Rechargeable spinal cord stimulator system
First Claim
1. A spinal cord stimulation system comprising:
- a multi-channel implantable pulse generator (IPG) having a replenishable power source, the IPG having a housing which contains IPG processing circuitry;
an implantable electrode array detachably connected to the IPG, the electrode array having a multiplicity of n electrodes (En) thereon; and
a multiplicity of m stimulation channels provided by the IPG, wherein each stimulation channel is independently programmable with different stimulation parameters, wherein m is equal to or less than n, and m is 2 or greater.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system includes multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) which channels can provide concurrent, but unique stimulation fields, permitting virtual electrodes to be realized. The SCS system includes a replenishable power source (e.g., rechargeable battery), that may be recharged using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery can be used to charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. An included bi-directional telemetry link in the system informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery. Other processing circuitry in the IPG allows electrode impedance measurements to be made. Further circuitry in the external battery charger can provide alignment detection for the coil pairs.
255 Citations
46 Claims
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1. A spinal cord stimulation system comprising:
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a multi-channel implantable pulse generator (IPG) having a replenishable power source, the IPG having a housing which contains IPG processing circuitry;
an implantable electrode array detachably connected to the IPG, the electrode array having a multiplicity of n electrodes (En) thereon; and
a multiplicity of m stimulation channels provided by the IPG, wherein each stimulation channel is independently programmable with different stimulation parameters, wherein m is equal to or less than n, and m is 2 or greater. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A spinal cord stimulation system comprising:
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implantable components including a multi-channel implantable pulse generator (IPG) having a replenishable power source;
an electrode array detachably connected to the IPG, the electrode array having a multiplicity of n electrodes (En) thereon; and
a real-time clock contained in the IPG to permit an auto-run schedule for operation of the IPG at certain times of the day. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A spinal cord stimulation system comprising:
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an implantable, multi-channel implantable pulse generator (IPG) having a replenishable power source;
an implantable electrode array detachably connected to the IPG, the electrode array having a multiplicity of n electrodes (En) thereon;
a secondary, implanted coil coupled electrically to the replenishable power source; and
an external battery charger including;
a primary coil;
a rechargeable battery contained in the charger, electrically coupled to the primary coil; and
a power amplifier for applying alternating current derived from the rechargeable battery in the charger to the primary coil, whereby the alternating current in the primary coil is transcutaneously transferred to the secondary implanted coil to the replenishable power source contained in the IPG. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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40. A method for implanting a spinal cord stimulator system into a patient for stimulation therapy, the method comprising:
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(a) implanting a nerve stimulation lead with a distally located, multi-electrode array placed near target tissue, said lead having a lead connector on the proximal end;
(b) connecting the lead connector to a percutaneous extension;
(c) externalizing the percutaneous extension through the skin;
(d) connecting an external trial stimulator (ETS) to the externalized lead extension;
(e) programming the stimulation parameters at first optimal values;
(f) waiting a specified period of time and re-programming the stimulation parameters to second optimal values;
(g) disconnecting the percutanous extension from the lead connector;
(h) connecting a multi-channel, implantable pulse generator to the lead connector;
(i) implanting the implantable pulse generator, while programmed to the second, optimal stimulation parameters.
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41. A method of charging a rechargeable battery contained within an implantable pulse generator (IPG), which IPG is connected to an implanted, secondary coil antenna, the method employing an external battery charger, which charger contains a rechargeable battery electrically connected to an external, primary antenna coil, the method comprising:
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(a) charging the rechargeable battery in the external battery charger using an external power source;
(b) aligning the primary antenna coil with the implanted secondary coil;
(c) broadcasting electromagnetic energy through the primary antenna coil;
(d) receiving the broadcast electromagnetic energy through the secondary antenna coil, whereby an alternating current is produced in the secondary coil;
(e) rectifying the induced, alternating current received by the secondary coil;
(f) charging the rechargeable battery carried within the IPG, while monitoring the charging current or voltage across the battery as the battery is being charged to prevent overcharging; and
(g) stopping the charging at the battery charger when the current or voltage at the battery in the IPG reaches a prescribed level. - View Dependent Claims (42, 43, 44)
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45. A spinal cord stimulation system comprising:
an implantable pulse generator (IPG) having a housing made of titanium 6-4.
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46. An implantable pulse generator (IPG) comprising:
a housing which is made of titanium 6-4.
Specification