Method for optimizing location of implanted electrode array during implant surgery
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for determining an effectual placement of an electrode array during a surgical procedure to implant the lead is provided. This method involves placing a lead having electrodes in a first location in a patient then (1) activating electrical stimulation to produce paresthesia, (2) “electronically trolling” the length of the electrode array and (3) determining whether the paresthesia is in an effective location. If the paresthesia is not in an effective location to match the location of the pain, the lead is moved to a different location steps (1) through (3) are repeated. The process of electronically trolling involves moving the electrical stimulation along the electrode array so that all regions of the electrode array provide stimulation. This method reduces or eliminates the need to move the lead during the implant procedure and thus simplifies the implant procedure compared to the currently used physical trolling method, reducing the risks to the patient. Additionally, this method saves time and improves outcomes by allowing multiple electrode combinations to be tested in a relatively short amount of time.
32 Citations
34 Claims
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1-15. -15. (canceled)
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16. A method for determining an effectual placement of an electrode array during a surgical implant procedure comprising:
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(a) placing a lead having electrodes in a first location in a patient;
(b) activating electrical stimulation to produce paresthesia;
(c) electronically trolling the length of said electrode array;
(d) determining whether the paresthesia is in an effective location;
(e) if the paresthesia is not in an effective location, moving the lead to a different location and repeating steps (b) through (d). - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method for determining an effectual placement of an electrode array during a surgical implant procedure comprising:
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(a) placing a lead having electrodes in a first location in a patient;
(b) providing electrical stimulation to produce paresthesia, the electrical stimulation defined by a first set of stimulation parameters specified by software;
(c) determining whether the paresthesia is in an effective location;
(d) providing electrical stimulation defined by a different set of stimulation parameters specified in software;
(e) determining whether the paresthesia is in an effective location;
(f) repeating steps (d) and (e) until effective paresthesia is obtained or all sets of stimulation parameters specified by software have been provided;
(g) if effective paresthesia is not obtained, moving the lead to a different location; and
(h) repeating steps (b) through (g) until effective paresthesia is obtained. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A method for determining an effectual placement of an electrode array for the treatment of pain comprising:
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(a) placing a lead having electrodes in a first location in a patient;
(b) providing electrical stimulation to produce paresthesia, the electrical stimulation defined by a first set of stimulation parameters contained in a steering table;
(c) determining whether the location of the paresthesia effectively matches the location of the pain;
(d) if it does not, providing electrical stimulation defined by a different set of stimulation parameters contained in said steering table;
(e) repeating steps (c) and (d) until effective paresthesia is obtained or electrical stimulation defined by a representative number of sets of stimulation parameters has been provided;
(f) if the location of the paresthesia still does not effectively match the location of the pain, moving the lead to a different location; and
(g) repeating steps (b) through (f) until the location of the paresthesia effectively matches the location of the pain. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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Specification