Neural stimulation system providing auto adjustment of stimulus output as a function of sensed pressure changes
First Claim
1. A method of neural stimulation for autocorrection of stimulation using an implantable pulse generator (IPG) that is connected to a lead having at least one electrode, the method comprising:
- measuring relative pressure within the epidural space indicative of the coupling efficiency of an electrical stimulus applied to the neural tissue;
correlating a decrease or increase in pressure measurement with an increase or decrease in stimulation energy delivered to the neural tissue; and
automatically adjusting the stimulation energy delivered to the neural tissue through the at least one electrode connected to the lead in order to maintain an optimal level of therapy based on the correlation determination in the previous step.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A neural stimulation system automatically corrects or adjusts the stimulus magnitude in order to maintain a comfortable and effective stimulation therapy. Auto correction of the stimulus magnitude is linked to the measurement of pressure in the vicinity of the electrode-tissue interface. Because the pressure near the electrode-tissue interface can provide a measure of the electrode contacts'"'"' proximity to the neural tissue, and hence quantity of electrical energy delivered to the neural tissue, a change in the measured pressure or pressure morphology indicates that the stimulation energy may need to be adjusted. Hence, changes in pressure provide a feedback mechanism that permit the system to effectively auto correct the stimulus amplitude in order to maintain a desired therapeutic effect.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method of neural stimulation for autocorrection of stimulation using an implantable pulse generator (IPG) that is connected to a lead having at least one electrode, the method comprising:
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measuring relative pressure within the epidural space indicative of the coupling efficiency of an electrical stimulus applied to the neural tissue; correlating a decrease or increase in pressure measurement with an increase or decrease in stimulation energy delivered to the neural tissue; and automatically adjusting the stimulation energy delivered to the neural tissue through the at least one electrode connected to the lead in order to maintain an optimal level of therapy based on the correlation determination in the previous step. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A neural stimulation system for autocorrection of stimulation, the system comprising:
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at least one electrode mounted on a first lead; an implantable pulse generator connected to the first lead, wherein the pulse generator provides stimulation current pulses to the at least one electrode at a prescribed magnitude; means for measuring pressure in the vicinity of an electrode-tissue interface within the epidural space; means for determining a change in measured pressure over time; and auto correction means for adjusting the stimulation energy as a function of the change detected in pressure measurements over time. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An implantable neural stimulator comprising:
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an implantable pulse generator (IPG); a connector for connecting to a lead having at least one electrode; means for measuring relative pressure within the epidural space indicative of the coupling efficiency of an electrical stimulation current generated by the IPG; and means for automatically adjusting the stimulation energy of the stimulation delivered through the at least one electrode in order to compensate for variations in the measured coupling efficiency. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A method of neural stimulation for autocorrection of stimulation using an implantable pulse generator (IPG) that is connected to a lead having at least one electrode, the method comprising:
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measuring relative pressure within the epidural space indicative of the coupling efficiency of an electrical stimulation current applied to neural tissue; and automatically adjusting the magnitude of subsequent stimulation energy delivered to the neural tissue through the at least one electrode connected to the lead in order to maintain an optimal level of therapy, wherein the adjustment of the stimulation energy is based on the relative measured pressure and its correlation to an increase or decrease in stimulation energy. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification