Abstract: Electrical lead positioning systems, devices, and methods are disclosed. Systems include an implantation tool having a malleable portion to allow a user to customize the configuration of the implantation tool to navigate to the target site of a patient's body. Electrical leads are also provided with retention features to secure the implantation tool to the lead during use.

Abstract: Methods of neuromodulation in a live mammalian subject, such as a human patient. The method comprises applying an electrical signal to a target site in the nervous system, such as the brain, where the electrical signal comprises a series of pulses. The pulses includes a waveform shape that is more energy-efficient as compared to a corresponding rectangular waveform. Non-limiting examples of such energy-efficient waveforms include linear increasing, linear decreasing, exponential increasing, exponential decreasing, and Gaussian waveforms. Also described are apparatuses for neuromodulation and software for operating such apparatuses.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying a volume of activation (VOA) may include a processor that displays via a display device a model of a portion of a patient anatomy that includes anatomical structures, displays via the display device and overlying the display of the model a VOA associated by the processor with a set of anatomical stimulation parameter settings, the display of the VOA, and graphically identifies interactions between the displayed VOA and a first subset of the anatomical structures associated with one or more stimulation benefits and a second subset of the anatomical structures associated with one or more stimulation side effects, where the graphical identifications differ depending on whether the interaction is with the first subset or the second subset.

Abstract: Methods of neuromodulation in a live mammalian subject, such as a human patient. The method comprises applying an electrical signal to a target site in the nervous system, such as the brain, where the electrical signal comprises a series of pulses. The pulses includes a waveform shape that is more energy-efficient as compared to a corresponding rectangular waveform. Non-limiting examples of such energy-efficient waveforms include linear increasing, linear decreasing, exponential increasing, exponential decreasing, and Gaussian waveforms. Also described are apparatuses for neuromodulation and software for operating such apparatuses.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating patient data for therapeutic stimulation purposes may provide a communication interface for exporting patient data, a communication interface for importing patient data, and a user interface for programming a patient device in response to communication of patient data.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a patient-specific anatomical atlas, e.g., includes, for each patient of a patient population: obtaining a respective anatomical atlas, and registering, by a computer processor, the respective anatomical atlas to an anatomical image of a current patient to obtain a respective registered anatomical atlas, and further includes, determining, by the processor, an average of the registered anatomical atlases.

Abstract: A system and method may include determining a target stimulation volume based on modifying a patient population image for which an efficacious volume had been determined. A system and method for suggesting stimulation devices may include determining which stimulation device is capable of producing an output volume of activation that most closely matches the target volume. A system and method for facilitating selection of stimulation parameters may include graphically identifying a maximum volume in which tissue is stimulatable by an implanted stimulation device. A system and method may pre-compute volumes of activation that result from a predetermined modification of programming settings. A system and method may transmit stimulation programming settings from a stimulation programming module to a stimulation generating device.

Abstract: A system and method for providing processable data associated with anatomical images may provide a user interface including a pivot and stem tool via which to align multiple images, a flashlight bar for viewing portions of an overlaid image, and/or user-movable markers for establishing a location of one or more anatomical landmarks with regions of one or more images.

Abstract: A stimulation system can have a first sensor to generate a first reading and a second sensor to generate a second reading. An analysis module of a programmer such as a patient programmer, which programs a stimulation signal to be delivered to a patient, conducts an evaluation of the patient based on the first and second readings. Evaluations may include determinations such as range of motion determinations, posture determinations, physical task-specific brain activity determinations, cognitive task-specific brain activity determinations, and brain activity-specific movement determinations.

Abstract: A system and method for associating anatomically significant regions with regions of one or more images may include automatically modifying images of different modalities according to different correction algorithms, providing a user interface for identifying a plane within three-dimensional data, scaling atlas structures to fit an anatomical image according to identified landmarks, registering an atlas to such an image via a combination of registration algorithms, and/or registering an atlas to such an image using a feature extraction algorithm.

