Abstract: A stimulation system is disclosed that may include a stimulator unit coupled to electrode contacts on a cuff. In one embodiment, the cuff may be placed at least partially around a nerve. The stimulation system may include at least two electrode contacts disposed on the cuff such that a distance between the at least two electrode contacts various along a length of the electrode contacts. In another embodiment, a plurality of electrode contacts are disposed on the cuff such that distances between at least one electrode contact within the plurality of electrode contacts and each electrode contact immediately adjacent to the at least one electrode contact are different. The stimulator unit may also be implantable.

Abstract: Methods of treating osteoarthritis include applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient with an implanted system control unit in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. Systems for treating osteoarthritis include a system control unit configured to apply at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters.

Abstract: A stimulator arrangement for stimulating nerves or other tissue includes an electrode arrangement having a substrate and a plurality of electrodes disposed on the substrate. The substrate is configured and arranged to be in a curved state prior to implantation into the body and to flatten with exposure to the body after implantation. The stimulator arrangement may also include a stimulator unit coupled to the electrode arrangement. The stimulator unit may also be implantable.

Abstract: One embodiment is a stimulator arrangement for a nerve. The stimulator arrangement includes a cuff for placement around the nerve and a plurality of electrodes disposed on the cuff. The cuff comprises a first edge and defines a plurality of indentations along the first edge of the cuff. The stimulator arrangement may also include a stimulator unit coupled to the electrodes of the cuff. The stimulator unit may also be implantable.

Abstract: An exemplary implantable stimulator includes at least one electrode contact array and at least one additional electrode contact. Both the electrode contact array and the additional electrode contact are disposed on an external surface of the stimulator. The electrode contact array includes multiple electrode contacts that are configured to have a first polarity. The additional electrode is configured to have a second polarity. One or more of the electrode contacts disposed on the stimulator are configured to deliver monopolar stimulation and/or multipolar stimulation. Exemplary methods of stimulating a stimulation site within a patient include providing at least one electrode contact array and at least one additional electrode contact. Both the electrode contact array and the additional electrode contact are disposed on an external surface of the stimulator. The electrode contact array includes multiple electrode contacts that are configured to have a first polarity.

Abstract: Systems for treating a movement disorder include a system control unit configured to be implanted at least partially within a patient and to generate at least one stimulus in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters adjusted to treat the movement disorder. The systems further include a programmable memory unit in communication with the system control unit and programmed to store the one or more stimulation parameters to at least partially define the stimulus such that the stimulus is configured to treat the movement disorder. A means for applying the stimulus to one or more stimulation sites within the patient is operably connected to the system control unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for applying electrical stimulation and/or introducing one or more stimulating drugs to the brain to treat or prevent aphasia, including through use of at least one system control unit (SCU) for controlling electrical pulses delivered via electrodes implanted in the brain and/or for producing drug infusion pulses to targeted areas in the brain.

Abstract: An insertion kit for implanting an electrode in a patient can include a handle; an insertion member coupled to the handle at a proximal end of the insertion member and configured and arranged to be inserted into a patient; an alignment member coupled to the handle and disposed over the distal end of the insertion member; and an electrode configured and arranged to be inserted into the patient using the insertion member. In some instances, the insertion kit may also include one or more of a marker that cooperates with the alignment member to mark a position of the electrode on the skin of the patient; a pointer that cooperates with the alignment member to find the marked position on the skin of the patient; and a second electrode and a second insertion member configured and arranged for detachably coupling to the handle in place of the insertion member.

Abstract: Systems for providing stimulation with an implantable system control unit and for optimally positioning that system control unit include a system control unit configured to provide a stimulus to a patient with a member attached to the system control unit for pulling the system control unit into position within the patient. Methods of optimally positioning the implantable system control unit within a patient such that the system control unit is proximal to target tissue that is to be stimulated by the system control unit include threading a member through a patient's body using a needle, the member passing proximal to the target tissue and being attached to the system control unit, and pulling the system control unit into place with the member.

Abstract: Systems for treating a patient with a medical condition include a lead having an array of electrode contacts each being programmable to have either a first polarity or a second polarity and a programming device configured to test a multiplicity of different electrode contact polarity configurations in which a programmed polarity of one or more of the electrode contacts is varied.

Abstract: Methods of treating autism include applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within the brain of a patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. Systems for treating autism include a stimulator configured to apply at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within the brain of a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters.

Abstract: Methods of using unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs) for cavernous nerve stimulation and for certain disorders are provided. Stimulators capable of creating such UPAPs include, but are not limited to, miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators), possibly with programmably configurable electrodes.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator and a stimulating electrode are implanted to treat tinnitus. The microstimulator is connected to the stimulating electrode via a short, flexible lead. The electrode is implanted in the promontory of the cochlea or in the cochlear round window niche to deliver electrical stimulation to the auditory nervous system and thereby suppress or mask the tinnitus. The microstimulator may be surgically implanted through the ear canal, via a mastoidectomy or through the middle fossa, i.e., a supra-meatal approach. The microstimulator may be placed in middle ear cavity, a bony recess created in the bone surrounding the middle ear, the mastoid, the cochlea or a part of the temporal bone. In addition, the system may further include a test electrode, a test stimulator and a remote programming device that employs a bi-directional radio-frequency communication link to control and program the microstimulator and the test stimulator.

Abstract: A system and method for applying electrical stimulation or drug infusion to nervous tissue of a patient to treat epilepsy, movement disorders, and other indications uses at least one implantable system control unit (SCU) (110), including an implantable signal/pulse generator (IPG) and one or more electrodes (152, 152?). The IPG is implanted in the mastoid area (143) of the skull (140) and communicates with at least one external appliance (230), such as a Behind-the-Ear (BTE) unit (100). In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one SCU includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.

Abstract: Methods of treating autism include applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within the brain of a patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The stimulus is configured to decrease neural activity within at least a portion of the brain to treat autism. Systems for treating autism include a stimulator configured to apply at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within the brain of a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The stimulus is configured to decrease neural activity within at least a portion of the brain to treat autism.

Abstract: System and methods for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and/or applying electrical stimulation to the cortex of the brain to treat movement disorders uses at least one implantable system control unit (SCU), specifically an implantable signal/pulse generator (IPG) or microstimulator with two or more electrodes in the case of electrical stimulation, and an implantable pump with one or more infusion outlets in the case of drug infusion. In certain embodiments, a single SCU provides both electrical stimulation and one or more stimulating drugs. In some embodiments, one or more sensed conditions are used to adjust stimulation parameters.

Abstract: Methods of applying a stimulus to a stimulation site within the neck or head of a patient include implanting a distal portion of one or more leads adjacent to the stimulation site, forming a loop with a proximal portion of the one or more leads, and securing the distal and proximal portions of the one or more leads to one or more securing sites with one or more securing devices. The distal portion of the one or more leads includes a number of electrodes disposed thereon that are configured to deliver the stimulus to the stimulation site. Systems for applying a stimulus to a stimulation site within the neck or head of a patient include one or more leads having a number of electrodes disposed on a distal portion thereof and one or more securing devices configured to secure the one or more leads to one or more securing sites. The distal portion of the one or more leads is implanted adjacent to the stimulation site and the electrodes are configured to deliver the stimulus to the stimulation site.

Abstract: Exemplary implantable stimulators for stimulating a stimulation site within a patient include an electronic module configured to generate stimulation and a housing configured to house the electronic module. The housing has a shape allowing the a stimulator and a surgical device to be accommodated together within an insertion tool used to insert the stimulator into the patient. Exemplary methods of stimulating a stimulation site within a patient include generating stimulation with an electronic module and housing the electronic module in a housing. The housing has a shape allowing the housing and a surgical device to be accommodated together within an insertion tool used to insert the housing into the patient.

Abstract: A method of treating headaches includes stimulating a nerve in a patient's head with an electrode implanted over the skull on a posterior or superior portion of the patient's head to alleviate headache pain.

Abstract: An exemplary method of regenerating a nerve within a patient includes implanting a system control unit within the patient and applying a stimulus to the nerve with the system control unit in accordance with one or more control parameters. The stimulus is configured to promote regeneration of the nerve. An exemplary system for regenerating a nerve within a patient includes a system control unit configured to apply a stimulus to the nerve in accordance with one or more control parameters. The system control unit is implanted within the patient and the stimulus promotes the regeneration of the nerve.