System and method for programming an implantable spinal cord stimulation system

• US 8,463,400 B2
• Filed: 05/28/2010
• Issued: 06/11/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/29/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories)
• Original Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories)
• Inventors: Hegi, Peter B., Ruais, Jonathan
• Primary Examiner(s): DIETRICH, JOSEPH M
• Application Number:
  US12/789,921
• Publication Number:
  US 20100305660A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,110 Days
• Field of Search: 607/59, 607/116, 607/117
• US Class Current: 607/117
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36071 Pain
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37247 User interfaces, e.g. input or presentation means

Abstract

In one embodiment, a method for facilitating programming of an implantable pulse generator (IPG) by an external programming device, the method comprises: receiving input from a user by the external programming device to calibrate electrode combinations at a plurality of locations along one or more stimulation leads implanted within the epidural space of a patient; controlling the IPG by the external programmer to apply stimulation to the patient via the electrode combinations; receiving input from a user by the external programming device that indicates values of a respective perception stimulation threshold at each location of the plurality of locations; receiving input from a user by the external programming device that indicates values of a respective bilateral stimulation threshold at each location of the plurality of locations; calculating positions by the external programming device of each of the plurality of locations using the perception stimulation thresholds and the bilateral stimulation thresholds; and displaying calculated positions of the plurality of locations relative to a physiological midline of the patient by the external programming device.

Claims

1. A method for facilitating programming of an implantable pulse generator (IPG) by an external programming device, the method comprising:

receiving input from a user by the external programming device to program electrode combinations at a plurality of locations along one or more stimulation leads implanted within the epidural space of a patient;

controlling the IPG by the external programmer to apply stimulation to the patient via the electrode combinations;

receiving input from a user by the external programming device that indicates values of a respective perception stimulation threshold at each location of the plurality of locations, wherein the perception stimulation threshold represents a minimal stimulation level that causes perception of stimulation in the patient on either side of the body of the patient;

receiving input from a user by the external programming device that indicates values of a respective bilateral stimulation threshold at each location of the plurality of locations, wherein the bilateral stimulation threshold represents a minimal stimulation level that causes the perception of stimulation on both sides of the body of the patient;

calculating positions by the external programming device of each of the plurality of locations using the perception stimulation thresholds and the bilateral stimulation thresholds; and

displaying calculated positions of the plurality of locations relative to a physiological midline of the patient'"'"'s spinal cord by the external programming device.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more stimulation leads comprises two percutaneous stimulation leads implanted bilaterally in the epidural space of the patent.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the plurality of locations comprises a distal electrode location and a proximal electrode location on each of the two percutaneous stimulation leads.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more leads comprises a paddle-style stimulation lead.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the calculating comprises calculating a ratio between a respective bilateral stimulation threshold and a corresponding perception stimulation threshold.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the external programming device provides one or more graphical user interface screens for entry of data to define the respective perception and bilateral threshold values.