Systems and methods for controlling spinal cord stimulation to improve stimulation efficacy for use by implantable medical devices
US9119965B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 9, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 1, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36843
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Techniques are provided for controlling spinal cord stimulation (SCS) or other forms of neurostimulation. In one example, SCS treatment is delivered to a patient and nerve impulse firing signals are sensed along the spinal cord following the SCS treatment. The nerve impulse signals are analyzed to determine whether the signals are associated with effective SCS and then the delivery of additional SCS is controlled to improve SCS efficacy. For example, the nerve impulse signals can be analyzed to determine whether the signals are consistent with a positive patient mood associated with pain mitigation and, if not, SCS control parameters are adjusted to improve the efficacy of the SCS in reducing pain. In other examples, heart rate variability (HRV) is also used to control SCS. Still further, adjustments may be made to SCS control parameters to improve antiarrhythmic or sympatholytic effects associated with SCS. Techniques employing baseline/target calibration procedures are also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.