Position-responsive neuro stimulator

• US 5,342,409 A
• Filed: 06/03/1991
• Issued: 08/30/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 03/07/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Mullett, Keith R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Getzow, Scott M.
• Application Number:
  US07/683,056
• Time in Patent Office: 1,184 Days
• Field of Search: 128/419 R, 128/421, 128/422, 128/423, 128/783, 128/784
• US Class Current: 607/46
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0219 Inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt switches
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1116 Determining posture transitions
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/686 Permanently implanted devices, e.g. pacemakers, other stimulators, biochips A61B5/6861 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36128 Control systems

Abstract

An apparatus and technique for electrical stimulation of the central or peripheral nervous system based upon changes in position of the patient. A position sensor may be chronically implanted in the patient. One preferred mode uses a mercury switch position sensor which indicates whether a patient is erect or supine. This position information is used by a chronically implanted pulse generator to vary the stimulation intensity. The intensity may be controlled by changes in pulse amplitude, pulse width, number of pulses per second, burst frequency, number of pulses per burst, electrode polarity, or any other convenient parameter which accomplishes the particular medical purpose within an application. The output of the chronically implanted pulse generator is applied to the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and/or targets in the brain with leads and electrodes in a manner consistent with the given medical need. Such stimulation is useful in the treatment of chronic intractable pain, hemodynamic insufficiency resulting in angina, peripheral vascular disease, cerebral vascular disease, various movement disorders, and bowel and bladder control.

Claims

1. A neurological stimulation device comprising:

a. means for sensing the position of a patient and determining whenever said patient is generally erect and whenever said patient is generally supine; and

b. means for stimulating said patient with a series of pulses; and

c. means for automatically altering said means for stimulating in response to said means for sensing the position of said patient by decreasing the amplitude of said pulses whenever said patient is in a generally supine position.

2. A neurological stimulation device comprising:

a. means for sensing the position of a patient and determining whenever said patient is generally erect and whenever said patient is generally supine; and

b. means for stimulating said patient with a series of pulse bursts; and

c. means for automatically altering said means for stimulating in response to said means for sensing the position of said patient by decreasing the number of pulses per burst whenever said patient is in a generally supine position.

3. A neurological stimulation device comprising:

a. means for sensing the position of a patient and determining whenever said patient is generally erect and whenever said patient is generally supine; and

b. means for stimulating said patient with a series of pulses; and

c. means for automatically altering said means for simulating in response to said means for sensing the position of said patient by decreasing the pulse width of said pulses whenever said patient is in a generally supine position.

4. A spinal cord stimulation device comprising:

a. means for sensing the position of a patient an determining whenever said patient is generally erect and whenever said patient is generally supine; and

b. means for stimulating the spinal cord of said patient with a series of pulse bursts; and

c. means for automatically altering said means for stimulating the spinal cord in response to said means for sensing the position of said patient by decreasing the frequency of sad pulse bursts.