Fully implantable microstimulator for spinal cord stimulation as a therapy for chronic pain
First Claim
1. A method for treating a patient with chronic pain, comprising:
- providing at least one stimulator having at least two electrodes;
implanting the at least one stimulator in at least one anterolateral area of the spine responsible for sensations in a region experiencing chronic pain;
providing operating power to the at east one stimulator;
providing stimulation parameters to the at least one stimulator;
generating stimulation pulses in accordance with the stimulation parameters; and
delivering the stimulation pulses to nerves and tissue of the anterolateral spinal cord via the at least two electrodes;
wherein the at least one area of the spine comprises the ventral commissure; and
wherein the stimulator has a size and shape suitable for placement in the at least one anterolateral area of the spine.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An implantable stimulator(s), small enough to be located near or within an area of the spine responsible for sensations in a region experiencing chronic pain uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Periodic recharging of such a power source/storage device is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The small stimulator provides a means of stimulating a nerve(s) or other tissue when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the stimulator(s) and for the transmission of power, it necessary. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one implant includes at least one sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.
596 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for treating a patient with chronic pain, comprising:
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providing at least one stimulator having at least two electrodes;
implanting the at least one stimulator in at least one anterolateral area of the spine responsible for sensations in a region experiencing chronic pain;
providing operating power to the at east one stimulator;
providing stimulation parameters to the at least one stimulator;
generating stimulation pulses in accordance with the stimulation parameters; and
delivering the stimulation pulses to nerves and tissue of the anterolateral spinal cord via the at least two electrodes;
wherein the at least one area of the spine comprises the ventral commissure; and
wherein the stimulator has a size and shape suitable for placement in the at least one anterolateral area of the spine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for treating a patient with chronic pain, comprising the steps of:
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providing at least one means for stimulating tissue;
implanting the at least one stimulating means in at least one anterolateral area of the spine responsible for sensations in a region experiencing chronic pain;
providing operating power to the at least one stimulating means;
providing stimulation parameters to the at least one stimulating means;
generating stimulation pulses in accordance with the stimulation parameters; and
delivering the stimulation pulses to nerves and tissue of the anterolateral spinal cord via the at least one stimulating means;
wherein the at least one area of the spine comprises the ventral commissure; and
wherein the stimulating means has a size and shape suitable for placement in the at least one anterolateral area of the spine and has leads up to 150 mm long. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification