Fitting process for a neural stimulation system
First Claim
1. A user interface for fitting a neural stimulation system to a particular user, wherein the neural stimulation system includes a multiplicity of implantable electrodes adapted to contact body tissue that is to be stimulated, and an implantable pulse generator connected to each of the multiplicity of electrodes having means for selectively activating a plurality of the implantable electrodes so that a stimulus current may be applied to the body tissue through selected electrodes, wherein the user interface comprises:
- processing means for displaying a series of screens in a wizard process that guides a user of the neural stimulation system through each step of a fitting process;
means for prompting the user through at least one of the displayed screens to select a stimulation channel;
means for prompting the user through at least one of the displayed screens to select an area of the body tissue where pain is felt;
means for determining threshold measurements for stimulus current applied through a first selected plurality of implantable electrodes located in or near the area of body tissue where pain is felt;
means for manipulating the location where the stimulus current is applied to the body tissue;
means for selecting stimulation parameters associated with the stimulus current, said stimulation parameters being selected from the group comprising pulse width and pulse rate;
means for displaying on at least one of the displayed screens a representation of a patient figure;
means for defining on the displayed patient figure where the stimulus sensation is felt; and
means for saving the stimulus parameters and associated activated electrodes for the selected channel so that the stimulus current can subsequently be reapplied to the body tissue as desired by the user.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A programming system and method for use with an implantable tissue stimulator allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a multiplicity of electrodes in 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 a directional 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. A software wizard provides a software user interface, including the use of easy-to-understand instructional, data-gathering and/or parameter-setting screens, that walks a user step by step through the programming process.
-
Citations
27 Claims
-
1. A user interface for fitting a neural stimulation system to a particular user, wherein the neural stimulation system includes a multiplicity of implantable electrodes adapted to contact body tissue that is to be stimulated, and an implantable pulse generator connected to each of the multiplicity of electrodes having means for selectively activating a plurality of the implantable electrodes so that a stimulus current may be applied to the body tissue through selected electrodes, wherein the user interface comprises:
-
processing means for displaying a series of screens in a wizard process that guides a user of the neural stimulation system through each step of a fitting process;
means for prompting the user through at least one of the displayed screens to select a stimulation channel;
means for prompting the user through at least one of the displayed screens to select an area of the body tissue where pain is felt;
means for determining threshold measurements for stimulus current applied through a first selected plurality of implantable electrodes located in or near the area of body tissue where pain is felt;
means for manipulating the location where the stimulus current is applied to the body tissue;
means for selecting stimulation parameters associated with the stimulus current, said stimulation parameters being selected from the group comprising pulse width and pulse rate;
means for displaying on at least one of the displayed screens a representation of a patient figure;
means for defining on the displayed patient figure where the stimulus sensation is felt; and
means for saving the stimulus parameters and associated activated electrodes for the selected channel so that the stimulus current can subsequently be reapplied to the body tissue as desired by the user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. A user interface adapted for fitting a neural stimulation system to a patient, comprising:
-
processing means including memory means and user input/output means;
display means for displaying at least one informational screen that provides information regarding the status of a fitting process, wherein the at least one informational screen provides a graphical representation of a fitting path the patient must follow to achieve a successful fitting of the neural stimulation system. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
-
-
12. A method for fitting a neural stimulation system to a patient, the neural stimulation system including a multiplicity of implantable electrodes adapted to contact body tissue that is to be stimulated, and an implantable pulse generator connected to each of the multiplicity of electrodes having means for selectively activating a plurality of the implantable electrodes so that a stimulus current may be applied to the body tissue through selected electrodes, the fitting method comprising:
-
prompting the user to select an area of the body tissue where pain is felt;
determining and recording threshold measurements for stimulus current applied through a first selected plurality of implantable electrodes located in or near the area of body tissue where pain is felt;
manipulating the location where the stimulus current is applied to the body tissue;
selecting and recording stimulation parameters associated with the stimulus current, said stimulation parameters being selected from the group comprising pulse width and pulse rate;
displaying a representation of a patient figure;
defining an area on the displayed patient figure where the stimulus sensation is felt; and
recording the stimulus parameters and associated activated electrodes so that stimulus current having the recorded stimulation parameters can subsequently be reapplied to the body tissue in the area where pain is felt. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
-
-
17. A neural stimulation system comprising:
-
a multiplicity of implantable electrodes adapted to contact body tissue that is to be stimulated;
an implantable pulse generator connected to each of the multiplicity of electrodes;
means within the implantable pulse generator for selectively activating a plurality of the implantable electrodes so that a stimulus current may be applied to the body tissue through selected electrodes;
an external processor adapted to be coupled to the implantable pulse generator, the external processor including memory means, input/output (I/O) means, and display means; and
a software architecture configured within the memory means that includes a core program comprising;
a main section that invokes a main operating program wherein the underlying programs that control the operation of the neural stimulation system reside, and a navigator section that invokes a navigator wizard program wherein setup programs reside to aid in the initial set up of the neural stimulation device. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
manipulation means for moving the area where the stimulus current is applied to the body tissue through various configurations of activated electrodes; and
means for selecting and recording a particular activated electrode configuration where the stimulus current is most effective at treating the pain felt by the patient.
-
-
24. The neural stimulation system of claim 23 further including means for allowing the user to select which of plural activated electrode configurations provide a stimulus current that is most effective at treating the pain felt by the patient.
-
25. The neural stimulation system of claim 20 further including means for prompting the user to select stimulation parameter settings associated with the stimulus current, said stimulation parameter settings being selected from the group comprising pulse width, pulse rate and pulse amplitude.
-
26. The neural stimulation system of claim 25 further including means for allowing the user to select which of plural stimulation parameter settings is most effective at treating the pain felt by the patient.
-
27. The neural stimulation system of claim 18 wherein one of the screens generated by the navigator wizard program provides a depiction of a human body, and wherein the neural stimulation system further includes means for prompting a user to identify an area on the depicted human body where stimulation is felt.
Specification