Abstract: A neurostimulation system is configured for implantation into a patient's body and comprises a neurostimulator, a conductive stimulation lead having a first proximal end and a first distal end, at least one distal electrode electrically coupled proximate the first distal end, and a lead extension having a second proximal end electrically coupled to the neurostimulator and having a second distal end electrically coupled to the first proximal end. A shunt is electrically coupled to the first proximal end for diverting RF energy from the lead.

Abstract: A medical device known as a trial neuro stimulator with a diagnostics module to determine whether the therapy lead is operational for delivering stimulation therapy to improve operation in areas such as reliability and patient comfort is disclosed. The trial neuro stimulator is typically used to test the efficacy of neuro stimulation before implanting an implantable neuro stimulator in a patient. The trial neuro stimulator has a processor, memory, system reset, telemetry module, recharge module, power management module, power source, therapy module, therapy measurement module, and diagnostics module. The diagnostics module can be a lead sensor, a software detector using therapy lead measurements from the therapy measurement module, or, a combination of both the lead sensor and software detector to detect whether the therapy lead is operation. A method for diagnosing whether a therapy lead is operational is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device known as a trial neuro stimulator with a diagnostics module to determine whether the therapy lead is operational for delivering stimulation therapy to improve operation in areas such as reliability and patient comfort is disclosed. The trial neuro stimulator is typically used to test the efficacy of neuro stimulation before implanting an implantable neuro stimulator in a patient. The trial neuro stimulator has a processor, memory, system reset, telemetry module, recharge module, power management module, power source, therapy module, therapy measurement module, and diagnostics module. The diagnostics module can be a lead sensor, a software detector using therapy lead measurements from the therapy measurement module, or a combination of both the lead sensor and software detector to detect whether the therapy lead is operation. A method for diagnosing whether a therapy lead is operational is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for reducing the potentially harmful effects of electromagnetic waves on an implantable medical device. In one embodiment of the present invention, an implantable medical system comprising a dual threshold magnetic sensor capable of detecting an elevated magnetic field is disclosed. The sensor can comprise a solid-state sensor capable of detecting a static magnetic field in excess of about 1500 Gauss. The magnetic sensor can be operatively coupled to electronics that are capable of altering the operation of the system upon detection of an elevated magnetic field by the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: An electrical lead includes an elongate body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, a first electrode disposed adjacent and joined to the distal end portion of the elongate body. Current flow within the first electrode is limited when a predetermined condition occurs, such as the generation of an electromagnetic field having a predetermined frequency range. The medical electrical lead may further comprise one or more second electrodes disposed adjacent the first electrode and joined to the elongate body to shunt current to body tissue when the predetermined condition occurs.

Abstract: Percutaneously implantable multi-electrode lead adapted to interact with electrically excitable tissue. Electrodes are selected by a signal generator having a main controller that identifies via unique key values electrodes to be activated to stimulate electrically excitable tissue. Electrodes and their associated controllers are coupled such that relatively few wires are used to couple each electrode to the main controller.

Abstract: The present invention takes the form of a current limiting apparatus and method for limiting current flow, induced when the level of an external signal is greater than an external signal threshold signal level, in a conductive loop formed by a medical device implanted within a living organism having electrically excitable tissue. The system includes an implantable pulse generator (IPG) system having a housing, a signal generator disposed in the housing that generates an electrical signal, and at least one lead extending from the housing to convey electrical signal to the patient. To limit the induced current flow, the IPG includes current limiting componentry, an impedance increasing element, and/or alternating current blocking elements. These components provide an alternating current impedance path to the electrical ground from a lead coupled to the capacitive element. Also disclosed are techniques for reducing the effective surface area of the current inducing loop caused by the IPG system.

Abstract: A patient programmer for facilitating patient control over an implanted medical device, such as an implanted spinal cord stimulator or the like, is disclosed. A programmer in accordance with the present invention is a portable, light-weight, easy to use patient programmer. The programmer enables a patient to control the operation of his or her implanted device outside of a clinical setting. The programmer incorporates features which ensure that users of varying ages, education levels, dexterity levels, physical and mental health will be able to safely control the operation of their implanted devices, within predefined limits established by a physician or clinician. Circuitry is provided for avoiding battery depletion and/or undesired programmer/implanted device communication in the event that the programmer's key is accidentally depressed (for example, due to being jammed into a purse or pocket) or is depressed repeatedly or continuously over an extended period of time.

Abstract: Implantable electrodes adapted to interact with electrically excitable tissue are selected by an implantable, programmable controller that receives power from a main cable and data from a data conductor that identifies the stimulation and recording electrodes to be activated. The implantable controller enables electrical signals to be transmitted between a distal site of power generation and a selected subset of multiple electrodes with a minimum number of conductor wires.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method for steering stimulus pulses to one or more selected cardiac sites are disclosed. An apparatus and corresponding method permit improved capture and easy adjustment of the stimulus pulse when the threshold level changes, without simply increasing stimulus power or replacing the implanted lead. Substantially concurrent pulses may be delivered across one, two or more anode electrodes and a corresponding common or cathode electrode, where the pulse amplitude, pulse duration or pulse phase characteristics of each individual component pulse are adjusted to permit the resulting composite pulse to be steered or directed towards a desired target cardiac site.

Abstract: Electrical tissue stimulator and method for limiting the programmability of stimulation pulse parameters. The tissue stimulator includes a plurality of electrodes and a memory for holding a stimulation pulse parameter limit value and a programmed parameter value of a stimulation pulse. A pulse generator applies electrical stimulation pulses to the electrodes in accordance with the programmed parameter value. Programming means is included for receiving remotely generated programming signals and altering the contents of the memory in accordance with the signals. Means is included for comparing the stimulation pulse parameter limit value and the programmed parameter value and for preventing an alteration of the programmed parameter value, unless it is within stimulation pulse parameter limits. The stimulation pulse parameters may include pulse amplitude, pulse width, and pulse rate and the programmed parameter limit values may be upper and lower limits.

Abstract: A passive signal coupler transfers data signals being transmitted over AC power lines from a first AC power distribution system to a second AC power distribution system. Each leg of the passive signal coupler coupled to a phase of the power line voltage includes a series LC circuit, tuned to the data signal carrier frequency. Each leg coupled to the first power system is terminated in a first winding of a transformer. Each leg coupled to the second power system is terminated in a second winding of the transformer.