U.S. patent application number 11/407684 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-08 for systems and methods for automatically optimizing stimulus parameters and electrode configurations for neuro-stimulators.
This patent application is currently assigned to Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey Balzer, Andrew D. Firlik, Bradford Evan Gliner.
Application Number | 20070032834 11/407684 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25525817 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070032834 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gliner; Bradford Evan ; et
al. |
February 8, 2007 |
Systems and methods for automatically optimizing stimulus
parameters and electrode configurations for neuro-stimulators
Abstract
Methods and devices for automatically optimizing the stimulus
parameters and/or the configuration of electrodes to provide neural
stimulation to a patient. In one embodiment, a system includes an
electrode array having an implantable support member configured to
be implanted into a patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes
carried by the support member. The system can also have a pulse
system operatively coupled to the therapy electrodes to deliver a
stimulus to the therapy electrodes, and a sensing device configured
to be attached to a sensing location of the patient. The sensing
device generates response signals in response to the stimulus. The
system can also include a controller operatively coupled to the
pulse system and to the sensing device. The controller includes a
computer operable medium that generates command signals that define
the stimulus delivered by the pulse system, evaluates the response
signals from the sensing device, and determines a desired
configuration for the therapy electrodes and/or a desired stimulus
to be delivered to the therapy electrodes.
Inventors: |
Gliner; Bradford Evan;
(Sammamish, WA) ; Balzer; Jeffrey; (Allison Park,
PA) ; Firlik; Andrew D.; (New Canaan, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERKINS COIE LLP;PATENT-SEA
P.O. BOX 1247
SEATTLE
WA
98111-1247
US
|
Assignee: |
Northstar Neuroscience,
Inc.
Seattle
WA
|
Family ID: |
25525817 |
Appl. No.: |
11/407684 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09978134 |
Oct 15, 2001 |
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11407684 |
Apr 20, 2006 |
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09802808 |
Mar 8, 2001 |
7010351 |
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09978134 |
Oct 15, 2001 |
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60217981 |
Jul 13, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
607/45 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/36025 20130101;
A61N 1/36185 20130101; A61N 1/3756 20130101; A61N 1/36082 20130101;
A61N 1/36071 20130101; A61N 1/0551 20130101; A61N 1/0531 20130101;
A61N 1/0553 20130101; A61N 1/0534 20130101; A61N 1/36021
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/045 |
International
Class: |
A61N 1/32 20070101
A61N001/32 |
Claims
1. A neuro-stimulation system, comprising: an electrode array
having an implantable support member configured to be implanted
into a patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes carried by the
support member; a pulse system operatively coupled to the therapy
electrodes, the pulse system delivering a stimulus to the therapy
electrodes; and a controller operatively coupled to the pulse
system, the controller including a computer operable medium
containing instructions that generate command signals that define
the stimulus delivered by the pulse system and determine a desired
configuration for the therapy electrodes and/or a desired stimulus
to be delivered to the therapy electrodes based upon feedback input
to the controller.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the therapy electrodes are
independently coupled to the pulse system such that the pulse
system can activate and/or deactivate individual therapy
electrodes.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the pulse system and the electrode
array are components of an integrated unit configured to be
implanted in the patient at a stimulation site.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the electrode array is configured
to be implanted at a stimulation site in the patient and the pulse
system is separate from the electrode array and configured to be
implanted at a site in the patient remote from the stimulation
site, and the pulse system being coupled to the electrode array by
a conductive line implanted in the patient.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to be
external to the patient and the pulse system is configured to be
implanted in the patient, and wherein the pulse system is linked to
the controller via a direct link or an indirect link such that the
controller can direct the pulse system to activate and/or
deactivate the electrodes independently.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sensing device
configured to be attached to a sensing location of the patient, the
sensing device generating response signals defining the feedback
input into the controller; and wherein the computer operable medium
contains instructions that evaluate the response signals from the
sensing device.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein the sensing device comprises a
sense electrode configured to be attached to the patient at a sense
location to sense a response to the stimulus applied to the therapy
electrodes.
8. The system of claim 6 wherein the sensing device comprises a
sense electrode configured to be attached to the patient at a sense
location and an EMG unit coupled to the sense electrode.
9. The system of claim 6 wherein the sensing device comprises a
functional MRI device that detects locations of neural-activity in
the brain.
