually set for these two ordinal positions during setup. During operation, the mean current is actively modulated by interpolating the mean current between the two current boundary conditions using a nominally inverse linear relation to the instantaneous optical reflectance which is bounded by the optical boundary conditions.

Abstract: In the present invention, an IPG incorporates electrical resistivity monitoring with a reflectometry trigger. The IPG is configured to determine both optically and electrically if migration occurs between the electrodes. If the light intensity variation in the optical trigger is greater than an optical threshold value, then the system will pause stimulation and conduct a resistivity test. A resistivity test is also conducted periodically in the absence of the reflectometry trigger to verify that no lead migration has occurred. The stimulation signal is automatically adjusted if a variation in resistivity values is detected above a resistivity threshold value. The resistivity threshold value is set above the normal variation that occurs due to routine movement of the spinal cord in the spinal canal.

Abstract: The invention provides an EPG system and lead configuration which boasts both a novel optical folding assembly and compact package size. The percutaneous leads provided offer additional advantages over the prior art including integral formation of optical and electrical components in a compact size.

Abstract: The invention provides an IPG and lead configuration which boasts both a novel optical folding assembly and an optical processor assembly which offers the advantages of low heat generation and compact package size. The surgical leads provided offer additional advantages over the prior art including integral formation of optical and electrical components in a compact size. The invention further provides processing advantages which measure and compensate for degradation in the optical system over time.

Abstract: A connector system is provided for a positional sensitive spinal cord stimulation apparatus using reflectometry which incorporates the ability to connect to current IPG's either in a percutaneous or laminectomy form and which utilizes a novel light to frequency converter to generate a stimulation voltage in wave form to effect spinal cord stimulation.

Abstract: The Randomized Intermittent Dichotomous Stimulation (RIDS) paradigm disclosed provides an alternate stimulus for the patient to attend to, besides the typical SCS signal, thus providing a somatotopically-matched non-noxious stimulus to replace the cognitive attention to the nociceptive stimulus. The randomly intermittent stimulus is paired with an implicit virtual task to reinforce selective attention to the non-noxious stimulus.

Abstract: The invention described is comprised of a system and method for rapid fixation of a lead anchor. The system includes a lead anchor and insertion device. The insertion device houses a lead anchor. A lead is threaded through the insertion device and the device is depressed against the fascia to insert the lead anchor and fix the lead in the desired position. This method produces repeatable amount of lead body compression grasp force, and controlled bend radius. This results in rapid lead anchoring, lowers the risk of lead migration, prevents mechanical damage to the lead due to over-compression and eliminates the need for tying a suture.

Abstract: A connector system is provided for a positional sensitive spinal cord stimulation apparatus using near infrared reflectometry which incorporates the ability to connect to current IPG's either in a percutaneous or laminectomy form and which utilizes a novel light to frequency converter to generate a stimulation voltage in wave form to effect spinal cord stimulation.

Abstract: A percutaneous lead is provided which includes a generally tubular, multi-duct, flexible lead body. The lead body supports a distal set of electrodes and a proximal set of contacts which are connected by conductors in the ducts. The lead body further houses an optical fiber with a side firing section. The side firing section is held adjacent an optical transmission window, integrally formed with the flexible lead body. A cylindrical ferrule is provided to position the fiber in the header of an IPG.

Abstract: A surgical lead is provided which includes a generally flexible polymeric panel incorporating a set of electrode arrays embedded in one side. The electrode arrays are connected to integrally formed leads which house conductors that connect the electrodes to a set of contacts. The contacts engage an IPG header. The leads incorporate an optical fiber which extends from the IPG header to a set of window portals in the flexible panel. Each of the fibers includes a side firing section adjacent the optical windows for transmission or reception of light. Optimally placed reflectors and heat shields are also provided.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator is provided comprising a non-metallic shell adjacent a header. The header abuts an optical window in the shell. The header aligns a series of surgical or percutaneous leads with the optical window. The leads incorporate optical fibers, electrodes and contacts which distribute stimulation signals. Behind the optical window, a set of optical devices is provided which transmit or receive light from the fibers. Signal processors are provided to interpret the signals from the optical fibers, and to mitigate a continuous inductive charging function.

