Systems and methods for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine
First Claim
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1. A system for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine, the system comprising:
- one or more electrodes configured to be implanted in or adjacent to tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine;
an implantable pulse generator coupled to the one or more electrodes, the implantable pulse generator having a programmable controller and a first communications circuit;
a handheld activator having a second communications circuit, the activator configured to transfer a stimulation command to the implantable pulse generator via the first and second communications circuits; and
an external programmer having a third communications circuit, the external programmer configured to transfer programming data to the implantable pulse generator via the first and third communications circuits,wherein the stimulation command directs the programmable controller to stimulate the tissue in accordance with the programming data to improve lumbar spine stability and to rehabilitate function of one or more of a multifidus, transverse abdominus, quadratus lumborum, psoas major, internus abdominus, obliquus externus abdominus, and erector spinae muscles.
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Abstract
A system for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine to treat low back pain is provided. The system may include electrodes coupled to an implantable pulse generator (IPG), a handheld activator configured to transfer a stimulation command to the IPG, and an external programmer configured to transfer programming data to the IPG. The stimulation command directs the programmable controller to stimulate the tissue in accordance with the programming data. The system may include a software-based programming system run on a computer such that the treating physician may program and adjust stimulation parameters.
126 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine, the system comprising:
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one or more electrodes configured to be implanted in or adjacent to tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine; an implantable pulse generator coupled to the one or more electrodes, the implantable pulse generator having a programmable controller and a first communications circuit; a handheld activator having a second communications circuit, the activator configured to transfer a stimulation command to the implantable pulse generator via the first and second communications circuits; and an external programmer having a third communications circuit, the external programmer configured to transfer programming data to the implantable pulse generator via the first and third communications circuits, wherein the stimulation command directs the programmable controller to stimulate the tissue in accordance with the programming data to improve lumbar spine stability and to rehabilitate function of one or more of a multifidus, transverse abdominus, quadratus lumborum, psoas major, internus abdominus, obliquus externus abdominus, and erector spinae muscles. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for restoring muscle function of the lumbar spine to reduce back pain, the method comprising:
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providing one or more electrodes, an implantable pulse generator, an external programmer, and a handheld activator; implanting the one or more electrodes in or adjacent to tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine; implanting the implantable pulse generator in communication with the one or more electrodes; transferring programming data to the implantable pulse generator from the external programmer; and operating the handheld activator to command the implantable pulse generator to stimulate the tissue with the one or more electrodes responsive to the programming data to improve lumbar spine stability and to rehabilitate function of one or more of a multifidus, transverse abdominus, quadratus lumborum, psoas major, internus abdominus, obliquus externus abdominus, and erector spinae muscles. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification