Abstract: A neuromodulation apparatus and method of using the same. The neuromodulation apparatus has a plurality of active electrodes electrically isolated from each other and arranged in at least one electrodes array, at least one reference electrode, a pulse generator electrically connected to each active electrode of the plurality of active electrodes and configured to selectively transmit electric pulses to each of the plurality of active electrodes and a control unit coupled to the electrical pulse generator and adapted to measure a resistance and/or a current-voltage characteristic between each active electrode of the plurality of active electrodes and the at least one reference electrode.

Abstract: A lead anchor comprising a longitudinally extending anchor body and a retainer. The longitudinally extending anchor body having a lumen positioned to receive a spinal cord lead therethrough and having a retainer pocket intersecting the lumen. The retainer is positioned in the retainer pocket. The retainer comprises a first grip member having at least one first aperture, a second grip member having at least one second aperture, and at least one U-shaped resilient portion connecting the first and second grip members.

Abstract: A system and method for providing electrical stimulation to biological tissue to treat medical conditions. The system can include a lead configured to be positioned in contact with biological tissue proximate one or more occipital nerves, an implantable pulse generator configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the biological tissue via the one or more leads, and/or a power source configured to operatively connect and supply power to the implantable pulse generator. The system can further include a processor configured to communicate with the implantable pulse generator. The processor can operate the implantable pulse generator to deliver the electrical stimulation to the biological tissue via the lead. The implantable pulse generator can deliver the electrical stimulation by applying a stimulation waveform or a stimulation pattern. The stimulation waveform can include a series of stimulation pulses that can vary over time, which can reduce an effect of neural accommodation or adaptation.

Abstract: A lead device is provided for a medical treatment apparatus, where the lead device includes protruding anchoring mechanisms for anchoring the lead device in tissue. The anchoring mechanism include permanent anchoring mechanisms, or a combination of permanent and dissolvable anchoring mechanisms, to anchor the device in tissue. The anchoring mechanism resists migration of the lead device in at least one or both axial directions.

Abstract: An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

Abstract: A customized electrical stimulation providing system includes: an electrical stimulation request input unit receiving electrical stimulation mode selection information; an electrical stimulation control unit setting an electrical stimulation control variable according to the electrical stimulation mode selection information and generating a control signal; and an electrical stimulation providing means receiving the control signal generated by the electrical stimulation control unit and providing electrical stimulation, wherein the electrical stimulation mode selection information includes at least one of a beauty mode (muscle loss mode) and a muscle strengthening mode.

Abstract: A microcontroller unit includes at least one core, a plurality of safety fault management units, with each safety fault management unit including circuitry to detect one or more safety faults and to output an alarm signal in response to detection of one or more safety faults. The microcontroller further includes system control units operating in parallel to the at least one core. Each of the plurality of system control units can be coupled to at least one of the safety fault management units and can include hardware circuitry to generate and output a port emergency stop (PES) signal based on the alarm signals obtained from a safety fault management unit. The microcontroller includes port circuitries coupled to ports and to the system control units. The port circuitries can selectively cause a respectively connected port to enter a non-operational electronic state in response to receiving a PES signal.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a base and a detachable cover. Ports on separate sidewalls receive an extension cable and a lead. A blade assembly maintains electrical contact between the cable and the lead, while providing a surface to strip insulation and/or sever the lead. Further, the blade is resilient so as to maintain sufficient contact with the lead when the cover is attached and/or locked to the base.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for treating spasticity, hypertonia or dystonia are disclosed. Treatment involves applying a source of direct current to one or more locations in a subject (animal, human, or other sentient being). Locations for application of direct current include the spinal column, peripheral nerves, and the cranium. The delivery of direct current is adjusted to change biological activity of or level of gene expression and/or protein expression of target molecule NKCC1.

Abstract: The spinal cord stimulation device of this invention is configured for implantation into a patient so as to traverse the dura mater that surrounds the spinal cord. Placing the device in this location provides direct contact between the electrode and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), in close proximity to the spinal cord. The device has an intradural portion and an extradural portion that compresses and seals the dural membrane between them, securing the device in position and preventing leakage of CSF. The position of the device may be stabilized in relation to the spinal cord by way of a laminoplasty plate, bridging between the device and a vertebra. The device is electronically powered by an implanted pulse generator that produces a spectrum of signals to interrupt or otherwise attenuate transmission of pain mediating neural signals through the spinal cord.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead may include an electrode at a distal portion of the lead that is configured to monitor or provide therapy to a target site. The lead may include a visible indicator that is visible to the naked eye of a clinician at a medial portion of the lead that is configured to indicate when the electrodes of the lead are longitudinally and radially aligned properly to monitor or treat the target site. A clinician may insert the lead into the patient using an introducer sheath inserted to a predetermined depth into the patient and subsequently aligning the distal portion of the lead by orienting the indicator at an entry port of the introducer sheath.

Abstract: Paddle lead including a lead body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central axis extending therebetween. The lead body includes opposite first and second sides that extend between the distal and proximal ends. The paddle lead also includes electrodes disposed along the first side of the lead body that are configured to apply neurostimulation therapy within an epidural space of a patient. The electrodes are electrically coupled to conductive pathways that extend through the proximal end of the lead body. The lead body includes a flexible material a flexible material that is configured to flex when a fluid pressure is imposed on the lead body in the epidural space. The lead body is configured to have a non-planar contour that folds or curves about the central axis when experiencing the fluid pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing pain uses a multiplexed modulation/stimulation signal to provide pain relief during spinal cord stimulation or peripheral nerve stimulation.

Abstract: Examples of implantable medical leads or implantable medical systems with implantable medical leads to be anchored to a sacrum are disclosed. The implantable medical leads include a lead body having a distal portion. A fixation mechanism is coupled to the distal portion. An electrode array is mechanically coupled to the fixation mechanism. In one example, the electrode array is directly coupled to the fixation mechanism. The electrode array is electrically coupled to the lead body and configured to generate a stimulation field. The fixation mechanism is configured to anchor the implantable medical lead to a sacrum and effect the stimulation field in a foramen of the sacrum.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and techniques are described for using evoked compound action potential (ECAP) signals to determine an implant location for a lead. An example method includes receiving first information representative of a first evoked compound action potential (ECAP) signal sensed in response to a first control stimulus delivered to a first location adjacent to a spinal cord of a patient. The method also includes receiving, second information representative of a second ECAP signal in response to a second control stimulus delivered to a second location adjacent to the spinal cord of the patient. Additionally, the method includes outputting a first indication of the first information representative of the first ECAP signal and a second indication of the second information representative of the second ECAP signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various spinal cord stimulation devices with thin film components, including a device having a flexible section disposed along a length of the elongate lead body of the device. Other stimulation devices have a flexible section disposed within the electrode body of the device. Further devices include both a flexible section disposed within the elongate lead body and a flexible section disposed within the electrode body of the device.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for treating a medical condition in a patient. The system can include a neurostimulator that is in electrical communication with a remote transducer. The neurostimulator can be sized and dimensioned for injection or insertion into a pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) of a patient. The remote transducer, when activated and brought into close proximity to the patient's head, can cause the neurostimulator to deliver an electrical signal to a target neural structure located within the PPF to treat the medical condition.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to medical devices and methods for using the same to treat cancerous tumors within a bodily tissue. A medical device system herein can include an electric field generating circuit configured to generate one or more electric fields, and control circuitry. The system can include one or more electrodes disposed on a first stimulation lead to deliver the electric fields to a site of a cancerous tumor within a patient and one or more electrodes disposed on a second stimulation lead to deliver the electric fields to the site of a cancerous tumor within a patient. The first and second stimulation leads can be configured to be implanted on or about a duodenum. The electric field generating circuit can generate electric fields at frequencies selected from a range of between 10 kHz to 1 MHz. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a lead that includes metallic traces sandwiched between layers of polymers to form a ribbon (e.g., similar to a flex circuit). In an illustrative example, areas on both ends of the traces may be exposed, forming stimulation electrodes on one end and electrical contacts on the other. The ribbon may be formed such that it fits down a small diameter needle. When the needle is removed, the formed ribbon may relax and engage the tissue providing a means of retention. The lead may advantageously: (1) be minimally invasive to implant, (2) be inexpensive, (3) stay in place a temporary/trial medical procedure setting, and (4) be easy to remove.

