Implantable trial neurostimulation device
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- implanting a neurostimulation lead in a patient;
implanting a trial neurostimulator in the patient;
coupling the trial neurostimulator to the lead;
removing the trial neurostimulator from the patient upon expiration of a trial period of times;
implanting a chronic neurostimulator in the patient;
removing the lead from the patient;
implanting a second neurostimulation lead in the patient; and
coupling the second neurostimulation lead to the chronic neurostimulator.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides an implantable trial neurostimulator. The implantable trial neurostimulator may be equipped with limited, short-term battery resources. The limited battery resources are designed to last for a finite period of time, thereby preventing a patient or physician from prolonging the trial neurostimulation period. For example, the implantable trial neurostimulator may be designed to stop functioning after a number of days or weeks, upon exhaustion of the battery resources. Alternatively, the implantable trial neurostimulator may be disabled upon expiration of a timer. The trial neurostimulator may be temporarily implanted in a subdural pocket in which the chronic stimulator is ultimately implanted. In this manner, the trial neurostimulator can be coupled to a chronic lead and avoid any percutaneous connections, reducing the risk of infection and affording greater convenience and comfort to patients.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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implanting a neurostimulation lead in a patient; implanting a trial neurostimulator in the patient; coupling the trial neurostimulator to the lead; removing the trial neurostimulator from the patient upon expiration of a trial period of times; implanting a chronic neurostimulator in the patient; removing the lead from the patient; implanting a second neurostimulation lead in the patient; and coupling the second neurostimulation lead to the chronic neurostimulator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification