Abstract: Waveforms for a stimulator device, and methods and circuitry for generating them, are disclosed having high- and low-frequency aspects. The waveforms comprise a sequence of pulses issued at a low frequency which each pulse comprising first and second charge-balanced phases. One or both of the phases comprises a plurality a monophasic sub-phase pulses issued at a high frequency in which the sub-phase pulses are separated by gaps. The current during the gaps in a phase can be zero, or can comprise a non-zero current of the same polarity as the sub-phase pulses issued during that phase. The disclosed waveforms provide benefits of high frequency stimulation such as the promotion of paresthesia free, sub-threshold stimulation, but without drawbacks inherent in using high-frequency biphasic pulses.

Abstract: Waveforms for a stimulator device, and methods and circuitry for generating them, are disclosed having high- and low-frequency aspects. The waveforms comprise a sequence of pulses issued at a low frequency which each pulse comprising first and second charge-balanced phases. One or both of the phases comprises a plurality a monophasic sub-phase pulses issued at a high frequency in which the sub-phase pulses are separated by gaps. The current during the gaps in a phase can be zero, or can comprise a non-zero current of the same polarity as the sub-phase pulses issued during that phase. The disclosed waveforms provide benefits of high frequency stimulation such as the promotion of paresthesia free, sub-threshold stimulation, but without drawbacks inherent in using high-frequency biphasic pulses.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator (IPG) is disclosed having an improved ability to steer anodic and cathodic currents between the IPG's electrodes. Each electrode node has at least one PDAC/NDAC pair to source/sink or sink/source a stimulation current to an associated electrode node. Each PDAC and NDAC receives a current with a magnitude indicative of a total anodic and cathodic current, and data indicative of a percentage of that total that each PDAC and NDAC will produce in the patient's tissue at any given time, which activates a number of branches in each PDAC or NDAC. Each PDAC and NDAC may also receive one or more resolution control signals specifying an increment by which the stimulation current may be adjusted at each electrode. The current received by each PDAC and NDAC is generated by a master DAC, and is preferably distributed to the PDACs and NDACs by distribution circuitry.

Abstract: Techniques for sensing neural responses such as Evoked Compound Action Potentials (ECAPs) in an implantable stimulator device are disclosed. A first therapeutic pulse phase is followed by a second pulse phase, which phases may be of opposite polarities to assist with active charge recovery. The second pulse phase is formed so as to overlap in time with the arrival of the ECAP at a sensing electrode, which second phase may generally be longer and of a lower amplitude. In so doing, a stimulation artifact formed in a patient's tissue is rendered constant, and of a smaller amplitude, when the ECAP is sensed at the sensing electrode, which eases sensing by a sense amp circuit. Passive charge recovery may follow the second phase, which will not interfere with ECAP sensing that has already occurred.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator (IPG) is disclosed having an improved ability to steer anodic and cathodic currents between the IPG's electrodes. Each electrode node has at least one PDAC/NDAC pair to source/sink or sink/source a stimulation current to an associated electrode node. Each PDAC and NDAC receives a current with a magnitude indicative of a total anodic and cathodic current, and data indicative of a percentage of that total that each PDAC and NDAC will produce in the patient's tissue at any given time, which activates a number of branches in each PDAC or NDAC. Each PDAC and NDAC may also receive one or more resolution control signals specifying an increment by which the stimulation current may be adjusted at each electrode. The current received by each PDAC and NDAC is generated by a master DAC, and is preferably distributed to the PDACs and NDACs by distribution circuitry.

Abstract: Methods and circuitry for calibrating stimulation circuitry in an implantable stimulator device (ISD) is disclosed. The ISD can sense neural response to the stimulation, and use an algorithm to assess those responses and determine a therapeutic window for a particular stimulation parameter, such as amplitude. Stimulation circuitry in the ISD is programmed with information indicative of the determined therapeutic window, such as by programming a minimum and/or maximum current amplitude. As well as restricting operation of the stimulation circuitry to within the therapeutic amplitude window, such programming calibrates the stimulation circuitry and allows an expanded range of, or all of, amplitude values supported by the stimulation circuitry to be used, which allows the amplitude to be incremented in smaller current increments.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion; electrodes disposed along the distal end portion; terminals disposed along the proximal end portion; and conductors extending within the lead body and electrically coupling the electrodes to the terminals; wherein at least one of the electrodes or terminals includes a capacitive contact having a first outer cylinder, an inner cylinder at least partially disposed within the first outer cylinder, and a first non-conductive dielectric deposited between the inner cylinder and the first outer cylinder. The capacitive contacts can also be used as contacts in a connector of a lead extension or a control module.

