초록 ▼

A programming system and method for use with an implantable tissue stimulator allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a multiplicity of electrodes in an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including t

A programming system and method for use with an implantable tissue stimulator allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a multiplicity of electrodes in 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 a directional 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. A software wizard provides a software interface, including the use of easy-to-understand instructional, data-gathering and/or parameter-setting screens, that walks a user step by step through the programming process.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A programming system for use with a neural stimulation system comprising:a multiplicity of implantable electrodes adapted to contact body tissue to be stimulated; an implantable pulse generator connected to each of the multiplicity of electrodes, the implantable pulse generator comprising a batte

1. A programming system for use with a neural stimulation system comprising:a multiplicity of implantable electrodes adapted to contact body tissue to be stimulated; an implantable pulse generator connected to each of the multiplicity of electrodes, the implantable pulse generator comprising a battery and electrical circuitry, wherein the battery provides operating power for the electrical circuitry, and wherein the electrical circuitry includes means for receiving progranmming signals and means responsive to the programming signals for selectively activating a plurality of the implantable electrodes, wherein at least one electrode in the plurality of activated implantable electrodes is coupled to the battery through the electrical circuitry so as to function as a cathode, and wherein at least one electrode in the plurality of activated implantable electrodes is coupled to the battery through the electrical circuitry so as to function as an anode, whereby stimulus current flows from the at least one activated anodic electrode to the at least one activated cathodic electrode; a programming device adapted to be coupled with the implantable pulse generator, the programming device having control logic means therein for generating the programming signals sent to the implantable pulse generator; and a user-controlled input device coupled with the progranmming device, wherein the user-controlled input device includes means for generating directional signals as a function of user control; and wherein the control logic means within the programming device includes means for generating programming signals for continuously activating selected ones of the multiplicity of implantable electrodes and continuously shifting stimulus current without interruption among cathodic and anodic electrodes in response to the directional signals received from the user-controlled input device.