Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and system that generates stimulation parameters by selecting one or more stimulation parameters according to a stimulation field defined by a user. The system includes a memory that stores a plurality of stimulation templates for multiple electrode configurations of an electrical lead. A processor selects one or more volumetric stimulation templates that best match, e.g., fill, the three-dimensional stimulation field defined by the clinician. Each stimulation template is associated with a set of stimulation parameters that can be used to deliver stimulation therapy to a patient.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and system that allows a user to configure electrical stimulation therapy by selecting a structure of an anatomical region represented by an atlas. The atlas is a reference anatomical region of a reference anatomy that a clinician may use to identify structures of a patient anatomy that the clinician desires to stimulate during therapy. Selecting structures from the atlas may not provide the most efficacious stimulation therapy to the patient because of slight differences between the atlas and the patient anatomical region approximated by the atlas. However, structure selection may be efficient for the clinician, and allow the system to generate stimulation parameters that are adequate to treat the patient. The atlas may be most suitable for both axi-symmetric or three-dimensional leads having a complex electrode array geometry that allow greater flexibility in creating stimulation fields.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and system that allows a user to configure electrical stimulation therapy by defining a stimulation field. After a stimulation lead is implanted in a patient, a clinician manipulates a stimulation field on the display to encompass desired anatomical regions of the patient. In this manner, the clinician determines which anatomical regions to stimulate, and the system generates the necessary stimulation parameters. In some cases, a lead icon representing the implanted lead is displayed to show the clinician where the lead is relative to anatomical regions of the patient.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and system that generates an electrical field model of defined stimulation therapy and displays the electrical field model to a user via a user interface. The electrical field model is generated based upon a patient anatomy and stimulation parameters to illustrate which areas of a patient anatomical region will be covered by the electrical field during therapy. In addition, a neuron model may be applied to the electrical field model to generate an activation field model. The activation field model indicates which neurons will be activated by the electrical field in the anatomical region. These field models may be used by a clinician to determine effective therapy prior to stimulation delivery. In particular, the field models may be beneficial when programming non axi-symmetric, or three-dimensional (3D), leads which allow greater flexibility in creating stimulation fields.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and system that allows a user to configure electrical stimulation therapy by defining a three-dimensional (3D) stimulation field. After a stimulation lead is implanted in a patient, a clinician manipulates the 3D stimulation field in a 3D environment to encompass desired anatomical regions of the patient. In this manner, the clinician determines which anatomical regions to stimulate, and the system generates the necessary stimulation parameters. In some cases, a lead icon representing the implanted lead is displayed to show the clinician where the lead is relative to the 3D anatomical regions of the patient.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter for providing cardioversion electrical energy to at least one chamber of a patient's heart in need of cardioversion and applying a pain alleviating therapy at an appropriate site in the patient's body prior to or in conjunction with the delivery of the cardioversion energy to the heart chamber to alleviate propagated pain perceived by the patient. The combined cardioversion and pain alleviating therapies are preferably realized in a single implantable, multiprogrammable medical device or separate implantable cardioversion and pain control devices with means for communicating operating and status commands between the devices through the patient's body.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter for providing cardioversion electrical energy to at least one chamber of a patient's heart in need of cardioversion and applying a pain alleviating therapy at an appropriate site in the patient's body prior to or in conjunction with the delivery of the cardioversion energy to the heart chamber to alleviate propagated pain perceived by the patient. The combined cardioversion and pain alleviating therapies are preferably realized in a single implantable, multiprogrammable medical device or separate implantable cardioversion and pain control devices with means for communicating operating and status commands between the devices through the patient's body.

Abstract: A reinforced splittable medical introducer cannula for insertion into a patient and delivering a catheter to a desired location within a patient comprising: (a) a body made of splittable material having sufficient strength for insertion through a needle puncture in the skin and through semi-hard tissue of a patient, the cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end, the cylindrical body defining a channel, the channel extending along the longitudinal length of the cylindrical body and between the proximal and distal ends of the cylindrical body, the channel further having a dimensions to permit the catheter to be inserted into the channel at the proximal end and through the cylindrical body and the distal end and delivered to the desired location within the patient; and (b) at least one strengthening strip co-extruded and embedded within the splittable material of the cylindrical body and extending at least partially along the longitudinal length of the cylindrical body, the material of the strength

Abstract: An implantable system for infusing a fluid agent and providing electrical stimulation without requiring an implanted pump or implanted source of electrical energy. An implantable housing is fitted with a percutaneous fill port that communicates with a reservoir to hold a fluid agent, such as a drug. An antenna located inside the housing receives radio frequency power signals from an outside antenna. A pulse generator outside the housing receives power and information from the radio frequency signals to produce stimulation pulses. The pulses and the fluid agent are both transported by a catheter to a site of application in the body. A connector allows the stimulation pulses and fluid agent to be transported from the housing to the catheter while maintaining electrical isolation between the stimulating pulses and the fluid agent.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter for providing cardioversion electrical energy to at least one chamber of a patient's heart in need of cardioversion and applying a pain alleviating therapy at an appropriate site in the patient's body prior to or in conjunction with the delivery of the cardioversion energy to the heart chamber to alleviate propagated pain perceived by the patient. The combined cardioversion and pain alleviating therapies are preferably realized in a single implantable, multi-programmable medical device or separate implantable cardioversion and pain control devices with means for communicating operating and status commands between the devices through the patient's body.

Abstract: A lead having a capture member for releasably engaging the enlarged distal tip of a stylet. The capture member is connected to the flexible tubular casing of the lead near the distal end and includes an aperture having a necked down portion and a socket portion. The socket portion is shaped to accomodate the enlarged distal tip of the styler. As the stylet is advanced towards the distal end of the lead the enlarged tip enters the necked down portion and is directed towards the socket portion until it pops into and is engaged within the socket portion. Once engaged the lead can be advanced, partially withdrawn, or turned by manipulating the stylet handle.

Abstract: A lead having a capture member for releasably engaging the enlarged distal tip of a stylet. The capture member is connected to the flexible tubular casing of the lead near the distal end and includes an aperture having a necked down portion and a socket portion. The socket portion is shaped to accommodate the enlarged distal tip of the stylet. As the stylet is advanced towards the distal end of the lead the enlarged tip enters the necked down portion and is directed towards the socket portion until it pops into and is engaged within the socket portion. Once engaged the lead can be advanced, partially withdrawn, or turned by manipulating the stylet handle.

Abstract: A catheter with a retractable anchor mechanism for providing drugs and/or electrical stimulation to the human body. The catheter has a flexible tubular casing consisting of a outer member and an inner member which enclose at least one lumen. The retractable anchor mechanism is located near the distal end of the catheter and is moveable from a first extended position to a second retracted position. A capture member is connected to the anchor mechanism. The capture member has a socket portion and a necked down portion for guiding the enlarged tip of a stylet into the socket portion for releasable engagement therewith. The anchor mechanism is moved from the first extended position to the second retracted position by inserting a stylet and applying pressure in the distal direction and is moved from the second retracted position to the first extended position by partially withdrawing the stylet thereby applying pressure in the proximal direction.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for introducing a flexible member into the epidural space of the spinal column of a patient employing an introducer assembly for achieving access to the epidural space. The introducer assembly includes an epidural needle assembly, including an elongated needle having a side opening at its distal tip, a hub at its proximal tip and a lumen extending therebetween, and a stylet removable insertable within the lumen of said needle through said hub and having a beveled tip and a hub. The distal tip may be curved in the direction of the side opening when unrestrained by the stylet. The introducer assembly has a locking mechanism which preferably includes a lug extending from the side of the needle hub and an L-shaped cut-out in the side of the stylet hub for receiving the lug therein and allowing its rotation 90.degree. to effect a bayonette-style locking of the two hubs.