Abstract: A tibial nerve stimulation device including a percutaneous electrode for inserting adjacent a stimulation site of a patient and a neurostimulator unit attachable to a transcutaneous electrode configured to be applied to skin adjacent the stimulation site. The neurostimulator unit includes a pulse generator electrically coupled to the percutaneous needle electrode and transcutaneous electrode and a microcontroller in communication with the pulse generator for monitoring a number of available treatment credits and activating the pulse generator, each available treatment credit corresponding to a treatment session and the pulse generator operable to be activated for performing the treatment session when the number of available treatment credits is at least one. A computer system is operable to communicate with the microcontroller of the neurostimulator unit for receiving a treatment credit request and transmitting the number of treatment credits purchased to the microcontroller of the neurostimulator unit.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an indication of delivery of a neural stimulation therapy is disclosed. In an example, a method may include identifying current timing of an intermittent neural stimulation (INS) programmed in an implantable medical device (IMD) where the programmed INS includes alternating stimulation ON and stimulation OFF times and a timing for delivering stimulation bursts of a plurality of stimulation pulses during the stimulation burst ON times. An indication of the current timing of the INS may be provided using an INS indicator of an external device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for measuring and treating dysphagia may comprise: one or more dysphagia measuring sensor units attached to the neck of a patient; one or more electrical stimulation electrode units attached to the neck of the patient to provide electrical stimulation to the neck of the patient in accordance with the dysphagia signal sensed by the dysphagia measuring sensor units so as to resolve the dysphagia; and a control unit which controls the dysphagia measuring sensor units and the electrical stimulation electrode units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-frequency stimulator using music, and a weight-loss assisting system having a low-frequency stimulator. The low-frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a beat extracting unit extracting a beat through a sound pressure magnitude comparison between one or more acoustic signals having different frequencies generated when music is played on a music player; a pulse generator generating a pulse having the same magnitude as that of the extracted beat; and a pair of electrode pads attached to a user's body and applying an electrical stimulus having an intensity corresponding to the magnitude of the generated pulse to the user's body.

Abstract: A system for an electrical neurostimulator coupled to a plurality of electrodes. The system comprises a user-controlled input device configured for generating directional control signals. The system further comprises control circuitry configured for sequentially defining a plurality of different ideal multipole configurations that includes two orthogonal ideal tripole configurations relative to the plurality of electrodes in response to the directional control signals, generating a plurality of stimulation parameter sets respectively corresponding to the plurality of different ideal multipole configuration, each stimulation parameter set defining relative amplitude values for the plurality of electrodes that emulate the respective multipole configuration, and instructing the electrical neurostimulator to convey electrical energy to the plurality of electrodes in accordance with the plurality of stimulation parameter sets.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a computer-implemented method that includes storing a volume of tissue activation (VTA) data structure that is derived from analysis of a plurality of patients. Patient data is received for a given patient, the patient data representing an assessment of a patient condition. The VTA data structure is evaluated relative to the patient data to determine a target VTA for achieving a desired therapeutic effect for the given patient.

Abstract: A patient programmer can have a progress module, wherein the progress module may obtain progress input from a patient in which the generator is implanted. The progress module may include sensors that are able to obtain progress input based on patient interactions with sensors coupled to the patient programmer. The progress module may also include an interface that poses progress-related questions to the patient and obtains responses to the questions from the patient. The patient programmer is also able to store the progress input for reporting purposes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for at least partially fitting a medical implant system to a patient is described. These apparatuses and methods comprise executing a genetic algorithm to select a set of parameter values for the medical implant system. This genetic algorithm may comprise executing a tabu search wherein value sets that are determined to be bad are added to a tabu list that may be consulted to exclude tabu value sets from successive generations of the genetic algorithm.

Abstract: A system for operating a medical device, the system comprises a medical device associated with a machine-readable representation of data and a medical programmer. The medical programmer includes a sensor configured to detect the machine-readable representation of data and a display configured to graphically display a digital image of the medical device associated with the machine-readable representation of data.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management (CRM) system includes a programming device that determines parameters for programming an implantable medical device based on patient-specific information including indications for use of the implantable medical device. By executing an indication-based programming algorithm, the programming device substantially automates the process between the diagnosis of a patient and the programming of an implantable medical device using parameters individually determined for that patient.

Abstract: A system level scheme for networking of implantable devices, electronic patch devices/sensors coupled to the body, and wearable sensors/devices with cellular telephone/mobile devices, peripheral devices and remote servers is described.

Abstract: A scientific computer system with processor capable of recording, storing, and reprogramming the natural electrical signals of cancer cells as found in tumors of humans and animals. The reprogramming process is designed to create a confounding electrical signal for retransmission into a malignant tumor to damage or shut-down the cellular internal electrical communication system. Altering the electrical charge on the glycocalyx of the outer cell membrane is also part of the treatment by application of ions. The invention causes cancer cell death as a medical treatment using ultra-low voltage and amperage encoded signals which are reprogrammed from cancer cell communication signals.

Abstract: An example of a method performed by an implantable medical device (IMD) to deliver a therapy to a patient may include delivering the therapy to the patient, detecting a trigger that is controlled by the patient or a caregiver to the patient, and determining if at least one feature of the IMD for responding to a trigger is enabled. The IMD may be configured to allow the patient or the caregiver to the patient to enable the at least one feature. The method may further include, when the at least one feature is enabled, automatically implementing the at least one enabled feature in response to the detected trigger, including automatically suspending the therapy in response to the detected trigger and automatically restoring the therapy after a defined period after the detected trigger.

Abstract: The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (tLESRs). Individuals with tLESRs may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements.

Abstract: A therapy program is modified to decompose an electrical stimulation signal defined by the therapy program into a plurality of subsignals based on a comparison between an energy associated with the stimulation signal and a threshold value. An electrical stimulation signal defined by a therapy program may be decomposed into a plurality of subsignals when an electrical stimulation energy of the stimulation signal exceeds the maximum energy output of the medical device or of a channel of the medical device. The energy associated with each one of the subsignals may be less than the energy threshold value of the medical device.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold.

Abstract: The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of GERD. Individuals with GERD may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a device for electroporating and delivering one or more antigens and a method of electroporating and delivering one or more antigens to cells of epidermal tissues using the device. The device comprises a housing, a plurality of electrode arrays projecting from the housing, each electrode array including at least one electrode, a pulse generator electrically coupled to the electrodes, a programmable microcontroller electrically coupled to the pulse generator, and an electrical power source coupled to the pulse generator and the microcontroller. The electrode arrays define spatially separate sites.

Abstract: A system to increase the reliability of the electrical connections between the electrodes and the battery/controlling electronics of an electrical stimulating device as DBS (Deep Brain Stimulator), heart pacemakers and the like. We disclose a redundant male/female connector and/or a set of redundant wires to improve the reliability of the connections between the electrodes at a first location and the battery/controlling electronics at a second location. The redundant male/female connector serves as a backup for a potential loss of electrical continuity due to the adverse effect of body fluids, and the redundant wires serve as a backup for potential loss of electrical continuity due to repetitive muscle movement causing wire movement and stress. DBS connecting wires, that ran behind the ear down the neck of the patient, are subjected to repetitive stresses due to neck twisting and therefore at high risk of breaking.

Abstract: A system may include an active implantable medical device implantable in a body of a patient and a patient programmer for the AIMD. The patient programmer may be configured to obtain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility information relating to compatibility of the AIMD with an MRI modality.

Abstract: An embodiment relates to a method for delivering a vagal stimulation therapy to a vagus nerve, including delivering a neural stimulation signal to non-selectively stimulate both afferent axons and efferent axons in the vagus nerve according to a predetermined schedule for the vagal stimulation therapy, and selecting a value for at least one parameter for the predetermined schedule for the vagal stimulation therapy to control the neural stimulation therapy to avoid physiological habituation to the vagal stimulation therapy. The parameter(s) include at least one parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting of a predetermined therapy duration parameter for a predetermined therapy period, and a predetermined intermittent neural stimulation parameter associated with on/off timing for the intermittent neural stimulation parameter.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a user interface with a menu that facilitates stimulation therapy programming. The user interface displays a representation of the electrical leads implanted in the patient and at least one menu with icons that the user can use to adjust the stimulation therapy. The user may drag one or more field shapes from a field shape selection menu onto the desired location relative to the electrical leads. A manipulation tool menu may also allow the user to adjust the field shapes placed on the electrical leads, which represent the stimulation region. The programmer that includes the user interface then generates electrical stimulation parameter values for the stimulator to deliver stimulation according to the field shapes or field shape groups defined/located by the user. The field shapes may represent different types of stimulation representations, such as current density, activation functions, and neuron models.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely programming a patient medical device (PMD) is presented. Programming instructions specified remotely are translated into commands formatted for a PMD to control functionality thereof. Correctness of the PMD-formatted commands is checked. Patient consent to modify the functionality of the PMD is confirmed. Application of the PMD-formatted commands to the PMD is controlled during a programming session initiated and performed remotely. The application of the PMD-formatted commands is confirmed through interrogation of the PMD to verify the functionality modified.

Abstract: A medical device communication system includes a receiver adapted to receive radio frequency (RF) signals and configured to operate in a first mode to poll for an RF signal for a first time interval to detect an element of a valid input signal during the first time interval. In response to detecting the element of a valid input signal in the first time interval, the receiver operates in a second mode to poll for the RF signal for a second time interval to analyze the RF signal over the second time interval to detect a valid modulation of the RF signal. In response to detecting a valid modulation of the RF signal during the second time interval, the receiver is enabled to establish a communication session with a transmitting device.

Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats a disease or medical condition of a patient through application of stimulation pulses applied at a specified acupoint or other target tissue location. In a preferred implementation, the IEAD is an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.

Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats cardiovascular disease through application of stimulation pulses applied at at least one of acupoints EX-HN1, BL14, HT7, HT5, PC6, ST36, LI11, LU7 and LU2. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4 is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.

Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats obese conditions of a patient through application of stimulation pulses applied at acupoints SP4, LR8 or ST40, or their underlying nerves saphenous and peroneal. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting lead migration through the use of measured artifactual data about the tissue in the vicinity of the lead.

Abstract: An Implantable ElectroAcupuncture Device (IEAD) treats dyslipidemia conditions of a patient through application of stimulation pulses applied at acupoint ST40, or its underlying nerves saphenous and peroneal. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.

Abstract: An Implantable ElectroAcupuncture System (IEAS) treats dyslipidemia or obesity through application of stimulation pulses applied at at least one of acupoints ST36, SP4, ST37, ST40, SP6, SP9, K16, or LR8, or underlying nerves saphenous or peroneal. The IEAS includes an hermetically-sealed implantable electroacupuncture (EA) device having at least two electrodes located outside of its housing. The housing contains a primary power source, pulse generation circuitry, and a sensor that wirelessly senses externally-generated operating commands. The pulse generation circuitry generates stimulation pulses as controlled, at least in part, by the operating commands sensed through the sensor. The stimulation pulses are applied to the specified acupoint or nerve through the electrodes in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Such stimulation regimen requires that the stimulation session be applied at a very low duty cycle not greater than 0.05.

Abstract: A therapy system for applying an electrical signal to a target nerve includes an electrode, an implantable component and an external component. The electrode has an impedance of at least about 2000 ohms. The electrical signal is applied using constant current or constant voltage.

Abstract: A control module for an electrical stimulation system includes a casing having an electrically-conductive portion; an electronic subassembly disposed in the casing; and a header portion coupled to the casing and including a connector for a lead or lead extension. The control module also includes a feedthrough assembly coupling the casing to the header portion. The feedthrough assembly includes a non-conductive ceramic block; conductive feedthrough pins passing through the ceramic block and electrically coupling the connector to the electronic subassembly disposed in the casing; a metal flange disposed around, and attached to, the ceramic block, and a non-conductive spacer attached to the metal flange and to the casing to raise the ceramic block above, and away from, the casing. Other control modules include a ceramic block that has a rim portion that raises the plate portion, through which the feedthrough pins pass, of the block away from the casing.

Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure relates to a system for dynamic battery management in implantable medical devices. An embodiment of the system includes two or more devices for measuring battery capacity for an implantable medical device battery. The embodiment also includes a controller connected to the measuring devices. The controller is adapted to combine the measurements from the measuring devices using a weighted average to determine battery capacity consumed. According to various embodiments, at least one of the measuring devices includes a coulometer. At least one of the measuring devices includes a capacity-by-voltage device, according to an embodiment. The system further includes a display in communication with the controller in various embodiments. The display is adapted to provide a depiction of battery longevity in units of time remaining in the life of the implantable medical device battery, according to various embodiments. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats a medical condition of a patient through application of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation pulses applied at a target tissue location, such as an acupoint. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates EA stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.

Abstract: Techniques for modeling therapy fields for therapy delivered by medical devices are described. Each therapy field model is based on a set of therapy parameters and represents where therapy will propagate from the therapy system delivering therapy according to the set of therapy parameters. Therapy field models may be useful in guiding the modification of therapy parameters. As one example, a processor compares an algorithmic model of a therapy field to a reference therapy field and adjusts at least one therapy parameter based on the comparison. As another example, a processor adjusts at least one therapy parameter to increase an operating efficiency of the therapy system while substantially maintaining the modeled therapy field.

Abstract: A stimulation system, such as a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system, having a programmer for identifying an area for electrical stimulation to treat a patient. The programmer includes a communication interface, a display screen, and a user interface. The communication interface communicates with the electrical stimulation generator to generate electrical stimulation and the display screen displays a patient model. The user interface receives user input identifying an area of pain on the patient model via a selection of the area of the body part. The programmer then associates the area of pain identified with a spinal column location, and displays on the display screen a suggested medical lead position and/or a suggested stimulation area on an image of a spinal column based on the step of associating.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring vital signs of one or more living subjects comprises a monitoring station and at least one sensor in communication with the monitoring station. The sensor comprises an antenna system, an ultra wideband radar system coupled to the antenna system, a signal processor and a communication system. The signal processor is connected to receive a signal from the ultra wideband radar system and configured to extract from the signal information about one or more vital signs of a person or animal in a sensing volume corresponding to the antenna system. The communication system is configured to transmit the information to the monitoring station.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation apparatus and an electrical stimulation method are provided. The electrical stimulation apparatus may include an electrode unit, a measurement unit and a stimulation unit. The electrode unit is used for contacting a tissue of interest (target tissue). The measurement unit is coupled to the electrode unit. The measurement unit measure a tissue characteristic of the target tissue. The stimulation unit is coupled to the measurement unit and the electrode unit. The stimulation unit stimulates the target tissue through the electrode unit by using an electrical stimulation signal, and the stimulation unit determines an amount of charge of the electrical stimulation signal according to the tissue characteristic measured by the measurement unit.

Abstract: A sub-system for controlling a medical device comprises memory including a first table and a second table. The first table stores blocks of event data corresponding to events that are to be performed during a period of time (e.g., a 0.5 sec. or 1 sec. period of time). The second table stores blocks of time data corresponding to the period of time. The implantable stimulation system also includes a direct memory access (DMA) controller including a first DMA channel and a second DMA channel. The first DMA channel selectively transfers one of the blocks event data from the first table to one or more registers that are used to control events. The second DMA channel selectively transfers one of the blocks of time data from the second table to a timer that is used to control timing associated with the events.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a chronic implantable neurostimulator that supports trial and chronic modes of operation. The implantable neurostimulator can alternatively include one or more sensors that may or may not function differently in trial and chronic modes. In particular, the device is designed to be used as both a trial neurostimulator and a permanent, or chronic, neurostimulator. A trial neurostimulation period is generally desired to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy. A percutaneous or implantable trial neurostimulator is used for the trial neurostimulation period. In most cases, the trial period is successful, in which case the trial stimulator is explanted and replaced with a permanent, i.e., “chronic,” implantable stimulator. In accordance with the disclosure, an implantable neurostimulator supports both trial neurostimulation and chronic neurostimulation in the event trial stimulation is successful.

Abstract: A system for providing electrical stimulation of cervical vagus nerves for treatment of chronic cardiac dysfunction with bounded titration is provided. The system includes a patient-operable external controller to transmit a plurality of unique signals. The system further includes an implantable neurostimulator, which includes a pulse generator to deliver electrical therapeutic stimulation tuned to restore autonomic balance through continuously-cycling, intermittent and periodic electrical pulses that result in creation and propagation (in both afferent and efferent directions) of action potentials within the cervical vagus nerve of a patient through a pair of helical electrodes via an electrically coupled nerve stimulation therapy lead.

Abstract: A transcutaneous waveform generator capable of producing a therapeutic shaped wave that may be administered to the user without perception of electrical stimulation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for programming and logging medical device and patient data are provided. The systems include a handheld device, which is capable of communicating with a medical device, and a base station, which provides connectivity for the handheld device to accomplish various functions such as recharging, programming, data back-up and data entry. The methods comprise the steps of detecting a medical device, obtaining and recording information from the medical device. Additionally, medical device parameters may be modified and the recorded information may be archived for future reference.

Abstract: A system and method for modifying the parameters of an implantable medical device includes an implantable medical device that communicates with a remote control device that, in turn, communicates through the browser of a computer or any other device capable of using mark-up language protocol. The computer optionally communicates with other computers and/or devices through a network.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a chronic implantable neurostimulator that supports trial and chronic modes of operation. The implantable neurostimulator can alternatively include one or more sensors that may or may not function differently in trial and chronic modes. In particular, the device is designed to be used as both a trial neurostimulator and a permanent, or chronic, neurostimulator. A trial neurostimulation period is generally desired to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy. A percutaneous or implantable trial neurostimulator is used for the trial neurostimulation period. In most cases, the trial period is successful, in which case the trial stimulator is explanted and replaced with a permanent, i.e., “chronic,” implantable stimulator. In accordance with the disclosure, an implantable neurostimulator supports both trial neurostimulation and chronic neurostimulation in the event trial stimulation is successful.

Abstract: An ingestible therapy activator system and method are provided. In one aspect, the ingestible therapy activator includes an ingestible device having an effector module to send an effector instruction and a responder module associated with a therapeutic device. The responder module may receive and process the effector instruction, resulting in a response by the therapeutic device. Examples of responses by therapeutic device include activating a therapy, deactivating a therapy, modulating a therapy, and discontinuing a therapy.

Abstract: A method and neurostimulation control system for programming electrodes disposed adjacent tissue of a patient. A fixed spatial grid of electrode positions is generated. One of the electrodes is designated as a reference electrode to be currently examined, and assigned to one of the electrode grid positions. One or more previously unassigned ones of the electrodes neighboring the reference electrode are assigned respectively to one or more of the electrode grid positions immediately surrounding the electrode grid position to which the reference electrode is assigned. The electrodes are programmed based on the assignment of the electrodes to the electrode grid positions.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for providing a stimulation signal comprising a variable ramping portion using an implantable medical device (IMD). The first electrical comprises a first ramping portion. The first ramping portion comprises a first parameter and having a first value. The first electrical signal is applied to a target location of the patient's body. A second electrical signal comprising a second ramping portion is generated. The second ramping portion comprises the first parameter having a second value that is different from the first value. The second electrical signal is applied to a target location of the patient's body.

Abstract: A system and method of providing therapy to a patient using a plurality of electrodes implanted within the patient. A virtual multipole configuration is defined relative to the plurality of electrodes. The distance between each of a group of the electrodes and a virtual pole of the virtual multipole configuration is determined. A stimulation amplitude distribution is determined for the electrode group based on the determined distances, thereby emulating the virtual multipole configuration. Electrical energy is conveyed from the electrode group in accordance with the computed stimulation amplitude distribution.

Abstract: A method for programming a neurostimulator includes automatically performing a series of steps. One or more control elements may be actuated to select the series of steps from a plurality of series of steps stored in a memory of an external control device. One or more control elements may be actuated during the performance of the series of steps in order to cause one of the steps to pause, stop, restart, skip, or repeat. The series of steps may be a series of pre-programming steps, and the method may further include programming the neurostimulator after the series of pre-programming steps is performed. An external device for programming the neurostimulator includes control circuitry configured for automatically performing the series of steps, and a user interface including the one or more control elements configured for being actuated. The control device also includes the memory for storing the plurality of series of steps.