Implantable neurostimulator supporting trial and chronic modes
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- implanting a neurostimulator in a patient;
operating the neurostimulator in a trial mode to evaluate efficacy of the neurostimulation;
sensing with one or more sensors one or more parameters related to the patient during the trial mode; and
operating the neurostimulator in a chronic mode if the trial mode indicates an acceptable level of efficacy.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
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. In this manner, the additional surgery ordinarily required for replacement of the trial stimulator can be avoided. Instead, the implanted neurostimulation device remains implanted and is reconfigured to transition from trial stimulation to chronic stimulation.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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implanting a neurostimulator in a patient;
operating the neurostimulator in a trial mode to evaluate efficacy of the neurostimulation;
sensing with one or more sensors one or more parameters related to the patient during the trial mode; and
operating the neurostimulator in a chronic mode if the trial mode indicates an acceptable level of efficacy. - 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, 27, 28)
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29. An implantable neurostimulator comprising:
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a pulse generator;
one or more sensors configured to sense one or more parameters related to the patient;
a memory storing a trial mode program and a chronic mode program; and
a processor that controls both the pulse generator to apply stimulation pulses according to either the trial mode program or the chronic mode program, and the one or more sensor to sense one or more patient parameters during the trial mode. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31)
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Specification