Abstract: A system and method for leadwire location may provide for recognition of the leadwire via analysis of a series of two-dimensional images that include representations of the leadwire, and/or determining an orientation of the leadwire with reference to a marker on the leadwire.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a volume of activation (VOA) of a stimulation electrode leadwire may include a processor that calculates a VOA for each of a plurality of sets of parameter settings of the leadwire, stores in a database each of the calculated VOAs in association with the respective set of parameter settings for which it was calculated, performs a curve fitting on threshold values determined for a plurality of waveforms to obtain an equation, obtains a set of parameter settings of the leadwire for a stimulation, and determines a VOA for the obtained set of parameter settings based on the stored VOAs, for example, using the equation.

Abstract: A system and method for selection of stimulation parameters for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may include a processor that displays in a display device and in relation to a displayed model of a leadwire including model electrodes, a current field corresponding to a first stimulation parameter set, provides a user interface for receipt of user input representing a shift of the current field, in response to the user input, moves, in the display device, the current field with respect to the displayed model, determines a second stimulation parameter set that results in the moved current field, and outputs the second stimulation parameter set and/or sets a stimulation device with the second stimulation parameter set, where the stimulation device is configured for performing a stimulation using the leadwire in accordance with the second stimulation parameter set.

Abstract: A tool for assisting in the planning or performing of electrical neuromodulation of a patient's spinal cord. The tool may have various functions and capabilities, including calculating a volume of activation, registering an electrode(s) shown in a radiologic image, constructing functional images of the patient's spinal anatomy, targeting of neuromodulation, finding a functional midline between multiple electrodes, determining the three-dimensional position of multiple electrodes, and/or accommodating for electrode migration. In certain embodiments, the tool can be embodied as computer software or a computer system.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a volume of activation (VOA) of a stimulation electrode leadwire may include a processor that calculates a VOA for each of a plurality of sets of parameter settings of the leadwire, stores in a database each of the calculated VOAs in association with the respective set of parameter settings for which it was calculated, obtains a set of parameter settings of the leadwire for a stimulation, and determines a VOA for the obtained set of parameter settings based on the stored VOAs.

Abstract: A stimulation system can have a first sensor to generate a first reading and a second sensor to generate a second reading. An analysis module of a programmer such as a patient programmer, which programs a stimulation signal to be delivered to a patient, conducts an evaluation of the patient based on the first and second readings. Evaluations may include determinations such as range of motion determinations, posture determinations, physical task-specific brain activity determinations, cognitive task-specific brain activity determinations, and brain activity-specific movement determinations.

Abstract: A tool for assisting in the planning or performing of electrical neuromodulation of a patient's spinal cord. The tool may have various functions and capabilities, including calculating a volume of activation, registering an electrode(s) shown in a radiologic image, constructing functional images of the patient's spinal anatomy, targeting of neuromodulation, finding a functional midline between multiple electrodes, determining the three-dimensional position of multiple electrodes, and/or accommodating for electrode migration. In certain embodiments, the tool can be embodied as computer software or a computer system.

Abstract: A system and method for selection of stimulation parameters for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may include a processor that displays in a display device and in relation to a displayed model of a leadwire including model electrodes, a current field corresponding to a first stimulation parameter set, provides a user interface for receipt of user input representing a shift of the current field, in response to the user input, moves, in the display device, the current field with respect to the displayed model, determines a second stimulation parameter set that results in the moved current field, and outputs the second stimulation parameter set and/or sets a stimulation device with the second stimulation parameter set, where the stimulation device is configured for performing a stimulation using the leadwire in accordance with the second stimulation parameter set.

Abstract: A system and method for selection of stimulation parameters for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may include a processor that displays in a display device and in relation to a displayed model of a leadwire including model electrodes, a current field corresponding to a first stimulation parameter set, provides a user interface for receipt of user input representing a shift of the current field, in response to the user input, moves, in the display device, the current field with respect to the displayed model, determines a second stimulation parameter set that results in the moved current field, and outputs the second stimulation parameter set and/or sets a stimulation device with the second stimulation parameter set, where the stimulation device is configured for performing a stimulation using the leadwire in accordance with the second stimulation parameter set.

Abstract: A lead extension useful in deep brain stimulation treatment includes a body portion having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end receives a stimulation signal from a generator. A lead interface is disposed at the distal end to send the stimulation signal to a brain stimulation lead. The lead extension also includes a sensor interface disposed at the distal end to receive an input signal from a sensor that is detached from the stimulation lead and send the input signal to the generator.