Systems and methods for implanting electrode leads for use with implantable neuromuscular electrical stimulator
First Claim
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1. A system for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine, the system comprising:
- first and second electrodes configured to be implanted in or adjacent to tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine;
a lead having the first and second electrodes disposed thereon;
a fixation element coupled to the lead and disposed in proximity to the first electrode, the fixation element configured to transition from a delivery state, wherein the fixation element is positioned adjacent to the first electrode, to a deployed state, wherein the fixation element is spaced apart from the first electrode and is positioned to anchor the lead to an anchor site;
a pulse generator coupled to the first and second electrodes via the lead, the pulse generator configured to cause the first or second electrode to emit energy such that the second or first electrode, respectively, receives a portion of the emitted energy, the pulse generator further configured to transmit a signal indicative of an impedance measurement based on the energy emitted and the portion of the energy received; and
software stored on a non-transient computer readable media configured to run on an external computer operatively coupled to the pulse generator, the software configured to cause the external computer to display the impedance measurement and to indicate whether the fixation element is in the delivery state or the deployed state based on the impedance measurement.
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Abstract
A system of implanting electrode leads for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine to treat low back pain is provided. The system provides efficient implantation of the leads, including the ability to verify deployment of anchoring mechanisms on the lead using an impedance assessment, such that the implanted lead may be secured within the patient and used to restore muscle function of local segmental muscles associated with the lumbar spine stabilization system.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A system for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine, the system comprising:
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first and second electrodes configured to be implanted in or adjacent to tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine; a lead having the first and second electrodes disposed thereon; a fixation element coupled to the lead and disposed in proximity to the first electrode, the fixation element configured to transition from a delivery state, wherein the fixation element is positioned adjacent to the first electrode, to a deployed state, wherein the fixation element is spaced apart from the first electrode and is positioned to anchor the lead to an anchor site; a pulse generator coupled to the first and second electrodes via the lead, the pulse generator configured to cause the first or second electrode to emit energy such that the second or first electrode, respectively, receives a portion of the emitted energy, the pulse generator further configured to transmit a signal indicative of an impedance measurement based on the energy emitted and the portion of the energy received; and software stored on a non-transient computer readable media configured to run on an external computer operatively coupled to the pulse generator, the software configured to cause the external computer to display the impedance measurement and to indicate whether the fixation element is in the delivery state or the deployed state based on the impedance measurement. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of verifying deployment of a fixation element in a system for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine, the method comprising:
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implanting a lead such that an electrode disposed on the lead is positioned in or adjacent to tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine, the lead coupled to a fixation element disposed in proximity to the electrode, the fixation element configured to transition from a delivery state, wherein the fixation element is positioned adjacent to the electrode, to a deployed state, wherein the fixation element is spaced apart from the electrode and is positioned to anchor the lead to an anchor site; causing the electrode to stimulate tissue using a pulse generator; transmitting a signal indicative of an impedance measurement to an external display; displaying the impedance measurement on the external display; and determining whether the fixation element is in the delivery state or the deployed state based on the displayed impedance measurement. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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Specification