IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR HAVING CURRENT STEERING MEANS
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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.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1-17. -17. (canceled)
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18. A method comprising:
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storing an electrode combination map that maps an output of a control device to a predetermined subset of electrode combinations available from a set of electrodes implanted within a patient, wherein the electrode combinations specify polarities of electrodes of the set of electrodes; receiving the output from the control device, wherein the output reflects manipulation of a directional controller of the control device by a user; selecting one of the predetermined subset of electrode combinations based on the received output and the electrode combination map; and controlling a stimulation device coupled to the set of electrodes to apply electrical stimulation to the patient via the selected electrode combination. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A mapping system comprising:
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an input circuit to receive an output from a control device, the output reflecting manipulation of a directional controller of the control device by a user; an electrode combination map that maps the output of the control device to a predetermined subset of electrode combinations available from a set of electrodes implanted within a patient, wherein the electrode combinations specify polarities of electrodes of the set of electrodes; a telemetry circuit; and a processor to select one of the subset of electrode combinations based on the received output and the map, and provide the selected electrode combination to a stimulation device coupled to the set of electrodes via the telemetry circuit for application of electrical stimulation to the patient via the selected electrode combination. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30)
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37. A computer readable storage medium comprising instructions that cause a programmable processor to:
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receive an output from the control device that reflects manipulation of a directional controller of the control device by a user; select one of a predetermined subset of electrode combinations based on the received output and an electrode combination map, wherein the electrode combination map maps the output of the control device to the predetermined subset of electrode combinations available from a set of electrodes implanted within a patient, wherein the electrode combinations specify polarities of electrodes of the set of electrodes; and provide the selected electrode combination to a stimulation device coupled to the set of electrodes for application of electrical stimulation to the patient via the selected electrode combination.
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38. A mapping system comprising:
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an input circuit to receive an output from a control device, the output reflecting manipulation of a directional controller of the control device by a user; an electrode combination map that maps the output of the control device to a predetermined subset of electrode combinations available from a set of electrodes implanted within a patient, wherein the electrode combinations specify polarities of electrodes of the set of electrodes; and a processor to select one of the subset of electrode combinations based on the received output and the map, and control a stimulation device coupled to the set of electrodes to apply electrical stimulation to the patient via the selected electrode combination.
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Specification