Abstract: Stimulation lead includes an elongated lead body having distal and proximal ends and wire conductors extending therebetween. The stimulation lead also includes a lead paddle having a multi-dimensional array of electrodes positioned along a contact side of the lead paddle. The electrodes are electrically coupled to the wire conductors. The lead paddle includes a paddle body and a conductor organizer disposed within the paddle body. The conductor organizer has multiple channels extending along the lead paddle. The channels receive the wire conductors and retain the wire conductors in a designated arrangement with respect to the lead paddle. The conductor organizer has openings to the channels. The wire conductors extend through the openings and are terminated to the respective electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) whereby a plurality of curved introducer needles, of varying curvatures, are provided to permit the physician to best locate the region of oligodendrocytes that contain the A Beta fibers by matching the lumbar lordosis. A wing device is also provided that is attachable to the hub of the curved needle introducer which gives the physician better ability to maneuver the needle during insertion as well as permitting tenting of the skin. The invention benefits a large number of painful disorders arising from pathology in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. In addition, this invention can also help a large number of other conditions including but not limited to failed back surgery syndrome/post-laminectomy pain, occipital/suboccipital headaches, scar pain, post herpetic neuralgia pain, mononeuritis multiplex, and pain following joint surgery (e.g., knee, hip, shoulder).

Abstract: An example of an apparatus for percutaneously delivering neurostimulation energy to a patient and sensing from the patient using a test device placed externally to the patient is provided. The apparatus may include a stimulation lead, a sensing reference electrode, a sensing wire, and a connection system. The stimulation lead may be configured to be percutaneously introduced into the patient to place the one or more electrodes in the patient. The sensing reference electrode may be configured to be placed in the patient. The sensing wire may be connected to the sensing reference electrode and configured to be percutaneously introduced into the patient to place the sensing reference electrode in the patient. The connection system may be configured to mate the lead connector and the wire connector and to provide electrical connections between the lead connector and the test device and between the wire connector and the test device.

Abstract: A system for application of neurostimulation includes an outer sheath, an elongate inner member in the outer sheath and movable relative to the outer sheath. The inner lumen has a distal end. An expandable member is coupled to the distal end of the inner member and is in the outer sheath. The expandable member is self-expanding upon from a compressed state in the outer sheath to an expanded state out of the outer sheath. The expandable member includes a distal portion including a plurality of wires woven together and a proximal portion including the plurality of wires extending parallel to a longitudinal axis. The system includes a plurality of electrode assemblies outward of the expandable member and circumferentially spaced around the expandable member. Each electrode assembly is coupled to two of the wires extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. Each electrode assembly includes a plurality of longitudinally-spaced electrodes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of implanting a stimulation lead to stimulate a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of a patient, comprises: placing a distal portion of the stimulation lead within an implant tool; accessing the epidural space of the patient with the distal end of the implant tool; contacting a surface of a pedicle of the patient with a distal tip of the Implant tool above a foramen leading to a target DRG; after contacting the surface of the pedicle with the distal tip, advancing the stimulation lead from a side port of the implant tool, wherein the side port is located proximal to the distal tip of the implant tool; advancing the stimulation lead through the foramen to position one or more electrodes of the stimulation lead adjacent to the target DRG; and providing electrical stimulation to the target DRG to stimulate the target DRG using one or more electrodes of the stimulation lead.

Abstract: Paddle lead including a lead body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central axis extending therebetween. The lead body includes opposite first and second sides that extend between the distal and proximal ends. The paddle lead also includes electrodes disposed along the first side of the lead body that are configured to apply neurostimulation therapy within an epidural space of a patient. The electrodes are electrically coupled to conductive pathways that extend through the proximal end of the lead body. The lead body includes a flexible material a flexible material that is configured to flex when a fluid pressure is imposed on the lead body in the epidural space. The lead body is configured to have a non-planar contour that folds or curves about the central axis when experiencing the fluid pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode array for neuromodulation, comprising a first electrode section with more than two electrodes being arranged parallel and densely packed in the first electrode section, further comprising a second electrode section with more electrodes than in the first electrode section, the electrodes in the second electrode section being arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis and transversal offset to each other. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a lead paddle and a neuromodulation system.

Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an implant tool and cannula used to facilitate the implantation of a medical device into a patient. The implant tool includes a housing that is held by a user and a needle attached to the housing. The cannula may be positioned over the needle and delivered to a target tissue within the patient. The cannula includes an electrode at a distal portion to deliver test stimulation to confirm the location of the target site or placement of the implant tool relative to the target site before removing the needle of the implant tool. In this manner, the cannula may be repositioned within the patient until the position of the implant tool and cannula relative to the target site is verified with the test stimulation.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure can include an intrafascicular neural electrode. The intrafascicular neural electrode can include a microwire body having a proximal end, a distal anchoring end, and a middle portion extending between the proximal end and the distal anchoring end. The distal anchoring end can substantially match the mechanical and biological properties of the target nerve. The microwire body can have a middle anchoring portion extending between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein at least a portion of the distal end and/or the middle anchoring portion substantially match(es) the mechanical and biological properties of the target nerve. The electrode can be made of graphene. The microwire body, except for the distal anchoring end, can be coated with an insulation material, preferably with a biocompatible agent adsorbed onto the insulation material.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide paddle leads for dorsal root ganglia (DRG) stimulation and methods of implanting the same. In one implementation, the paddle lead has a small profile facilitating deployment into a target space in the neuroforamen dorsal to the DRG and below the vertebral lamina. A paddle body of the paddle lead may include a living hinge and/or a contoured profile to further facilitate implantation in the target space. For suture assisted deployment as well as to resist migration of the paddle lead once deployed, the paddle lead may include a suture loop configuration. The paddle lead further includes an electrode array having electrode contacts arranged in a two dimensional configuration pattern to create an electrical field optimized for stimulation of the DRG.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this disclosure concern a lead end containing a slotted member. A slotted member can have a plurality of slots extending along at least a portion of the length of the slotted member, each of the slots having a respective positioning feature, the plurality of slots having a plurality of positioning features at different longitudinal positions along the length of the slotted member. The lead end can further include a plurality of conductors at least partially within the plurality of slots, each slot of the plurality of slots containing at least a respective one of the plurality of conductors, the plurality of conductors electrically connecting exposed electrical elements of both ends of the lead.

Abstract: This invention provides an device for electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. The device has an electrode assembly with a sufficiently thin profile to be implanted between the pial surface of the spinal cord and the dura mater, and secured to the dura. Electrodes on the electrode assembly are directed towards the surface of the spinal cord, and connected through the dura to a signal generator located outside the dura. Following implantation, the subject is treated by transmitting electrical signals from the signal generator through the leads to the electrodes, stimulating the subject's spinal cord.

Abstract: A durable nerve cuff electrode for achieving block of an action potential in a large diameter nerve.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating an intervertebral disc of a subject, the method including delivering cells to a nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. At least one intra-pulposus exposed electrode surface is implanted in the nucleus pulposus. At least one extra-pulposus exposed electrode surface is implanted in a body of the subject outside the nucleus pulposus. The delivered cells are supported by activating control circuitry to drive the intra-pulposus and the extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces to electroosmotically drive nutrient-containing fluid into the nucleus pulposus. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A neuromodulation system includes neuromodulation electrodes on an electrode support that is positionable within a blood vessel for transvascular stimulation of target nerves. Cathode surface area, cathode-to-anode spacing, and other parameters are selected for capture of specific types of nerves (sympathetic, parasympathetic, and/or mixed nerves), nerves located at larger or shorter distances from the vascular wall, and also for proper nerve capture for the targeted types of nerves.

Abstract: A neurostimulation lead includes a base, a plurality of electrodes disposed on the base, a steering structure attached to the base, and a guiding wire selectively engageable and disengagable with the steering structure. When the guiding wire is engaged with the steering structure, the guiding wire is operable to move the neurostimulation lead in forward, rearward, side-to-side, and downward directions, without disengaging the steering structure. When the guiding wire is disengaged from the steering structure, the guiding wire can be retracted from the steering structure without disturbing the position of the neurostimulation lead.

Abstract: Medical lead bodies that are paired each include a braided conductive shield. The braided conductive shield of one lead body has a value for a physical parameter that differs from a value for the physical parameter of the second lead body. The difference in values of the physical parameter for the paired lead bodies results in a reduction in heating from exposure of the lead bodies to radiofrequency energy at electrodes associated with the lead bodies. The lead bodies may be paired by being implanted adjacently to one another. The lead bodies may be further paired by being coupled to a same distal body, such as a paddle containing the electrodes.

Abstract: A needle having a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending within an interior of the needle, between the first end and the second end. A sleeve is engageable within an interior diameter or interior surface of the lumen. The sleeve includes a first end and a second end that are sized to reside within the first end of the lumen and the second end of the lumen, respectively. Ports extend between the first end and the second end of the sleeve. The ports have an inlet and an outlet sized to receive and route stimulator wires to areas within the epidural space of a spine.

Abstract: An implantable electrical lead is provided. The electrical lead comprises an electrically insulative, flexible, elongated lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, an electrical contact carried by the distal end of the lead body, an electrical terminal carried by the proximal end of the lead body, an electrical conductor axially extending within the lead body between the electrical contact and the electrical terminal, and a stiffening tube extending within the proximal end of the lead body from a point proximal to the terminal to a point distal to the terminal and proximal to the electrode. An implantable lead assembly kit comprises the implantable electrical lead, and a connector configured for firmly receiving the proximal end of the lead body. A method of implanting the electrical lead comprises introducing the electrical lead into a patient.

Abstract: A monitoring system is disclosed for in vivo monitoring of preselected physiological parameters associated with acute and/or chronic tissue compromise or failure in one or multiple tissue/organ sites in real time. In one method, a body portion of a surgical stapling device is positioned adjacent a first tissue section, an anvil assembly adapted to engage the body portion is positioned adjacent a second tissue section, and a monitoring device is positioned adjacent the first and/or second tissue sections. The monitoring device includes a sensor adapted to measure a preselected physiological parameter and a transmitter for transmitting signal to an extracorporeal receiving unit. The surgical stapling device is fired to mechanically secure the first and second tissue sections with at least one staple and the preselected physiological parameter is monitored via the information transmitted from the monitoring device to the receiving unit.

Abstract: Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles and/or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators and/or recording instruments mounted on the surface of the skin or carried outside the body. The assembly affords maximum patient mobility and comfort through differentiated components having minimal profiles and connected by way of detachable and adjustable connections.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for the treatment of pain through activation of select neural fibers. The neural fibers may comprise one or more afferent neural fibers and/or one or more efferent neural fibers. If afferent fibers are stimulated, alone or in combination with efferent fibers, a therapeutically effective amount of electrical stimulation is applied to activate afferent pathways in a manner approximating natural afferent activity. The afferent fibers may be associated with primary receptors of muscle spindles, golgi tendon organs, secondary receptors of muscle spindles, joint receptors, touch receptors, and other types of mechanoreceptors and/or proprioceptors. If efferent fibers are stimulated, alone or in combination with afferent fibers, a therapeutically effective amount of electrical stimulation is applied to activate intrafusal and/or extrafusal muscle fibers, which results in an indirect activation of afferent fibers associated therewith.

Abstract: A neuromodulation targeting system includes a GUI that facilitates selection of one or more neuromodulation target regions. The GUI provides an interactive display representing anatomy of a patient with user-selectable portions corresponding to a plurality of predefined anatomical regions associated with distinct localized clinical effects of neuromodulation. The system further includes a targeting selector engine that is responsive to user selection of a first portion of the interactive display by configuring delivery of neuromodulation therapy to a first target region to produce a first localized clinical effect in the patient at a location corresponding to the first portion of the display, upon administration of the neuromodulation therapy to the patient.

