System for normalizing amplitude programming of a tissue stimulator
First Claim
1. A programmer for a tissue stimulator coupled to an array of electrodes implanted within a patient, comprising:
- a user-controlled input device configured for generating a control signal;
a processor configured for, in response to the control signal, selecting for one of the electrodes an actual stimulation amplitude value from a programmable amplitude range normalized to a perception threshold for the one electrode, and generating a programming signal containing the selected actual stimulation amplitude value; and
a transmitter configured for transmitting the programming signal to the tissue stimulator.
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Abstract
An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold.
75 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A programmer for a tissue stimulator coupled to an array of electrodes implanted within a patient, comprising:
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a user-controlled input device configured for generating a control signal; a processor configured for, in response to the control signal, selecting for one of the electrodes an actual stimulation amplitude value from a programmable amplitude range normalized to a perception threshold for the one electrode, and generating a programming signal containing the selected actual stimulation amplitude value; and a transmitter configured for transmitting the programming signal to the tissue stimulator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A tissue stimulation system, comprising:
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an implantable array of electrodes; an external programmer configured for receiving user input, selecting for one of the electrodes, in response to the user input, an actual stimulation amplitude value from a programmable amplitude range normalized to a perception threshold for the one electrode, and transmitting a programming signal containing the selected actual stimulation amplitude value; and a tissue stimulator configured for receiving the programming signal and delivering electrical current to the one electrode in accordance with the programming signal. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification