Posture-dependent stimulation for implantable stimulators
First Claim
1. An implantable stimulator including:
- a. a stimulation generator configured to deliver electrical stimulation to an electrode of an electrode-bearing lead;
b. a lead impedance sensor configured to determine the impedance of the electrode of the electrode-bearing lead;
c. an orientation sensor configured to provide an orientation output signal indicative of the orientation of the orientation sensor;
d. a controller configured to adjust the electrical stimulation delivered by the stimulation generator in dependence on;
(1) the orientation output signal from the orientation sensor, and(2) the impedance of the electrode, wherein the impedance is within a normal operating impedance range representative of lack of faulty operation of the electrode-bearing lead.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A therapeutic stimulator, e.g., a spinal neurostimulator for pain relief, adapts stimulation delivered to the patient in dependence on measurements of patient orientation (e.g., from a three-axis accelerometer), and also on impedance measurements from leads situated within or upon the patient'"'"'s body (e.g., from electrodes on neurostimulation leads extending alongside the spine). Since the impedance measurements can provide additional data regarding body positioning, as well as providing data regarding electrode status (such as lead migration, electrode encapsulation, etc.), use of the impedance measurements can provide more refined (and more appropriate) control of delivered stimulation.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. An implantable stimulator including:
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a. a stimulation generator configured to deliver electrical stimulation to an electrode of an electrode-bearing lead; b. a lead impedance sensor configured to determine the impedance of the electrode of the electrode-bearing lead; c. an orientation sensor configured to provide an orientation output signal indicative of the orientation of the orientation sensor; d. a controller configured to adjust the electrical stimulation delivered by the stimulation generator in dependence on; (1) the orientation output signal from the orientation sensor, and (2) the impedance of the electrode, wherein the impedance is within a normal operating impedance range representative of lack of faulty operation of the electrode-bearing lead. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 21)
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11. A method for delivering electrical stimulation from an implantable stimulator having a stimulation generator, a lead impedance sensor, an orientation sensor, and a controller, the method including the steps of:
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a. delivering electrical stimulation from the stimulation generator to an electrode of an electrode-bearing lead; b. determining the impedance of the electrode of the electrode-bearing lead via the lead impedance sensor; c. obtaining an orientation output signal from the orientation sensor, the orientation output signal being indicative of the orientation of the orientation sensor; d. adjusting the electrical stimulation delivered by the stimulation generator via the controller, the electrical stimulation being adjusted in dependence on; (1) the orientation output signal from the orientation sensor, and (2) the impedance of the electrode, wherein the impedance is within a normal operating impedance range representative of unimpaired operation of the electrode-bearing lead. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 22)
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17. An implantable stimulator including:
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a. a lead bearing an electrode, the lead being in an unimpaired state wherein it lacks shorts or breaks; b. a lead impedance sensor measuring the impedance of the electrode; c. an orientation sensor measuring the orientation of the implantable stimulator; d. a stimulation generator; (1) connected in communication with the electrode, and (2) generating electrical stimulation signals varying in dependence on; (i) the measured orientation of the implantable stimulator, and (ii) the measured impedance of the electrode. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 23)
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Specification