A spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system includes multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) which channels can provide concurrent, but unique stimulation fields, permitting virtual electrodes to be realized. The SCS system includes a replenishable power source (e.g., rechargeable battery), that may be recharged using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery can be used to charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. An included bi-directional telemetry link in the system informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery. Other processing circuitry in the IPG allows electrode impedance measurements to be made. Further circuitry in the external battery charger can provide alignment detection for the coil pairs.

Rechargeable spinal cord stimulator system

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

Transcutaneous analyte sensor

A neurological control system for modulating activity of any component or structure comprising the entirety or portion of the nervous system, or any structure interfaced thereto, generally referred to herein as a “nervous system component.” The neurological control system generates neural modulation signals delivered to a nervous system component through one or more intracranial (IC) stimulating electrodes in accordance with treatment parameters. Such treatment parameters may be derived from a neural response to previously delivered neural modulation signals sensed by one or more sensors, each configured to sense a particular characteristic indicative of a neurological or psychiatric condition.

Apparatus and method for closed-loop intracranial stimulation for optimal control of neurological disease

The present invention is directed to a drug delivery pump apparatus, which comprises: (a) an expandable and contractible enclosure having an interior volume that defines a medication reservoir; (b) one or more electroactive polymer actuators; (c) a medication outlet port providing fluid communication between the interior volume of the contractible and expandable enclosure and an exterior of the delivery pump apparatus; and (d) a control unit electrically coupled to the one or more actuators and sending control signals to the same. The one or more electroactive polymer actuators act to reduce the interior volume of the contractible and expandable enclosure based upon the received control signals. The present invention is also directed to a method of delivering a liquid therapeutic agent to a patient. The method comprises: (a) providing the above infusion pump apparatus; (b) placing the outlet port of the infusion pump apparatus in fluid communication with a patient; and (c) sending the control signals to the one or more actuators to reduce the internal volume of the contractible and expandable enclosure, thereby forcing a portion of the liquid therapeutic agent within the medication reservoir through the outlet port and into the patient.

Electroactive polymer actuated medication infusion pumps

A method and system for providing electrical stimulation to tissue includes implanting one or more battery-free microtransponders having spiral antennas into tissue. Energy is provided wirelessly to the plurality of microtransponders. Tissue is stimulated using the energy.

Implantable Transponder Systems and Methods

The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination. Additionally, the techniques may be used for shifting between different electrode combinations associated with different stimulation programs or program sets.

Shifting between electrode combinations in electrical stimulation device

A programmer allows a clinician to identify combinations of electrodes from within an electrode set implanted in a patient that enable delivery of desirable neurostimulation therapy by an implantable medical device. The programmer executes an electrode combination search algorithm to select combinations of electrodes to test in a non-random order. According to algorithms consistent with the invention, the programmer may first identify a position of a first cathode for subsequent combinations, and then select electrodes from the set to test with the first cathode as anodes or additional cathodes based on the proximity of the electrodes to the first cathode. The programmer may store information for each combination tested, and the information may facilitate the identification of desirable electrode combinations by the clinician. The clinician may create neurostimulation therapy programs that include identified desirable program combinations.

Identifying combinations of electrodes for neurostimulation therapy

A stimulation device for screening therapeutic effects from electrical stimulation of electrically excitable tissue. The stimulation device includes inputs such that the user can easily select the polarity, amplitude, pulse width, and pulse rate of the respective stimulation signal applied on each of the implanted electrodes. Alternatively, the stimulation device automatically sets those parameters of the stimulation signal with parameters that have historically produced high ratings of therapeutic effect. The user then enters a rating of the therapeutic effect that results from the application of those stimulation signals on the implanted electrodes. The stimulation device is designed to also include a casing such that the stimulation device is adapted to be portable. Because the stimulation device of the present invention is also inexpensive, the user can carry this device around during normal daily activities of the user during the screening process. Consequently, parameters of the stimulation device that would result in optimum therapeutic effect for normal daily activities of the user can be determined more easily and more accurately.

Portable stimulation screening device for screening therapeutic effect of electrical stimulation on a patient user during normal activities of the patient user

An implantable medical device having an implantable power source such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery. The implantable medical device includes a recharge module that regulates the recharging process of the implantable power source using closed-loop feedback control. The recharge module includes a recharge regulator, a recharge measurement device monitoring at least one recharge parameter, and a recharge regulation control unit for regulating the recharge energy delivered to the power source in response to the recharge measurement device. The recharge module adjusts the energy provided to the power source to ensure that the power source is being recharged under safe levels.

Battery recharge management for an implantable medical device

Apparatus and method for independently delivering a plurality of therapy programs in an implantable medical device. A therapy controller configures the device to generate independent pulse trains associated with a plurality of therapy programs and dynamically configures the electrodes to deliver the independent pulse trains to the patient. Once configured, the implantable medical device delivers the plurality of therapy programs to the patient wherein the therapy programs may overlap in time.

Nathan A. Torgerson

Papers

Shifting between electrode combinations in electrical stimulation device

Identifying combinations of electrodes for neurostimulation therapy

Portable stimulation screening device for screening therapeutic effect of electrical stimulation on a patient user during normal activities of the patient user

Battery recharge management for an implantable medical device

Independent therapy programs in an implantable medical device