Abstract: Apparatuses (e.g., devices, systems), and methods for transdermal electrical stimulation (TES). Apparatuses described herein can be self-contained, lightweight, and wearable. The apparatuses and methods described herein be configured to apply an ensemble current waveform between the two or more electrodes, wherein the ensemble current waveform comprises a series of component waveforms that are sequentially applied, and wherein each component waveform is different from a component waveform immediately before it and wherein transitions between the component waveforms temporally correlates with transitions in the sensory experience. Also described are neurostimulators for application of transdermal electrical stimulation (TES) and methods of using them for comfortably inducing a cognitive effect. Also described are Methods and apparatuses for amplitude modulation of all or a portion of an ensemble waveform to modify a user's cognitive state by transdermal electrical stimulation (TES).

Abstract: A spinal cord stimulator device, including an implantation paddle, a connection segment and an encapsulant. The implantation paddle includes at least one pair of electrode stimulation pads, each of the electrode stimulation pads connected to ends of separate thin film electrode leads, wherein the electrode stimulation pads and the thin film electrode leads are sandwiched between softening polymer layers. The connection segment includes insulated wire leads, one end of each of the wire leads can be connected to contact pads on opposite ends of each one of the thin film leads at separated coupling joints. The encapsulant encompasses portions of the implantation paddle, including encompassing portions of the softening polymer layers surrounding the contact pads, the coupling joints and portions of the connection segment including portions of the wire leads next to the coupling joints. Methods of manufacturing device and using the device for spinal cord stimulation are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing pain in a patient using an electrical waveform that link the modulation of a waveform parameter for different areas of a patient. One embodiment in a system for managing pain in a patient comprises an electric device configured to be implanted into the patient and including a plurality of electrodes having at least a first electrode associated with a first area of the patient and a second electrode associated with a second area of the patient. The system further includes an implantable device configured to be coupled to the electrode device and having a computer-operable medium programmed to change the waveform parameter applied to the first electrode and automatically set the waveform parameter applied to the second electrode based on a relationship between a first therapy range and a second therapy range of the waveform parameter.

Abstract: The present invention is a fitting system with a graphical interface with specific interface screens for specific functions. Methods and devices for fitting a visual prosthesis are described. In one of the methods, threshold levels and maximum levels for the electrodes of the prosthesis are determined and a map of brightness to electrode stimulation levels is later formed. A fitting system for a visual prosthesis is also discussed, together with a computer-operated system having a graphical user interface showing visual prosthesis diagnostic screens and visual prosthesis configuration screens.

Abstract: Improved stimulation circuitry for controlling the stimulation delivered by an implantable stimulator is disclosed. The stimulation circuitry includes memory circuitry that stores pulse programs that define pulse shapes, steering programs that define electrode configurations, and aggregate programs that link a selected pulse program with a selected steering program. Each steering program defines the stimulation polarity and the allocation of current of the specified stimulation polarity for each of the pulse generator's electrodes. Each pulse program includes one or more pulse instructions, where each instruction defines the parameters of a single phase of the pulse program. Pulse definition circuits in the stimulation circuitry execute aggregate programs to generate stimulation waveforms, which stimulation waveforms can be generated simultaneously by the different pulse definition circuits.

Abstract: Delivering stimulation includes delivering temporal patterns of stimulation pulses to respective transducers of an array of transducers, wherein the delivery of the pattern to a particular transducer of the array is different from at least some of the deliveries of the patterns to the other transducers of the array at least according to a time delay. The patterns delivered may include regular temporal patterns each having a respective constant inter-pulse interval. The constant inter-pulse intervals may be about the same. The patterns may be staggered. The transducers may deliver electrical, optical, acoustic, thermal or magnetic stimulation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods for applying epidural electrical stimulation to improve motor function or physiological responses in paralyzed individuals. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for creating and applying specific configurations of epidural stimulation to assist or cause a patient to perform a complex motor function or to mitigate one or more secondary consequences of paralysis including, but not limited to, cardiovascular, respiratory, bladder, temperature and sexual dysfunction.