SYSTEM AND METHOD OF RAPID, COMFORTABLE PARAMETER SWITCHING IN SPINAL CORD STIMULATION
First Claim
1. A programmer for an electrode array configured for receiving stimulation pulses from an implantable pulse generator, the programmer configured for:
- selecting a new stimulation parameter set with a new combination of electrodes or electrode polarity;
selecting an initial stimulation level for the new stimulation parameter set, wherein the initial stimulation level is selected to be a non-zero value not to exceed an estimated perception threshold of a patient for the new stimulation parameter set;
generating initial stimulation commands based on the new stimulation parameter set and the selected initial stimulation level;
generating new stimulation commands based on the new stimulation parameter set and an increased stimulation level; and
providing the initial stimulation commands and the new stimulation commands to the pulse generator.
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Abstract
A system and method for rapidly switching stimulation parameters of a Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) system increases the number of stimulation parameter sets that may be tested during a fitting procedure, or alternatively, reduces the time required for the fitting procedure. The switching method comprises selecting a new stimulation parameter set, and setting the initial stimulation levels to levels at or just below an estimated perception threshold of the patient. The estimated perception level is based on previous stimulation results. The stimulation level is then increased to determine a minimum stimulation level for effective stimulation, and/or an optimal stimulation level, and/or a maximum stimulation level, based on patient perception.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A programmer for an electrode array configured for receiving stimulation pulses from an implantable pulse generator, the programmer configured for:
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selecting a new stimulation parameter set with a new combination of electrodes or electrode polarity; selecting an initial stimulation level for the new stimulation parameter set, wherein the initial stimulation level is selected to be a non-zero value not to exceed an estimated perception threshold of a patient for the new stimulation parameter set; generating initial stimulation commands based on the new stimulation parameter set and the selected initial stimulation level; generating new stimulation commands based on the new stimulation parameter set and an increased stimulation level; and providing the initial stimulation commands and the new stimulation commands to the pulse generator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A programmer for an electrode array configured for receiving stimulation pulses from an implantable pulse generator, the programmer, for each of a group of candidate stimulation parameter sets, configured for:
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selecting a trial stimulation parameter set with a new combination of electrodes or electrode polarity from a group of candidate stimulation parameter sets; selecting an initial stimulation level for the trial stimulation parameter set, wherein the initial stimulation level is selected to be a non-zero value not to exceed an estimated perception threshold of a patient for the trial stimulation parameter set; generating initial stimulation commands based on the new stimulation parameter set and the selected initial stimulation level; generating new stimulation commands based on the new stimulation parameter set and an increased stimulation level; providing the initial stimulation commands and the new stimulation commands to the pulse generator; and measuring the effectiveness of the stimulation pulses on the patient; and selecting the preferred stimulation parameter set based on measured effectiveness. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification