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:
- applying electrical stimulation energy to neural tissue of a patient via at least one electrode of the neurostimulation system in accordance with a stimulation parameter;
measuring at least two samples of an electrical parameter over time;
computing a change in the electrical parameter by comparing the at least two samples, wherein the change in the electrical parameter is indicative of a coupling efficiency between the at least one electrode and the neural tissue;
analyzing a lookup table that stores electrical parameter changes correlated to stimulation parameter values;
determining a stimulation parameter value correlated to the computed electrical. parameter change based on the analysis of the look-up table; and
automatically adjusting the value of the stimulation parameter in accordance with which the electrical stimulation energy is applied to the determined stimulation parameter value without human intervention.
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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
18 Claims
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1. A method for controlling a neurostimulation system, comprising:
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applying electrical stimulation energy to neural tissue of a patient via at least one electrode of the neurostimulation system in accordance with a stimulation parameter; measuring at least two samples of an electrical parameter over time; computing a change in the electrical parameter by comparing the at least two samples, wherein the change in the electrical parameter is indicative of a coupling efficiency between the at least one electrode and the neural tissue; analyzing a lookup table that stores electrical parameter changes correlated to stimulation parameter values; determining a stimulation parameter value correlated to the computed electrical. parameter change based on the analysis of the look-up table; and automatically adjusting the value of the stimulation parameter in accordance with which the electrical stimulation energy is applied to the determined stimulation parameter value without human intervention. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. 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 applying stimulation energy to the neural tissue via the at least one electrode in accordance with a stimulation parameter; a detector configured for measuring at least two samples of an electrical parameter over time; memory configured for storing a look-up table that stores electrical parameter changes correlated to stimulation parameter values; and a processor configured for computing a change in the electrical parameter by comparing the at least two samples, wherein the change in the electrical parameter is indicative of a coupling efficiency between the at least one electrode and the neural tissue, determining a stimulation parameter value correlated to the computed electrical parameter change based on the analysis of the look-up table, and automatically adjusting the value of the stimulation parameter in accordance with which the electrical stimulation energy is applied to the determined stimulation parameter value without human intervention. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification