Medtronic, Inc.

Other

Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.

Nuvectra Corporation

Johns Hopkins University

Greatbatch Ltd.

Neuropace, Inc.

Stimsoft, Inc.

North, Richard

Richard Boydston North

Jeffrey Mark Sieracki

Kim Randal Fowler

Terry D Daglow

Stephen L Goldman

John Matthew Swoyer

Shahn S Sage

Lawrence Kane

Jesse D Geroy

James Finley

Scott F Drees

Elliot Bridgeman

Lon Hodges Holland

Robert E Fischell

David D Brigham

Elliot W Bridgeman

Scott Drees

Disclosed is a system including an electrode and a stylet configured to steer the electrode towards its intended position during implantation, and a method for such system's use. An electrode is provided having regions with varied flexibility. A stylet having bends that are indexed to specific regions of flexibility of the electrode may be inserted into the electrode, and upon minimal radial and/or longitudinal movement of the stylet within the electrode, will cause the magnitude of the angle to which the lead is bent to either increase or decrease so as to aid the operator in placement of the electrode.

Percutaneous electrode

In some examples, a lead identification system includes a first set of first lead indicators and a second set of second lead indicators. Each of the first lead indicators is configured to removably attach to at least one of a first therapy delivery element, a first epidural needle, or a first connector to uniquely identify at least one of the first therapy delivery element, the first epidural needle, or the first connector during implantation of the first therapy delivery element in the patient. Each of the second lead indicators is configured to removably attach to at least one of a second therapy delivery element, a second epidural needle, or a second connector to uniquely identify at least one of the second therapy delivery element, the second epidural needle, or the second connector during implantation of the second therapy delivery element in the patient.

Lead identification system

A watchdog unit receives stay-alive signals from a programming device during programming of an implantable medical device. The watchdog unit maintains a watchdog timer, and resets the timer upon receipt of each stay-alive signal. If the watchdog timer expires, the watchdog unit changes a mode of operation of the implantable device, e.g., places the implantable medical device into a known, safe state. For example, the watchdog unit may cause the implantable medical device to suspend delivery of therapy, perform a power-on reset, and/or recall a known, safe, therapy delivery program.

Failsafe programming of implantable medical devices

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for facilitating the implantation and secure positioning of implantable medical devices within a subcutaneous pocket formed by a surgeon within the patient. Such apparatus and method are configured to address the above-described challenges of containing implantable medical devices within such subcutaneous pockets, and the spring-like leads or catheters that may be attached to them, during implantation.

Apparatus and method for implanting and securing the position of implantable medical device

A fully automated computer controlled system is provided for adjustment of neurostimulation implants used in pain therapy and in treating neurological dysfunction which includes a patient interactive computer, and a universal transmitter interface integrally embedded in the patient interactive computer or built into the antenna which is capable of stimulating any type of implanted neurostimulation devices by imitating programming codes. The patient interacts with the system through the patient interactive computer. The universal transmitter interface includes a direct digital synthesizer, a transistor circuitry driving the antenna in ON-OFF fashion and a gating unit for driving the transistor circuitry under control of the processing means in the patient-interactive computer. Alternatively, the universal transmitting interface includes a balanced modulator for modulation of the carrier signal generated at the direct digital synthesizer.

Patient interactive neurostimulation system and method

Disclosed is an electrode, such as an SCS paddle electrode, having a lead attached thereto along an interior portion of the electrode. The lead and electrode are configured such that the lead may be positioned generally coplanar with a top surface of the electrode, and may likewise be erected from such coplanar orientation up and away from the top surface of the electrode. Thus, the lead can maintain the typical configuration of emerging from the back end of the electrode, but because at least portions of the lead are not permanently bonded into the electrode paddle, the lead (when desired) can be pulled upward, with or without surrounding strain relief material, to emerge from the top surface of the paddle at an angle or curve to such top surface. This allows the base of the paddle to engage a bony opening, such as when the electrode is inserted into a patient's spine, skull, plane of fascia, etc.

Electrode having erectable lead

A paddle lead includes a plurality of electrodes configured in at least three rows of three electrodes with the second, intermediate row operable to provide anode guarding. The paddle lead further includes a plurality of grooves disposed on a surface opposite the electrodes to facilitate the insertion of the paddle lead within a patient by inhibiting the veering of the paddle lead to one side or the other of the dorsal column as the paddle lead is advanced along the dorsal column midline during implantation.

Electrical stimulation lead, system, and method

Disclosed is a shaped electrode and dissecting tool configured to aid in controlling the path of an electrode as it is moved into its intended position within the epidural space of a patient. The shaped electrode and dissecting tool is configured with a contoured leading edge having at least one concavity that aids in moving the electrode and dissecting tool through the intended tissues within the patient's body. A variety of concavity contours may be provided and used for particular surgical applications.

Shaped electrode and dissecting tool

Disclosed is an implantable medical device including a connector block that allows varied lead configurations to be used with a single connector block and implantable medical device assembly. The connector block is configured with one or more lead insertion lumens that are open at both ends, such that each end of the lead insertion lumen may receive a separate lead. The circuitry within the implantable medical device is configured to allow the delivery of electrical pulses from a pulse generator within the implantable medical device to two separate leads inserted within opposite ends of a single lead insertion lumen.

Implantable medical device connector

Disclosed is an implantable medical device including a connector block that allows varied lead configurations to be used with a single connector block and implantable medical device assembly. The connector block is configured with one or more lead insertion lumens that are open at both ends, such that each end of the lead insertion lumen may receive a separate lead. The circuitry within the implantable medical device is configured to allow the delivery of electrical pulses from a pulse generator within the implantable medical device to two separate leads, or to a single lead (with a plug positioned within the opposite, open end of the insertion lumen), inserted within a single lead insertion lumen.

Growing community of inventors

Baltimore, MD, United States of America

Richard Boydston North