Neural stimulation system providing auto adjustment of stimulus output as a function of sensed impedance
First Claim
1. A method for controlling a neurostimulation system, comprising:
- delivering a first electrical stimulus to neural tissue of a patient via at least one electrode of the neurostimulation system in accordance with a stimulus parameter having a first value;
taking at least two impedance samples over time indicative of a variation in coupling efficiency between the delivered electrical stimulus and the neural tissue;
computing an impedance change by comparing the at least two impedance samples to each other;
based at least in part on the computed impedance change, adjusting the value of the stimulus parameter from the first value to a second value different from the first value; and
delivering a second electrical stimulus to the neural tissue of the patient via the at least one electrode in accordance with the stimulus parameter having the second value.
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Abstract
A neural stimulation system automatically corrects or adjusts the stimulus magnitude (stimulation energy) in order to maintain a comfortable and effective stimulation therapy. Because the changes in impedance associated with the electrode-tissue interface can indicate obstruction of current flow and positional lead displacement, lead impedance can indicate the quantity of electrical stimulation energy that should be delivered to the target neural tissue to provide corrective adjustment. Hence, a change in impedance or morphology of an impedance curve may be used in a feedback loop to indicate that the stimulation energy needs to be adjusted and the system can effectively auto correct the magnitude of stimulation energy to maintain a desired therapeutic effect.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method for controlling a neurostimulation system, comprising:
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delivering a first electrical stimulus to neural tissue of a patient via at least one electrode of the neurostimulation system in accordance with a stimulus parameter having a first value; taking at least two impedance samples over time indicative of a variation in coupling efficiency between the delivered electrical stimulus and the neural tissue; computing an impedance change by comparing the at least two impedance samples to each other; based at least in part on the computed impedance change, adjusting the value of the stimulus parameter from the first value to a second value different from the first value; and delivering a second electrical stimulus to the neural tissue of the patient via the at least one electrode in accordance with the stimulus parameter having the second value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A neurostimulation system, comprising:
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at least one electrode configured for being positioned in electrical communication with neural tissue of a patient when implanted; an implantable pulse generator configured for delivering electrical stimuli to the neural tissue via the at least one electrode in accordance with a stimulus parameter; an impedance detector configured for taking at least two impedance samples over time indicative of a variation in coupling efficiency between the delivered electrical stimulus and the neural tissue; and a processor configured for receiving the at least two impedance samples from the impedance detector, computing an impedance change by comparing the at least two impedance samples to each other, and based at least in part on the computed impedance change, adjusting a value of the stimulus parameter. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification