US5938690A — Pain management system and method

Claim 1

Independent Claim 151 words

A method for anatomically positioning electrodes that are part of a neurological stimulator, the method comprising the steps of: initially positioning the electrodes in the body of a patient; selecting a stimulation program that has a variable parameter; applying stimulation in accordance with the stimulation program; intraoperativelv adjusting the variable parameter and recording, by patient response, the variable parameter at which stimulation is perceived; intraoperativelv adjusting the variable parameter and recording, by patient response, the variable parameter at which stimulation is perceived bilaterally; intraoperatively adjusting the variable parameter and recording, by patient response, the variable parameter at which motor response occurs; intraoperativelv administering electrical stimulation having a pulse characteristic determined as a fuction of at least one of the previously recorded variable parameters; and if necessary, physically repositioning the electrodes for more effective coverage of an area afflicted by pain based upon at least one of the previously recorded variable parameters.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 151 words

A method for anatomically positioning electrodes that are part of a neurological stimulator, the method comprising the steps of: initially positioning the electrodes in the body of a patient; selecting a stimulation program that has a variable parameter; applying stimulation in accordance with the stimulation program; intraoperativelv adjusting the variable parameter and recording, by patient response, the variable parameter at which stimulation is perceived; intraoperativelv adjusting the variable parameter and recording, by patient response, the variable parameter at which stimulation is perceived bilaterally; intraoperatively adjusting the variable parameter and recording, by patient response, the variable parameter at which motor response occurs; intraoperativelv administering electrical stimulation having a pulse characteristic determined as a fuction of at least one of the previously recorded variable parameters; and if necessary, physically repositioning the electrodes for more effective coverage of an area afflicted by pain based upon at least one of the previously recorded variable parameters.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 39 words

The method of claim 1, further including the step of recording, by patient response, a highest and a lowest points on the patient's body where stimulation is perceived as a consequence of administering electrical stimulation having the pulse characteristic.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method of claim 1, further including the step of determining symmetry of stimulation through evaluation of at least one of the previously recorded variable parameters as recorded at perception bilateral perception, and at motor response.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 12 words

The method of claim 1, wherein the variable parameter is stimulation amplitude.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of instructing a direction in which to physically move the electrodes based upon a ratio of the variable parameters as recorded for bilateral perception and initial perception.

Claim 7

Independent Claim 121 words

A system for selecting effective electrode stimulation patterns in a computer controlled neuromodulation system comprising: means for storing and applying an initial electrical stimulation pattern defined by an initial electrode configuration and at least one variable parameter; means fro recording at least an initial representation of patient-corresponding regions afflicted by pain as well as a representation of an effect of the initial electrical stimulation pattern which causes at least a perceptible response; means for comparing the representation of an effect of the initial electrical stimulation pattern to the representation of patient-corresponding regions afflicted by pain and generating a result corresponding thereto; and means for generating at least a new suggested electrode configuration based upon a level of sufficiency of the result.

Claim 8

Independent Claim 121 words

A system for selecting effective electrode stimulation patterns in a computer controlled neuromodulation system comprising: means for storing and applying an initial electrical stimulation pattern defined by an initial electrode configuration and at least one variable parameter; means fro recording at least an initial representation of patient-corresponding regions afflicted by pain as well as a representation of an effect of the initial electrical stimulation pattern which causes at least a perceptible response; means for comparing the representation of an effect of the initial electrical stimulation pattern to the representation of patient-corresponding regions afflicted by pain and generating a result corresponding thereto; and means for generating at least a new suggested electrode configuration based upon a level of sufficiency of the result.

Claim 9

Independent Claim 139 words

A method for anatomically positioning electrodes that are part of a neurological stimulator, the method comprising the step of: initially positioning the electrodes in a patient's body; intraoperatively applying a predetermined stimulation program that has a variable amplitude; intraoperatively adjusting the amplitude and recording, by patient response, the amplitude at which stimulation is perceived; intraoperatively adjusting the amplitude and recording, by patient response, the amplitude at an occurrence of an event; recording, by patient response, an indication as to whether the stimulation was to the left or right of the patient's body; and when the event is that a motor response occurs before a bilsteral perception, displaying suggested reositioning instructions for the electrode based upon a ratio of the recorded amplitudes and the indication as to whether the stimulation was to the left or right of the patient's body.

Claim 10

Independent Claim 139 words

A method for anatomically positioning electrodes that are part of a neurological stimulator, the method comprising the step of: initially positioning the electrodes in a patient's body; intraoperatively applying a predetermined stimulation program that has a variable amplitude; intraoperatively adjusting the amplitude and recording, by patient response, the amplitude at which stimulation is perceived; intraoperatively adjusting the amplitude and recording, by patient response, the amplitude at an occurrence of an event; recording, by patient response, an indication as to whether the stimulation was to the left or right of the patient's body; and when the event is that a motor response occurs before a bilsteral perception, displaying suggested reositioning instructions for the electrode based upon a ratio of the recorded amplitudes and the indication as to whether the stimulation was to the left or right of the patient's body.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method of claim 7, wherein when the event is that motor response occurs before bilateral perception, further comprising the step of recording, by patient response, which side of the patient's body stimulation was perceived.

Claim 12

Independent Claim 193 words

A method for determining at least one effective electrode stimlation pattern in a computer controlled neuromodulation system having at least one multi-electrode lead implanted within a patient's body, the method comprising the steps of: (a) administering electrical stimulation for a predetermined electrode configuration at a first position relative to the at least one multi-electrode lead, wherein the electrode configuration causes a number of electrodes to be positive and a number of electrodes to be negative, the positive and negative electrodes having a prescribed polarity arrangement; (b) serially administering electrical stimulation for the electrode configuration at a second position relative to the at least one multi-electrode lead, wherein at least one of the electrodes of the at least one multi-electrode lead differs in polarity from step (a) to step (b) but the prescribed polarity arrangement remains unchanged; (c) recording, by patient response, at least one variable parameter of the electrical stimulation in which the electrical stimulation causes at least one perceptible response, such recording occurring for each position of the electrode configuration; (d) comparing a perceived effect of the electrical stimulation at each position; and (e) selecting at least one position from such comparison.

Claim 13

Independent Claim 193 words

A method for determining at least one effective electrode stimlation pattern in a computer controlled neuromodulation system having at least one multi-electrode lead implanted within a patient's body, the method comprising the steps of: (a) administering electrical stimulation for a predetermined electrode configuration at a first position relative to the at least one multi-electrode lead, wherein the electrode configuration causes a number of electrodes to be positive and a number of electrodes to be negative, the positive and negative electrodes having a prescribed polarity arrangement; (b) serially administering electrical stimulation for the electrode configuration at a second position relative to the at least one multi-electrode lead, wherein at least one of the electrodes of the at least one multi-electrode lead differs in polarity from step (a) to step (b) but the prescribed polarity arrangement remains unchanged; (c) recording, by patient response, at least one variable parameter of the electrical stimulation in which the electrical stimulation causes at least one perceptible response, such recording occurring for each position of the electrode configuration; (d) comparing a perceived effect of the electrical stimulation at each position; and (e) selecting at least one position from such comparison.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 9, further including the step of normalizing patient-perceived electrical stimulation intensity at each position of the electrode configuration to facilitate the comparison of step (d), wherein the step of normalizing is performed prior to step (d).

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 57 words

The method of claim 9, in steps (a) and (b) when the administered stimulation is asymmetrical but symmetrical stimulation is desired, further including the step of automatically reconfiguring the electrode configuration based upon the patient response to achieve stimulation symmetry at the position relative to the at least one multi-electrode lead in which asymmetrical stimulation was administered.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 37 words

The method of claim 11, wherein if symmetrical stimulation cannot be achieved, further comprising the steps of: abandoning the electrode configuration; generating a new electrode configuration; and repeating steps (a) and (b) using the new electrode configuration.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 64 words

The method of claim 9, in steps (a) and (b) when the administered stimulation is asymmetrical but symmetrical stimulation is desired, further including the step of automatically reconfiguring the electrode configuration and varying at least one variable parameter based upon the patient response to achieve stimulation symmetry at the position relative to the at least one multi-electrode lead in which asymmetrical stimulation was administered.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 37 words

The method of claim 13, wherein if symmetrical stimulation cannot be achieved, further comprising the steps of: abandoning the electrode configuration; generating a new electrode configuration; and repeating steps (a) and (b) using the new electrode configuration.

Claim 19

Independent Claim 139 words

A system for analyzing patient responses to aid in positioning electrodes of a neuromodulation system, the system comprising: a neuromodulation system, having an implanted receiving device and at least one lead having a plurality of electrodes which is coupled to the receiving device, to administer stimulation to selected tissue of a patient, wherein the receiving device generates electrical energy for delivery to the at least one lead which is coupled thereto; a general purpose computer, the computer being capable of communicating with the receiving device to define the electrical energy generated by the receiving device; sofware for recording patient responses to applied stimulation, the stimulation being administered in accordance with a stimulation setting having a plurality of variable parameters; and software for displaying suggestions for at least one alternative stimulation setting as a function of the recorded patient responses.

Claim 20

Independent Claim 139 words

A system for analyzing patient responses to aid in positioning electrodes of a neuromodulation system, the system comprising: a neuromodulation system, having an implanted receiving device and at least one lead having a plurality of electrodes which is coupled to the receiving device, to administer stimulation to selected tissue of a patient, wherein the receiving device generates electrical energy for delivery to the at least one lead which is coupled thereto; a general purpose computer, the computer being capable of communicating with the receiving device to define the electrical energy generated by the receiving device; sofware for recording patient responses to applied stimulation, the stimulation being administered in accordance with a stimulation setting having a plurality of variable parameters; and software for displaying suggestions for at least one alternative stimulation setting as a function of the recorded patient responses.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 16 words

The system of claim 15, wherein the suggestions include instructions for physically repositioning of the electrodes.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 13 words

The system of claim 15, wherein the suggestions include a new stimulation setting.

Claim 23

Independent Claim 127 words

A method for determining a stimulation setting for a neurological stimulator having at least one multi-electrode lead to provide a desired stimulation effect in a human body, where the stimulation effect corresponds to the stimulation setting, the method comprising the steps of: initially positioning the at least one multi-electrode lead in the body of a patient; selecting a stimulation setting having a variable parameter; applying stimulation in accordance with the stimulation setting; intraoperatively adjusting the variable parameter and recording, by patient response, the variable parameter where a desired stimulation perception occurs; intraoperatively administering electrical stimulation having a pulse characteristic determined as a function of the desired variable parameter previously recorded; and determining a new stimulation setting with a computing device based upon the previously recorded variable parameter.

Claim 24

Independent Claim 127 words

A method for determining a stimulation setting for a neurological stimulator having at least one multi-electrode lead to provide a desired stimulation effect in a human body, where the stimulation effect corresponds to the stimulation setting, the method comprising the steps of: initially positioning the at least one multi-electrode lead in the body of a patient; selecting a stimulation setting having a variable parameter; applying stimulation in accordance with the stimulation setting; intraoperatively adjusting the variable parameter and recording, by patient response, the variable parameter where a desired stimulation perception occurs; intraoperatively administering electrical stimulation having a pulse characteristic determined as a function of the desired variable parameter previously recorded; and determining a new stimulation setting with a computing device based upon the previously recorded variable parameter.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 18, wherein the desired stimulation perception includes at least an initial perception of stimulation.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 18, wherein the desired stimulation perception includes at least a bilateral perception of stimulation.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 16 words

The method of claim 18, wherein the desired stimulation perception includes at least a motor response.

Claim 28

Independent Claim 106 words

A method for anatomically positioning electrodes that are part of a neurological stimulator, method comprising the steps of: initially positioning the electrodes in the body of a patient; selecting a stimulation setting having a variable parameter; applying stimulation in accordance with the stimulation setting; intraoperatively adjusting the variable parameter and recording, by patient response, the variable parameter where a desired stimulation perception occurs; intraoperatively administering electrical stimulation having a pulse characteristic determined as a function of the desired variable parameter previously recorded; and if necessary, physically repositioning the electrodes for more effective coverage of the area afflicted by pain based upon the previously recorded variable parameter.

Claim 29

Independent Claim 106 words

A method for anatomically positioning electrodes that are part of a neurological stimulator, method comprising the steps of: initially positioning the electrodes in the body of a patient; selecting a stimulation setting having a variable parameter; applying stimulation in accordance with the stimulation setting; intraoperatively adjusting the variable parameter and recording, by patient response, the variable parameter where a desired stimulation perception occurs; intraoperatively administering electrical stimulation having a pulse characteristic determined as a function of the desired variable parameter previously recorded; and if necessary, physically repositioning the electrodes for more effective coverage of the area afflicted by pain based upon the previously recorded variable parameter.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 22, wherein the desired stimulation perception includes at least an initial perception of stimulation.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 22, wherein the desired stimulation perception includes at least a bilateral perception of stimulation.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 16 words

The method of claim 22, wherein the desired stimulation perception includes at least a motor response.

Claim 33

Independent Claim 132 words

A system for selecting effective electrode stimulation patterns in a computer controlled neuromodulation system, the system comprising: means for storing and applying an initial electrical stimulation pattern defined by an initial electrode configuration and at least one variable parameter of the initial electrical stimulation pattern; means for recording at least an initial representation of patient-corresponding regions afflicted by pain and a representation of an effect of the initial electrical stimulation pattern which causes at least a perceptible response; means for comparing the representation of an effect of the initial electrical stimulation pattern to the representation of patient-corresponding regions afflicted by pain and generating a result corresponding thereto; and means for generating at least one new variable parameter for the initial elecrical stimulation pattern based upon a level of sufficiency of the result.

Claim 34

Independent Claim 132 words

A system for selecting effective electrode stimulation patterns in a computer controlled neuromodulation system, the system comprising: means for storing and applying an initial electrical stimulation pattern defined by an initial electrode configuration and at least one variable parameter of the initial electrical stimulation pattern; means for recording at least an initial representation of patient-corresponding regions afflicted by pain and a representation of an effect of the initial electrical stimulation pattern which causes at least a perceptible response; means for comparing the representation of an effect of the initial electrical stimulation pattern to the representation of patient-corresponding regions afflicted by pain and generating a result corresponding thereto; and means for generating at least one new variable parameter for the initial elecrical stimulation pattern based upon a level of sufficiency of the result.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2002-08-16	2003-02-15	2003-08-17	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2006-08-16	2007-02-15	2007-08-17	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2010-08-16	2011-02-15	2011-08-17	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Pain management system and method

Abstract

Inventors

Bibliographic Details

Claims Analysis

References Cited (Backward Citations)

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Assigned Categories & Tags

Assign Category Tag