Abstract: A system and method for anchoring an electrode that stimulates a dorsal root ganglion. The anchoring device includes a screw, collet, and locking cap. The screw is inserted into bone of the pars interarticularis and the electrode is inserted through the screw and positioned next to the dorsal root ganglion for stimulation. The screw includes a recess that is shaped to fit the collet. The collet has flexible arms. When assembled, the locking cap forces the collet into the recess thereby moving the flexible arms inward radially, impinging on the electrode and holding the electrode in place adjacent the dorsal root ganglion.

Abstract: A system and method for anchoring an electrode that stimulates a dorsal root ganglion. The anchoring device includes a screw, collet, and locking cap. The screw is inserted into bone of the pars interarticularis and the electrode is inserted through the screw and positioned next to the dorsal root ganglion for stimulation. The screw includes a recess that is shaped to fit the collet. The collet has flexible arms. When assembled, the locking cap forces the collet into the recess thereby moving the flexible arms inward radially, impinging on the electrode and holding the electrode in place adjacent the dorsal root ganglion.

Abstract: A connector system is provided for a positional sensitive spinal cord stimulation apparatus using near infrared reflectometry which incorporates the ability to connect to current IPG's either in a percutaneous or laminectomy form and which utilizes a novel light to frequency converter to generate a stimulation voltage in wave form to effect spinal cord stimulation.

Abstract: A system for measuring and converting to an observer intelligible form an internal physiological parameter of a patient. The invention allows transcutaneous telemetry of intracranial pressure via a system which includes a patient implanted sensor module and an external processing module, optically coupled to the sensor module via an external coupling module. A sensor within the sensor module transduces the measured pressure and a near infrared emitter transmits the telemetry when interrogated by the external coupling module. A set of tuned inductor-crystal circuits comprised in part of a cylindrical crystal oscillator whose resonant frequency is sensed by a dipper circuit arrangement is provided. Power for the sensor module is derived inductively through rectification of a transcutaneously-applied high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field generated within the external coupling module.

Abstract: A positionally sensitive spinal cord stimulation apparatus and method using near-infrared (NIR) reflectometry are provided for automatic adjustments of spinal cord stimulation. The system comprises an electrode assembly with an integrated optical fiber sensor for sensing spinal cord position. The integrated optical fiber sensor, comprising a pair of optical elements for emitting light from an IR emitter and for collecting reflected light into a photodetector, determines a set of measured photocurrents. As the spinal cord changes position, the angles of incidence for light from the IR emitter and the measured optical intensities change. Electrode pulse characteristics are adjusted in real time, based on the set of measured optical intensities, to minimize changes in stimulation perceived by the patient during motion. The system includes automatic calibration of the optical fiber sensor when the patient is at rest, and a patient orientation detection.

Abstract: A system for measuring and converting to an observer intelligible form an internal physiological parameter of a patient. The invention allows transcutaneous telemetry of intracranial pressure via a system which includes a patient implanted sensor module and an external processing module, optically coupled to the sensor module via an external coupling module. A sensor within the sensor module transduces the measured pressure and a near infrared emitter transmits the telemetry when interrogated by the external coupling module. A set of tuned inductor-crystal circuits comprised in part of a cylindrical crystal oscillator whose resonant frequency is sensed by a dipper circuit arrangement is provided. Power for the sensor module is derived inductively through rectification of a transcutaneously-applied high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field generated within the external coupling module.

Abstract: A radiation shield comprises a substrate polymer layer, a conductive layer having an aperture providing access to a front face of a cellular telephone, adjacent the substrate polymer layer, and an adhesion surface adjacent the conductive layer and the front face. A radiation shield comprising a first substrate polymer layer, a conductive layer having an aperture providing access to a touch-sensitive screen of the front face, adjacent the first substrate polymer layer, a second substrate polymer layer adjacent the conductive layer, and an adhesion surface adjacent the conductive layer and the front face. At least one opening provides access to the front face.