Abstract: Techniques for sensing neural responses such as Evoked Compound Action Potentials (ECAPs) in an implantable stimulator device are disclosed. A first therapeutic pulse phase is followed by a charge recovery phase that includes at least one high-impedance passive charge recovery duration. The ECAP is sensed during the high-impedance passive charge recovery duration. The time period of the passive charge recovery is lengthened and the high-impedance passive recharge duration entirely overlaps the ECAP (i.e., the neural response duration) at the sensing electrode.

Abstract: Techniques for sensing neural responses such as Evoked Compound Action Potentials (ECAPs) in an implantable stimulator device are disclosed. A first therapeutic pulse phase is followed by a second pulse phase, which phases may be of opposite polarities to assist with active charge recovery. The second pulse phase is formed so as to overlap in time with the arrival of the ECAP at a sensing electrode, which second phase may generally be longer and of a lower amplitude. In so doing, a stimulation artifact formed in a patient's tissue is rendered constant, and of a smaller amplitude, when the ECAP is sensed at the sensing electrode, which eases sensing by a sense amp circuit. Passive charge recovery may follow the second phase, which will not interfere with ECAP sensing that has already occurred.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing neuromodulation therapy are disclosed. The methods and systems are configured to sense an evoked neural response and use the evoked neural response as feedback for providing neuromodulation therapy. Methods of reducing stimulation artifacts that obscure the sensed evoked neural response are disclosed. The methods of artifact reduction include recording a stimulation artifact in the absence of an evoked neural response, aligning and scaling the stimulation artifact with respect to the obscured signal, and subtracting the aligned and scaled artifact from the obscured signal.

Abstract: Techniques for sensing neural responses such as Evoked Compound Action Potentials (ECAPs) in an implantable stimulator device are disclosed. A first therapeutic pulse phase is followed by a second pulse phase, which phases may be of opposite polarities to assist with active charge recovery. The second pulse phase is formed so as to overlap in time with the arrival of the ECAP at a sensing electrode, which second phase may generally be longer and of a lower amplitude. In so doing, a stimulation artifact formed in a patient's tissue is rendered constant, and of a smaller amplitude, when the ECAP is sensed at the sensing electrode, which eases sensing by a sense amp circuit. Passive charge recovery may follow the second phase, which will not interfere with ECAP sensing that has already occurred.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing neuromodulation therapy are disclosed. The methods and systems are configured to sense an evoked neural response and use the evoked neural response as feedback for providing neuromodulation therapy. Methods of reducing stimulation artifacts that obscure the sensed evoked neural response are disclosed. The methods of artifact reduction include recording a stimulation artifact in the absence of an evoked neural response, aligning and scaling the stimulation artifact with respect to the obscured signal, and subtracting the aligned and scaled artifact from the obscured signal.

Abstract: Waveforms for a stimulator device, and methods and circuitry for generating them, are disclosed having high- and low-frequency aspects. The waveforms comprise a sequence of pulses issued at a low frequency which each pulse comprising first and second charge-balanced phases. One or both of the phases comprises a plurality a monophasic sub-phase pulses issued at a high frequency in which the sub-phase pulses are separated by gaps. The current during the gaps in a phase can be zero, or can comprise a non-zero current of the same polarity as the sub-phase pulses issued during that phase. The disclosed waveforms provide benefits of high frequency stimulation such as the promotion of paresthesia free, sub-threshold stimulation, but without drawbacks inherent in using high-frequency biphasic pulses.

