Neural stimulation system providing auto adjustment of stimulus output as a function of sensed pressure changes
First Claim
1. A method of stimulating neural tissue using at least one electrode, comprising:
- measuring pressure indicative of the electrical coupling efficiency between the at least one electrode and the neural tissue;
delivering stimulation energy through the at least one electrode to the neural tissue; and
automatically adjusting the stimulation energy delivered through the at least one electrode to the neural tissue based on the pressure measurement.
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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
30 Claims
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1. A method of stimulating neural tissue using at least one electrode, comprising:
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measuring pressure indicative of the electrical coupling efficiency between the at least one electrode and the neural tissue; delivering stimulation energy through the at least one electrode to the neural tissue; and automatically adjusting the stimulation energy delivered through the at least one electrode to the neural tissue based on the pressure measurement. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A neural stimulation system, comprising:
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at least one electrode; a pressure transducer configured for detecting pressure indicative of the electrical coupling efficiency between the at least one electrode and neural tissue; analog circuitry configured for delivering stimulation energy to the at least one electrode in order to stimulate the neural tissue; and control circuitry configured for automatically adjusting the stimulation energy delivered from the analog circuitry to the at least one electrode based on the detected pressure. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification