Abstract: A system for controlling an implantable medical device (e.g., a drug delivery device) susceptible to malfunctioning during exposure to a magnetic field and/or Radio Frequency field (e.g., during a magnetic resonance imaging procedure) and a method for operating the same. Exposure of the implantable device to the magnetic field and/or the Radio Frequency field is detected using the sensing device. When the detected magnetic field and/or Radio Frequency field exceeds a corresponding predetermined threshold level, an input signal is generated at the microcontroller.

Abstract: An implantable medical device system that senses physiologic processes via multiple sensor signal configurations. The device can further process the sensor configurations to obtain additional processed signal configurations. The device can utilize the processed configurations for ongoing sensing of the physiologic process. The device can also automatically evaluate the multiple sensor configurations as well as the processed configurations and select the configuration offering the best signal discrimination to reduce oversensing or erroneously interpreting secondary characteristics of the physiologic process as corresponding to primary characteristics of the process as in double-counting. The signal discrimination can be evaluated as an absolute margin and/or a ratio between amplitudes of the primary and secondary characteristics. The signal discrimination can also be evaluated based at least in part on a calculated mean and standard deviation according to each configuration.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for evaluating and optimizing the contribution of particular heart chambers to pacing efficacy. Briefly, a pacemaker temporarily alters the mode with which pacing therapy is delivered so as to selectively alter the heart chambers that are paced. The pacemaker detects any transient changes in pacing efficacy following the alteration in pacing mode. The pacemaker then assesses the contribution of particular heart chambers to pacing efficacy based on the alteration in the pacing mode and on any transient changes in the pacing efficacy. Additionally, techniques are provided herein for automatically adjusting pacing parameters to optimize the contribution of particular chambers to pacing efficacy.

Abstract: Displacement or migration of a left ventricular lead located within the coronary sinus or coronary veins of the heart is detected by comparing an electrogram (EGM) waveform pattern from the lead with a stored baseline EGM waveform pattern. Based upon the extent of lead migration, if any, a lead displacement may produce an annunciating response. The patient may be alerted, an electrical stimulus applied through the lead may be adjusted to compensate for lead migration, or an alternative electrode on the lead may be used for EGM sensing and pacing.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (“IMD”) as described herein includes adjustable power characteristics such as variable transmitter output power and variable receiver front end gain. These power characteristics are adjusted based upon the intended or actual implant depth of the IMD. The IMD may process an IMD implant depth value (provided by an external IMD programming device) to generate power scaling instructions or control signals that are interpreted by the IMD transmitter and/or the IMD receiver. Such adjustability enables the IMD to satisfy minimum telemetry requirements in a manner that does not waste power, thus extending the IMD battery life.

Abstract: Multiple sensing configurations may be qualified based on one induced tachyarrhythmia, e.g., ventricular fibrillation, or other qualification event during an implantation procedure. Each sensing configuration comprises a different combination of two or more electrodes used for sensing electrical signals of the heart of the patient. In some examples, an implantable medical device or other device generates qualification information for each sensing configuration, which may indicate whether the sensing configuration is qualified for subsequent cardiac event detection based on an accuracy of the cardiac event detection for the sensing configuration during the qualification event. One of the qualified configurations may initially be selected as a primary sensing configuration for subsequent cardiac event detection. Switching to an alternate sensing configuration, e.g.

Abstract: Methods and systems are directed to selecting from a variety of capture verification modes. A plurality of capture verification modes, including a beat by beat capture detection mode and a capture threshold testing mode without intervening beat by beat capture detection is provided. An efficacy of at least one of the capture verification modes is evaluated and, based on the evaluation, a capture verification mode is selected.

Abstract: During a period of time comprising a plurality of cardiac cycles, a time relationship between ventricular events and atrial detections is established. Based on the relationship, a post-ventricular atrial refractory period is defined. The period includes an absolute atrial refractory period and a segmented relative atrial refractory period, wherein the segmented relative atrial refractory period includes at least one blanking window during which atrial detections of ventricular events have or are likely to occur.

Abstract: Techniques for performing a lead integrity test in response to, e.g., during or after saturation of a sensed signal, e.g., a cardiac electrogram (EGM) signal, are described. A lead integrity test may comprise one or more impedance measurements for one or more leads. Possible causes of saturation of a sensed signal include lead conductor or connector issues, or other lead related conditions. A lead integrity test triggered in response to the saturation may be able to detect any lead related condition causing the saturation. A lead integrity test triggered in response to the saturation may advantageously be able to detect an intermittent lead related condition, due to the temporal proximity of the test to the saturation.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and apparatus of left ventricular pacing including automated adjustment of a atrio-ventricular (AV) pacing delay interval and intrinsic AV nodal conduction testing. It includes—upon expiration or reset of a programmable AV Evaluation Interval (AVEI)—performing the following: temporarily increasing a paced AV interval and a sensed AV interval and testing for adequate AV conduction and measuring an intrinsic atrio-ventricular (PR) interval for a right ventricular (RV) chamber. Thus, in the event that the AV conduction test reveals a physiologically acceptable intrinsic PR interval then storing the physiologically acceptable PR interval in a memory structure (e.g., a median P-R from one or more cardiac cycles). In the event that the AV conduction test reveals an AV conduction block condition or if unacceptably long PR intervals are revealed then a pacing mode-switch to a bi-ventricular (Bi-V) pacing mode occurs and the magnitude of the AVEI is increased.

Abstract: Upon delivery of a pacing pulse to a heart by an electrode of an implantable medical device (IMD), a deleterious pace polarization artifact is generally created at the electrode-tissue interface and subsequently stored by the electrode. Such polarization artifact is generally minimized through the use of passive recharge circuitry. Such passive recharge circuitry functions in creating a recharge pulse at the electrode which in essence, minimizes the polarization artifact on the electrode. In order to produce further artifact minimization from a subsequent pacing pulse, following termination of the recharge pulse, any remaining polarization artifact is sampled and analyzed by the IMD and IMD software optionally compensates the next recharge pulse to further minimize the polarization artifact generated by a next pacing pulse. This sampling and optional compensation is repeated for subsequent pacing pulses so that polarization artifacts are effectively analyzed and if necessary, minimized.

Abstract: A transcutaneous cardiac stimulation system delivers pacing pulses according to a cardioprotective pacing protocol. The pacing pulses are delivered through body-surface electrodes attached onto a patient. The cardioprotective pacing protocol specifies pacing parameters selected to augment cardiac stress on the patient's myocardium to a level effecting cardioprotection against ischemic and reperfusion injuries.

Abstract: An implantable heart stimulating device has an ECG sensing unit to receive heart potential signals from sensing electrodes at an electrode lead arranged in connection with a patient's heart. The ECG sensing unit is provided with a programmable make-break threshold. The device further has a timer adapted to generate a make-break detection period, and a counter. The counter is adapted to count the number of times that the amplitude of the heart potential signal exceeds the programmable make-break threshold during the make-break detection period. When the number of times is higher than a predetermined value, the ECG obtained during the make-break detection period is stored in an ECG storage unit.

Abstract: A remaining charge capacity of a battery having an initial charge capacity is monitored. The battery powers a remote implantable medical device (IMD) that includes an active state, during which the remote IMD performs at least one function, and an inactive state, during which the remote IMD performs no functions. An active state charge consumption is computed based on stored parameters associated with an operational charge consumption for each function, and an inactive state charge consumption is computed based on a leakage current associated with the inactive state and a time the remote IMD is in the inactive state. The active state charge consumption and inactive state charge consumption are subtracted from the initial charge capacity to determine the remaining charge capacity.

Abstract: Techniques for performing a lead integrity test during a suspected tachyarrhythmia are described. An implantable medical device (IMD) may perform the test prior to delivering a therapeutic shock to treat the suspected tachyarrhythmia and, in some cases, may withhold the shock based on the test. In some examples, the IMD measures an impedance of a lead a plurality of times during the suspected tachyarrhythmia. In some examples, the IMD measures the impedance a plurality of times between two sensed events of the suspected tachyarrhythmia. The IMD or another device may determine a variability of, or otherwise compare, the measured impedances to evaluate the integrity of the lead. Instead of or in addition to withholding a shock, the IMD or another device may change a sensing or stimulation vector of the IMD, or provide an alert to a user, if the integrity test indicates a possible lead integrity issue.

Abstract: A handheld detector gives a warning when a magnetic field exceeds the safety level for a particular medical implant that is magnetically activated. A front surface of the device corresponds approximately to a surface region of a patient's body in a vicinity of an implanted medical device. The magnetic detection element is located at substantially the same distance from the front surface as the control element of the medical device is from the surface region of the patient's body when the device is implanted. The detector element may be activated by a magnetic pressure, that is the vector cross product of the magnetic flux density (B) of a magnet and the applied magnetic field (H), which is less than the magnetic pressure that activates the control element of the implant device. An electronic circuit connected to the detection element may be used to indicate activation of the detection element.

Abstract: A trial stimulation system and, more particularly, an indicator device within the trial stimulation system that measures and indicates energy amplitude levels for electrical stimulation therapy delivered to a patient. Specifically, the indicator device simultaneously indicates energy amplitude levels, such as electrical voltage, current, power, and electrical charge, as well as the polarity for each electrode in real-time without affecting the therapy delivered to the patient. For example, the indicator device may activate a number of lights in an array of lights in proportion to the measured energy amplitude level for each electrode and may activate a green LED or a red LED when a corresponding electrodes acts as a source or sink, respectively. In this manner, the indicator device allows a clinician to visualize the electrical fields produced by each electrode and, therefore, may assist stimulation steering, trouble shooting, and lead placement.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a malfunction of a pacing system includes the steps of receiving a biopotential signal, detecting a pacing system malfunction, detecting a cause of the malfunction, and displaying the detected malfunction and detected cause of the malfunction. A pacing system is also disclosed herein. The system includes an electrode array that receives a biopotential signal associated with the pacing system. A malfunction detector applies a malfunction logic to the biopotential signal to identify a pacing system malfunction and applies a morphology logic to the biopotential signal to identify a morphology of the biopotential signal. An output generator receives an indication of the identified pacing system malfunction and the identified cause of the malfunction and creates an output indicative of the identified pacing system malfunction and the identified cause.

Abstract: A method for assembling a programmer for a medical device includes assembling a housing member, a first circuit board, a second circuit board, and a plate member in a stacked z-axis configuration.

Abstract: A cardiac stimulator has an implantable cardiac lead that carries a temperature sensitive element with a surface thereof in contact with biological matter. The temperature sensitive element emits a temperature signal corresponding to the temperature of biological matter, such as blood, in contact with the surface of the temperature sensitive element. Processing circuitry receives the temperature signal and determines a variability thereof within a selected time interval. A status signal is emitted dependent on this variability.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that characterize cardiac function using an acceleration sensor to acquire and analyze the frequency dynamics associated with the isovolumic contraction phase (“ICP”). This information can be used to characterize heart function; optimize therapy for cardiomyopathy, including CRT therapy (including pacing intervals and required pharmacologic therapy); and to optimize CCM therapy. In addition, this information can be used to identify target pacing regions for CRT lead placement. Further, analyzing the frequency dynamics can be used to characterize pathologic heart vibrational motion, such as mitral regurgitation and the third or fourth heart sound, and the response of this motion to therapy for cardiomyopathy.

Abstract: Methods and systems for classifying cardiac responses to pacing stimulation and/or preventing retrograde cardiac conduction are described. Following delivery of a pacing pulse to an atrium of the patient's heart during a cardiac cycle, the system senses in the atrium for a retrograde P-wave. The system classifies the atrial response to the pacing pulse based on detection of the retrograde P-wave. The system may also sense for an atrial evoked response and utilize the atrial evoked response in classifying the cardiac pacing response.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a cardiac function management device or other implantable medical device that includes a test mode and a diagnostic mode. During a test mode, the device cycles through various electrode configurations for collecting thoracic impedance data. At least one figure of merit is calculated from the impedance data for each such electrode configuration. In one example, only non-arrhythmic beats are used for computing the figure of merit. A particular electrode configuration is automatically selected using the figure of merit. During a diagnostic mode, the device collects impedance data using the selected electrode configuration. In one example, the figure of merit includes a ratio of a cardiac stroke amplitude and a respiration amplitude. Other examples of the figure of merit are also described.

Abstract: A method of tuning a cardiac prosthetic pacing device includes (a) monitoring the flow output from the heart, and (b) adjusting the timing of pacing events by the cardiac prosthetic pacing device so as to optimise the flow from the heart under operational conditions.

Abstract: In some examples, this disclosure describes techniques for assessing hemodynamic intolerance of ventricular pacing. A method comprises sensing a parameter indicative of autonomic tone during a first period in which a medical device delivers ventricular pacing to a patient, sensing the parameter indicative of autonomic tone during a second period in which the medical device does not deliver ventricular pacing to the patient, and assessing a level of change in autonomic tone in the patient induced by ventricular pacing based on values of the sensed parameter during the first and second periods.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes providing a first value indicative of electrode polarization, delivering a cardiac stimulus and determining a second value indicative of electrode polarization associated with the cardiac stimulus, comparing the second value to the first value to determine whether a change in cardiac condition has occurred and, based at least in part on the comparing, deciding whether to adjust a cardiac stimulation therapy.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices and for optimizing location of implanted leads. The system displays a graph of the right ventricle pacing interval (PRV) vs. left ventricle pacing interval (PLV) diagram at maximal stroke volume and or a graph of a responder curve that demonstrates the stroke volume obtained beat after beat by the implanted hemodynamic sensor with dynamically optimized AV and VV parameters. The system lends itself easily to be used as a remote monitoring means for active and resting patients.

Abstract: A programming-device user interface may include multiple levels of abstraction for programming treatment settings. A stimulation zone-programming interface may be at a highest level of abstraction and may include idealized stimulation zones. A field strength-programming interface may be at a middle level of abstraction and may include electromagnetic field-strength patterns generated by the stimulation zones, and/or electrode settings, and a depiction of how the electromagnetic fields interact with each other. An electrode-programming interface may be at a lowest level of abstraction and may depict treatment settings at an electrodes-view level. These interfaces may include a display of a stimulatable area of the patient's body. The display may include a depiction of leads and/or the underlying physiology, such as a depiction of a portion of a spine. Algorithms map treatment settings from one level of abstraction to settings at one or more other levels of abstraction.

Abstract: A comparator is arranged to compare a series of analog voltage signal samples on a first capacitor with a voltage on a second capacitor which is linearly increased or decreased to equal the sample value. The comparator's single output freezes the count of the counter at counts which are proportional to the voltage of the respective samples. In this manner, analog to digital conversion can be accomplished using a single line between the analog and digital sides of a circuit, thereby reducing parasitic capacitance.

Abstract: Techniques for performing lead functionality tests, e.g., lead impedance tests, for implantable electrical leads are described. In some of the described embodiments, an implantable medical device determines whether a patient is in a target activity state, e.g., an activity state in which lead impedance testing will be unobtrusive, such as when a patient is asleep, or capture information of particular interest, such as when the patient is active, in a particular posture, or changing postures. The implantable medical device performs the lead functionality test based on this determination. Additionally, in some embodiments, the implantable medical device may group a plurality of measurements for a single lead functionality test into a plurality of sessions, and perform the measurement sessions interleaved with delivery of therapeutic stimulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in which an evoked response electrogram is recorded during one or more cardiac cycles and used to aid in the selection of resynchronization pacing parameters and/or to monitor the effectiveness of resynchronization therapy. The morphology of an evoked response electrogram may be recorded and analyzed to determine if and when intrinsic activation of one ventricle is occurring in order to optimally adjust the programmed atrio-ventricular (AV) delay interval for ventricular resynchronization pacing of a patient with intact AV node conduction.

Abstract: An implantable medical device system that senses physiologic processes via multiple sensor signal configurations. The device can further process the sensor configurations to obtain additional processed signal configurations. The device can utilize the processed configurations for ongoing sensing of the physiologic process. The device can also automatically evaluate the multiple sensor configurations as well as the processed configurations and select the configuration offering the best signal discrimination to reduce oversensing or erroneously interpreting secondary characteristics of the physiologic process as corresponding to primary characteristics of the process as in double-counting. The signal discrimination can be evaluated as an absolute margin and/or a ratio between amplitudes of the primary and secondary characteristics. The signal discrimination can also be evaluated based at least in part on a calculated mean and standard deviation according to each configuration.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting lead adequacy and quality is disclosed. The system includes leads attached to a package having known electrical or optical characteristics. The package is adapted to interface with a testing device that allows the operator to ascertain whether the leads are appropriate for the desired task. This allows the testing of the lead set without the need to remove it from the package. The system of the present invention generally includes packaging of known electrical or optical characteristics, a package testing interface, and a lead testing assembly including hardware and/or software to determine whether the leads in question fulfill the desired characteristics. The lead testing assembly may be freestanding or may be incorporated into an existing testing instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method may operate to provide a connection signal using a first contact, measure a waveshape associated with a corresponding connection signal arising from the connection signal at a second contact connected to a first electrode using a lead, and provide a comparison result after determining whether the lead is a preselected lead type based on the waveshape.

Abstract: An implantable medical device with a notification system. The device monitors itself and an implantee for one or more condition indicating notification and delivers the notification at a time the patient is determined to be wakeful and, optionally, at relative rest. The notification can be repeated periodically until acknowledged by the user or the system is evaluated and reprogrammed by the physician. A user input can be included to provide the device confirmation of receipt of the notification as well as to delay delivery of any indicated subsequent notifications. The notification is provided without requiring any additional or special dedicated hardware.

Abstract: Solid state piezoelectric or Lorentzian components are utilized to generate electrical energy in an implanted device. The energy generated from tissue displacement is stored and made available for use as a cardiac pacing charge to be delivered by the device when a triggering condition, such as an arrhythmia is detected. A plurality of implanted devices can be used to collectively provide one or more pacing charges.

Abstract: A pacing system analyzer (PSA) having three or more individually controllable sensing and pacing channels provides for testing and measurement during an operation for implanting a pacemaker having three or more sensing and pacing channels. The PSA allows control and adjustment of pacing parameters including cross-channel pacing parameters relating activities between any two of the three or more channels, such as atrioventricular and interventricular pacing delays. The PSA is also capable of, among other things, displaying real-time cardiac signals, measuring amplitude and slew rate of cardiac depolarizations, and measuring lead impedance for each of the sensing and pacing channels, as well as measuring time intervals between cardiac depolarizations in two different sensing and pacing channels. In one embodiment, the PSA includes individually controllable atrial, right ventricular (RV), and left ventricular (LV) sensing and pacing channels.

Abstract: Methods and systems for classifying cardiac responses to pacing stimulation and/or preventing retrograde cardiac conduction are described. Following delivery of a pacing pulse to an atrium of the patient'heart during a cardiac cycle, the system senses in the atrium for a retrograde P-wave. The system classifies the atrial response to the pacing pulse based on detection of the retrograde P-wave. The system may also sense for an atrial evoked response and utilize the atrial evoked response in classifying the cardiac pacing response.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an implantable medical device that includes a storage circuit. The storage circuit includes a first stage circuit configured to receive an input signal and to invert and store information about a data bit received in the input signal, a second stage circuit coupled to the output of the first stage circuit to invert and store information about a data bit received from the first stage circuit, and an error circuit coupled to the output of the first stage circuit and an output of the second stage circuit. The error circuit generates an error indication when the storage circuit outputs match while the first stage circuit and the second stage circuit are in an inactive state.

Abstract: Methods and systems involve multi-chamber cardiac capture detection utilizing sensing during a cross-chamber refractory period. First and second pacing pulses are delivered to first and second heart chamber. Capture or non-capture of the second heart chamber is determined. Sensing in the first heart chamber is performed to sense for cross-chamber propagation initiated by the second pacing pulse. Capture of the first chamber is detected if capture of the second heart chamber is detected and if the cross-chamber propagation is not detected.

Abstract: A system is described. The system includes a lithium battery, a charge storage capacitor electrically connected to the lithium battery, a first device, and at least one second device. The first device is electrically connected to the lithium battery and is powered by the lithium battery. The at least one second device is attached to the charge storage capacitor and adapted to read a rate of charge storage in the charge storage capacitor or to calculate the rate of charge storage by measuring both a time of charging and a charge stored or added to the charge storage capacitor during the time of charging.

Abstract: A heart stimulator provides a reliable automatic capture threshold search feature. A stimulation pulse generator is connected to at least a ventricular stimulation electrode for delivering electric stimulation pulses to at least the ventricle of the heart. The stimulation pulses generated have a strength depending on a control signal. A sensing stage is connected to an electrode for picking up electric potentials inside at least said ventricle of a heart and a control unit connected to the sensing stage and to the stimulation pulse generator determines points of time for scheduling stimulation pulses, to trigger the stimulation pulse generator so as to deliver a stimulation pulse when scheduled and to put out control signals for controlling the strength of the stimulation pulse. The control unit is further adapted to perform a capture analysis which may take into account extraordinary events.

Abstract: A bus system is provided for implantable medical devices. The bus system provides for flexible and reliable communication between subsystems in an implantable medical device. The bus system facilitates a wide variety of communications between various subsystems. These various subsystems can include one or more sensing devices, processors, data storage devices, patient alert devices, power management devices, signal processing and other devices implemented to perform a variety of different functions.

Abstract: Cardiac devices and methods provide adaptation of detection windows used to determine a cardiac response to pacing. Adapting a detection window involves sensing a cardiac signal indicative of a particular type of cardiac pacing response, and detecting a feature of the sensed cardiac signal. The cardiac response detection window associated with the type of cardiac pacing response is preferentially adjusted based on the location of the detected cardiac feature. Preferential adjustment of the detection window may involve determining a direction of change between the detection window and the detected feature. The detection window may be adapted more aggressively in a more preferred direction and less aggressively in a less preferred direction.

Abstract: A technique for analyzing cardiographic measurements includes receiving bioimpedance information of a subject and determining a rate of change of blood flow based on the bioimpedance information. If the rate of change of blood flow includes at least two peaks during the systole of the subject, a time difference based on at least one of the two of the peaks is determined and compared to a threshold time. A technique for using the cardiographic measurements of the subject further includes if the determined time is greater than the threshold time, implanting a pacemaker in the subject and if the determined time is not greater than the threshold time, not implanting a pacemaker in the subject.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for performing a lead condition assessment and/or a lead orientation determination associated with an implantable medical device (IMD). A first impedance is determined. The first impedance relates to the impedance relative to a first electrode and a portion of the IMD. A second impedance is determined. The second impedance relates to the impedance relative to a second electrode and the portion of the IMD. The first impedance is compared with the second impedance to determine an impedance difference. A determination is made whether the impedance difference is outside a predetermined tolerance range. Furthermore, artifact measured during impedance measurements or test pulses may be compared to assess lead orientation. An indication of a lead condition error is provided in response to determining that the impedance difference is outside the predetermined tolerance range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in which an evoked response electrogram is recorded during one or more cardiac cycles and used to aid in the selection of resynchronization pacing parameters and/or to monitor the effectiveness of resynchronization therapy. The morphology of an evoked response electrogram may be recorded and analyzed to determine if and when intrinsic activation of one ventricle is occurring in order to optimally adjust the programmed atrio-ventricular (AV) delay interval for ventricular resynchronization pacing of a patient with intact AV node conduction.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for rapidly optimizing control parameters of pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Briefly, the heart is paced using different sets of control parameters during a sequence of consecutive short evaluation periods of equal duration, which each last only about 5-12 seconds. Transient cardiac performance is monitored during each of the short evaluation phases and optimal parameter settings are then estimated based on changes in the transient cardiac performance from one parameter setting to another. By using a series of consecutive short evaluation periods of equal duration, rather than switching between short test periods and longer baseline periods, the overall duration of the test can be reduced as compared to predecessor techniques that require long intervening baseline periods.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter/defibrillator with the capability of receiving communications in the form of speech spoken by the patient. An acoustic transducer is incorporated within the device which along with associated filtering circuitry enables the voice communication to be used to affect the operation of the device or recorded for later playback.

Abstract: An external indicator device presents parameters associated with stimulation therapy generated by a pulse generator, which may be associated with an external or implantable stimulation device. In this manner, the external indicator device enables a user to visualize stimulation parameters without actually delivering stimulation therapy to a patient via implanted electrodes. The electrical stimulation parameters may include electrical amplitude levels, pulse widths, pulse rates, electrode combinations, and electrode polarities for stimulation generated by the pulse generator.