Abstract: Waveforms for a stimulator device, and methods and circuitry for generating them, are disclosed having high- and low-frequency aspects. The waveforms comprise a sequence of pulses issued at a low frequency which each pulse comprising first and second charge-balanced phases. One or both of the phases comprises a plurality a monophasic sub-phase pulses issued at a high frequency in which the sub-phase pulses are separated by gaps. The current during the gaps in a phase can be zero, or can comprise a non-zero current of the same polarity as the sub-phase pulses issued during that phase. The disclosed waveforms provide benefits of high frequency stimulation such as the promotion of paresthesia free, sub-threshold stimulation, but without drawbacks inherent in using high-frequency biphasic pulses.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator (IPG) is disclosed having an improved ability to steer anodic and cathodic currents between the IPG's electrodes. Each electrode node has at least one PDAC/NDAC pair to source/sink or sink/source a stimulation current to an associated electrode node. Each PDAC and NDAC receives a current with a magnitude indicative of a total anodic and cathodic current, and data indicative of a percentage of that total that each PDAC and NDAC will produce in the patient's tissue at any given time, which activates a number of branches in each PDAC or NDAC. Each PDAC and NDAC may also receive one or more resolution control signals specifying an increment by which the stimulation current may be adjusted at each electrode. The current received by each PDAC and NDAC is generated by a master DAC, and is preferably distributed to the PDACs and NDACs by distribution circuitry.

Abstract: Techniques for sensing neural responses such as Evoked Compound Action Potentials (ECAPs) in an implantable stimulator device are disclosed. A first therapeutic pulse phase is followed by a second pulse phase, which phases may be of opposite polarities to assist with active charge recovery. The second pulse phase is formed so as to overlap in time with the arrival of the ECAP at a sensing electrode, which second phase may generally be longer and of a lower amplitude. In so doing, a stimulation artifact formed in a patient's tissue is rendered constant, and of a smaller amplitude, when the ECAP is sensed at the sensing electrode, which eases sensing by a sense amp circuit. Passive charge recovery may follow the second phase, which will not interfere with ECAP sensing that has already occurred.

Abstract: Digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuitry for providing currents at electrodes of an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) is disclosed. The DAC circuitry includes at least one PDAC for sourcing current to the electrodes, and at least one NDAC for sinking current from the electrodes. The PDACs are powered with power supplies VH (the compliance voltage) and Vssh in a high power domain, and the NDACs are powered with power supplies Vcc and ground in a low power domain. VH may change during IPG operation, and Vssh preferably also changes with a fixed difference with respect to VH. Digital control signals to the PDACs are formed (and possibly converted into) the high power domain, and transistors used to build the PDACs are biased in the high power domain, and thus may also change with VH. This permits transistors in the PDACs and NDACs to be made from normal low-voltage logic transistors.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator (IPG) is disclosed having an improved ability to steer anodic and cathodic currents between the IPG's electrodes. Each electrode node has at least one PDAC/NDAC pair to source/sink or sink/source a stimulation current to an associated electrode node. Each PDAC and NDAC receives a current with a magnitude indicative of a total anodic and cathodic current, and data indicative of a percentage of that total that each PDAC and NDAC will produce in the patient's tissue at any given time, which activates a number of branches in each PDAC or NDAC. Each PDAC and NDAC may also receive one or more resolution control signals specifying an increment by which the stimulation current may be adjusted at each electrode. The current received by each PDAC and NDAC is generated by a master DAC, and is preferably distributed to the PDACs and NDACs by distribution circuitry.

Abstract: Improved circuitry for measuring analog values in an implantable pulse generator is disclosed. The measurement circuitry executes instructions that define the timing and parameters of measurements to be taken. The instructions include instructions that are responsive to different types of triggers issued by different pulse definition circuits, which pulse definition circuits generate different stimulation waveforms at different groups of electrodes. The measurement circuitry is configurable to update the groups of electrodes used to deliver stimulation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing neuromodulation therapy are disclosed. The methods and systems are configured to sense an evoked neural response and use the evoked neural response as feedback for providing neuromodulation therapy. Methods of reducing stimulation artifacts that obscure the sensed evoked neural response are disclosed. The methods of artifact reduction include recording a stimulation artifact in the absence of an evoked neural response, aligning and scaling the stimulation artifact with respect to the obscured signal, and subtracting the aligned and scaled artifact from the obscured signal.