Shifting between electrode combinations in electrical stimulation device

US9259587B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Medtronic, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Steven M. Goetz · Fridley, US
• Andrew H. Houchins · Hugo, US
• Jeffrey T. Keacher · Stanford, US
• Gary W. King · Fridley, US
• Kenneth T. Heruth · Edina, US
• Roy L. Testerman · New Hope, US
• Michael T. Lee · Minnetonka, US
• Nathan A. Torgerson · Andover, US
• Joseph J. Nolan · Minnetonka, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 3, 2011
• Grant date: Feb 16, 2016
• Expiry date: Oct 26, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N1/37252
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

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.