10. The system of claim 6 wherein the computer operable medium of
the controller comprises a computer readable medium containing
instructions causing the controller to perform the following
method: applying an electrical stimulus having a plurality of
stimulus parameters to a selected configuration of the therapy
electrodes; sensing a response to the applied electrical stimulus
using the sensing device; determining whether the response is
within a desired range or an improvement over a previous sensed
response from a different electrical stimulus and/or a different
configuration of therapy electrodes; selecting an alternate
configuration of the therapy electrodes and/or an alternate
electrical stimulus; repeating the applying, sensing, determining
and selecting procedures using the alternate configuration of the
therapy electrodes and/or the alternate electrical stimulus; and
choosing a configuration of therapy electrodes and/or an electrical
stimulus corresponding to a sensed response that is within a
desired range and/or is an improvement compared to other sensed
responses.
11. The system of claim 6 wherein the computer operable medium of
the controller comprises a computer readable medium containing
instructions causing the controller to perform the following
method: sending a command signal from the controller to the pulse
system; delivering an electrical pulse from the pulse system to a
configuration of the therapy electrodes; sensing a response to the
electrical pulse using the sensing device; receiving a response
signal from the sensing device at the controller; in the
controller, determining whether the signal is within a desired
range or an improvement over a previous response signal from
another electrical pulse and/or another configuration of the
therapy electrodes, and selecting an alternate configuration of the
therapy electrodes and/or an alternate electrical pulse; repeating
the sending, delivering, sensing, receiving, and determining
procedures using the alternate configuration of therapy electrodes
and/or the alternate electrical pulse; and in the controller,
identifying an effective pulse therapy electrode configuration
and/or electrical pulse; and storing the effective therapy
electrode configuration and/or electrical parameter in a memory of
the controller.
12. The system of claim 6 wherein the computer operable medium of
the controller comprises a computer readable medium containing
instructions causing the controller to perform the following
method: installing the electrode array at a therapy site of a
patient; installing the sensing device at a sense location of the
patient; selecting a setup configuration of the therapy electrodes
and a control stimulus of electrical parameters; applying the
control stimulus to the therapy electrodes; sensing a response in
the patient with the sensing device and generating a response
signal; in the controller, evaluating the response signal by
comparing the response signal with at least one of a desired
response signal and/or an antecedent response signal sensed by the
sensing device that have been stored in a memory of the controller;
in the controller, automatically choosing an alternate
configuration of therapy electrodes according to the evaluation of
the response signal with the desired response signal and/or the
antecedent response signal; reapplying the control stimulus to the
alternate configuration of therapy electrodes and sensing a
response signal using the sensing device; and repeating the
evaluating, choosing and reapplying procedures until the response
signal is within a desired range and/or a desired number of therapy
electrode configurations have been tested.
13. The system of claim 6 wherein the computer operable medium of
the controller comprises a computer readable medium containing
instructions causing the controller to perform the following
method: installing the electrode array at a therapy site of a
patient; installing the sensing device at a sense location of the
patient; applying an electrical stimulus having a plurality of
stimulus parameters to a control configuration of therapy
electrodes; sensing a response in the patient with the sensing
device and generating a response signal; in the controller,
evaluating the response signal by comparing the response signal
with at least one of a desired response signal and/or an antecedent
response signal sensed by the sensing device stored in a memory of
the controller; in the controller, automatically choosing an
alternate set of stimulus parameters according to the evaluation of
the response signal with the desired response signal and/or the
antecedent response signal; reapplying the alternate set of
stimulus parameters to the setup configuration of therapy
electrodes and sensing a response signal using the sensing device;
and repeating the evaluating, choosing and reapplying procedures
until the response signal is within a desired range and/or a
desired number of stimulus parameters have been tested.
14. The system of claim 6 wherein the computer operable medium of
the controller comprises a computer readable medium containing
instructions causing the controller to perform the following
method: selecting an initial set of stimulation parameters for an
initial electrical stimulus; applying the initial electrical
stimulus to a configuration of the therapy electrodes at a target
stimulation site of the patient; sensing a response signal at a
sensing site of the patient that corresponds to the initial
electrical stimulus applied to the therapy electrodes;
independently adjusting a current intensity until a threshold
electrical stimulus is identified, the threshold electrical
stimulus having a threshold current intensity at which a response
is first identified in a population of neurons of the target site;
and applying a sub-threshold electrical stimulus to the
configuration of therapy electrodes, the sub-threshold electrical
stimulus having a current intensity less than the current intensity
of the threshold electrical stimulus.
15. In a computer, a method of automatically determining a
favorable neuro-stimulation program for a patient, comprising:
applying an electrical stimulus having a plurality of stimulus
parameters to a selected configuration of the therapy electrodes
that have been installed at a target therapy site of a patient;
sensing a response to the applied electrical stimulus at a sensing
device that has been installed at a sense location of the patient;
determining whether the response is within a desired range or an
improvement over a previous sensed response from a different
electrical stimulus and/or a different configuration of therapy
electrodes; selecting an alternate configuration of therapy
electrodes and/or an alternate electrical stimulus; repeating the
applying, sensing, determining and selecting procedures using the
alternate configuration of therapy electrodes and/or the alternate
electrical stimulus; and choosing a configuration of therapy
electrodes and/or an electrical stimulus corresponding to a sensed
response that is within a desired range and/or provides a better
result compared to other sensed responses.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the selecting procedure
comprises computing an alternate stimulus parameter while
maintaining a constant electrode configuration, and wherein
computing the alternate stimulus parameter comprises correlating a
plurality of different stimuli applied to the constant electrode
configuration with corresponding sensed responses to determine a
stimulus/response trend and estimating a new stimulus parameter
that is expected to improve the efficacy according to the
stimulus/response trend.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein the selecting procedure
comprises computing an alternate electrode configuration while
maintaining constant stimulus parameters, and wherein computing the
alternate electrode configuration comprises correlating a plurality
of sensed responses with corresponding electrode configurations to
which the constant stimulus parameters were applied to determine an
electrode-configuration/response trend and estimating a new
electrode configuration that is expected to improve the efficacy
according to the electrode-configuration/response trend.
18. The method of claim 15 wherein the selecting procedure
comprises increasing a stimulus parameter when a stimulus/response
trend indicates that an increase in the stimulus parameter improves
the efficacy of the stimulus.
19. The method of claim 15 wherein the selecting procedure
comprises decreasing a stimulus parameter when a stimulus/response
trend indicates that a decrease in the stimulus parameter improves
the efficacy of the stimulus.
20. The method of claim 15 wherein the applying, sensing,
determining, selecting, repeating and choosing procedures are
repeated on the same patient within a period not greater than one
week.
21. The method of claim 15 wherein the applying, sensing,
determining, selecting, repeating and choosing procedures are
repeated on the same patient on consecutive days.
22. The method of claim 15 wherein the applying, sensing,
determining and selecting procedures are completed in a time period
not greater than approximately 300 seconds.
23. The method of claim 15 wherein two iterations of the applying,
sensing, determining and selecting procedures are repeated in a
time period not greater than approximately 90 seconds.
24. The method of claim 15 wherein two iterations of the applying,
sensing, determining and selecting procedures are repeated in a
time period not greater than approximately 180 seconds.
25. The method of claim 15 wherein two iterations of the applying,
sensing, determining and selecting procedures are repeated in a
time period of approximately 20-90 seconds.
26. The method of claim 15 wherein a single iteration of the
applying, sensing, determining and selecting procedures is
completed in a time period not greater than approximately 45
seconds.
27. The method of claim 15 wherein a single iteration of the
applying, sensing, determining and selecting procedures is
completed in a time period of approximately 10-30 seconds.
28. The method of claim 15 wherein the sensing procedure comprises
attaching EMG sensors to a sense site of the patient, detecting
peripheral responses to the stimuli applied to the electrodes, and
automatically sending the detected peripheral responses to the
controller.
29. The method of claim 15 wherein the sensing procedure comprises
detecting data related to neural activity using a functional MRI
and automatically sending the data to the controller.
30. The method of claim 15 wherein the data comprises coordinates
of neural activity relative to the therapy electrodes.
31. The method of claim 15 wherein the data comprises intensity
levels of neural activity.
32. In a computer, a method of automatically determining a
favorable a neuro-stimulation program for a patient, comprising:
sending a command signal from a controller to a pulse system
operatively coupled to the controller; delivering an electrical
pulse from the pulse system to a configuration of therapy
electrodes in a therapy electrode array installed at a target
stimulation site of a patient; sensing a response to the electrical
pulse at a sensing device installed at a sense location of the
patient; receiving a response signal from the sensing device at the
controller; in the controller, determining whether the signal is
within a desired range or an improvement over a previous response
signal from another electrical pulse and/or another configuration
of therapy electrodes, and selecting an alternate configuration of
therapy electrodes and/or an alternate electrical pulse; repeating
the sending, delivering, sensing, receiving, and determining
procedures using the alternate configuration of therapy electrodes
and/or the alternate electrical pulse; and in the controller,
identifying an effective pulse therapy electrode configuration
and/or electrical pulse; and storing the effective therapy
electrode configuration and/or electrical pulse in a memory of the
controller.
33. The method of claim 32 wherein the selecting procedure
comprises computing an alternate stimulus parameter while
maintaining a constant electrode configuration, and wherein
computing the alternate stimulus parameter comprises correlating a
plurality of different stimuli applied to the constant electrode
configuration with corresponding sensed responses to determine a
stimulus/response trend and estimating a new stimulus parameter
that is expected to improve the efficacy according to the
stimulus/response trend.
34. The method of claim 32 wherein the selecting procedure
comprises computing an alternate electrode configuration while
maintaining constant stimulus parameters, and wherein computing the
alternate electrode configuration comprises correlating a plurality
of sensed responses with corresponding electrode configurations to
which the constant stimulus parameters were applied to determine an
electrode-configuration/response trend and estimating a new
electrode configuration that is expected to improve the efficacy
according to the electrode-configuration/response trend.
35. The method of claim 32 wherein the selecting procedure
comprises increasing a stimulus parameter when a stimulus/response
trend indicates that an increase in the stimulus parameter improves
the efficacy of the stimulus.
36. The method of claim 32 wherein the selecting procedure
comprises decreasing a stimulus parameter when a stimulus/response
trend indicates that a decrease in the stimulus parameter improves
the efficacy of the stimulus.
37. The method of claim 32 wherein two iterations of the applying,
sensing, determining and selecting procedures are repeated in a
time period not greater than approximately 90 seconds.
38. The method of claim 32 wherein two iterations of the applying,
sensing, determining and selecting procedures are completed in a
time period not greater than approximately 180 seconds.
39. The method of claim 32 wherein the sensing procedure comprises
attaching EMG sensors to a sense site of the patient, detecting
peripheral responses to the stimuli applied to the electrodes, and
automatically sending the detected peripheral responses to the
controller.
40. The method of claim 32 wherein the sensing procedure comprises
detecting data related to neural activity using a functional MRI
and automatically sending the data to the controller.
41. A method of automatically determining a favorable
neuro-stimulation program for a patient, comprising: installing an
electrode array having a plurality of therapy electrodes at a
therapy site of a patient; installing a sensing device at a sense
location of the patient; selecting a setup configuration of therapy
electrodes and a control stimulus of electrical parameters;
applying the control stimulus to the therapy electrodes; sensing a
response in the patient with the sensing device and generating a
response signal; in the controller, evaluating the response signal
by comparing the response signal with at least one of a desired
response signal and/or an antecedent response signal sensed by the
sensing device that have been stored in a memory of the controller;
in the controller, automatically choosing an alternate
configuration of therapy electrodes according to the evaluation of
the response signal with the desired response signal and/or the
antecedent response signal; reapplying the control stimulus to the
alternate configuration of therapy electrodes and sensing a
response signal using the sensing device; and repeating the
evaluating, choosing and reapplying procedures until the response
signal is within a desired range and/or a desired number of therapy
electrode configurations have been tested.
42. A method of automatically determining a favorable
neuro-stimulation program for a patient, comprising: installing an
electrode array having a plurality of therapy electrodes at a
therapy site of a patient; installing a sensing device at a sense
location of the patient; applying an electrical stimulus having a
plurality of stimulus parameters to a control configuration of
therapy electrodes; sensing a response in the patient with the
sensing device and generating a response signal; in the controller,
evaluating the response signal by comparing the response signal
with at least one of a desired response signal and/or an antecedent
response signal sensed by the sensing device stored in a memory of
the controller; in the controller, adjusting at least one of the
stimulus parameters according to the evaluation of the response
signal with the desired response signal and/or the antecedent
response signal; reapplying the adjusted stimulus parameters to the
setup configuration of therapy electrodes and sensing a response
signal using the sensing device; and repeating the evaluating,
choosing and reapplying procedures until the response signal is
within a desired range and/or a desired number of stimulus
parameters have been tested.
43. A method of automatically determining a favorable sub-threshold
neuro-stimulation program for a patient, comprising: selecting a
set of stimulation parameters for an electrical stimulus; applying
the electrical stimulus to a configuration of therapy electrodes at
a target stimulation site of the patient; sensing a response signal
at a sensing site of the patient that corresponds to the electrical
stimulus applied to the therapy electrodes; independently adjusting
a current intensity until a threshold electrical stimulus is
identified, the threshold electrical stimulus having a threshold
current intensity at which a response is first identified in a
population of neurons of the target site; and applying a
sub-threshold electrical stimulus to the configuration of therapy
electrodes, the sub-threshold electrical stimulus having a current
intensity less than the current intensity of the threshold
electrical stimulus.
44. The method of claim 43 wherein applying a sub-threshold
stimulus comprises applying a sub-threshold current intensity of
approximately 40-99% of the threshold current intensity.
45. The method of claim 43 wherein applying a sub-threshold
stimulus comprises applying a sub-threshold current intensity of
approximately 60-80% of the threshold current intensity.
46. The method of claim 43 wherein applying a sub-threshold
stimulus comprises applying a sub-threshold current intensity of
approximately 68-72% of the threshold current intensity.
47. The method of claim 43 wherein: applying a sub-threshold
stimulus comprises applying a sub-threshold current intensity of
approximately 40-99% of the threshold current intensity; and the
method further comprises determining whether the application of the
sub-threshold current intensity decreased a membrane activation
threshold for a population of neurons subject to the sub-threshold
stimulus.
48. The method of claim 43, further comprising decreasing the
sub-threshold current intensity to a lower level and re-applying
the decreased sub-threshold stimulus with the lower current
intensity to the neurons, and further determining whether the
application of the decreased sub-threshold current intensity
further decreased the membrane activation threshold for the
population of neurons.
49. The method of claim 43, further comprising repeating (a)
decreasing the sub-threshold current intensity to a lower level,
(b) re-applying the decreased sub-threshold stimulus with the lower
current intensity to the neurons, and (c) further determining
whether the application of the decreased sub-threshold current
intensity further decreased the membrane activation threshold for
the population of neurons until the membrane activation threshold
does not decreased by a desired amount.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/802,808 filed Mar. 8, 2001, entitled
"Methods and Apparatus for Effectuating a Lasting Change in a
Neural-Function of a Patient," which claims priority to U.S.
Application No. 60/217,981 filed Jul. 13, 2000, which are herein
incorporated in their entirety by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is related to systems and methods for
automatically optimizing the configuration of therapy electrodes
and/or the stimulus parameters of the electrical or magnetic
waveforms applied to a target stimulation site of a patient.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A wide variety of mental and physical processes are known to
be controlled or influenced by neural activity in the central and
peripheral nervous systems. For example, the neural-functions in
some areas of the brain (i.e., the sensory or motor cortices) are
organized according to physical or cognitive functions. There are
also several other areas of the brain that appear to have distinct
functions in most individuals. In the majority of people, for
example, the areas of the occipital lobes relate to vision, the
regions of the left interior frontal lobes relate to language, and
the regions of the cerebral cortex appear to be consistently
involved with conscious awareness, memory and intellect. The spinal
cord is also organized so that specific regions of spinal cord are
related to particular functions. Because of the location-specific
functional organization of the central nervous system in which
neurons at discreet locations are statistically likely to control
particular mental or physical functions in normal individuals,
stimulating neurons at selected locations of the central nervous
system can be used to effectuate cognitive and/or motor functions
throughout the body.
[0004] The neural activity in the central nervous system can be
influenced by electrical and/or magnetic energy that is supplied
from an external source outside of the body. Various neural
functions can thus be promoted or disrupted by applying an
electrical current to the cortex or other part of the central
nervous system. As a result, the quest for treating or augmenting
neural functions in the brain, spinal cord, or other parts of the
body have led to research directed toward using electricity or
magnetism to control these functions.
[0005] In several existing applications, the electrical or magnetic
stimulation is provided by a neural-stimulator that has a plurality
of therapy electrodes and a pulse system coupled to the therapy
electrodes. The therapy electrodes can be implanted into the
patient at a target site for stimulating the desired neurons. For
example, one existing technique for masking pain in the lower
extremities of a patient is to apply an electrical stimulus to a
desired target stimulation site of the spinal cord. Although
determining the general location of the target stimulation site may
be relatively straight forward, identifying the specific
configuration of electrodes for applying the stimulus will
generally vary for specific patients.
[0006] The conventional procedure for optimizing the configuration
of therapy electrodes involves several steps and relies on the
subjective input from the patient. Conventional techniques
generally involve rendering the patient unconscious, implanting an
electrode array in the patient at the stimulation site, and then
letting the patient regain consciousness. After the patient is
conscious, the particular configuration of electrodes is optimized
for that patient by selecting different combinations of the therapy
electrodes and applying a constant electrical stimulus. The patient
subjectively evaluates the effectiveness of each stimulus by
indicating the degree to which the stimulus masks the pain. After
testing the various configurations of therapy electrodes and
deciding upon a desired electrode configuration according to the
input of the patient, the patient is rendered unconscious for a
second time to close the electrode array in the patient.
[0007] A similar procedure can be followed for determining the
desired configuration of therapy electrodes for intra-cranial
electrical stimulation. For example, a device for stimulating a
region of the brain is disclosed by King in U.S. Pat. No.
5,713,922. King discloses a device for cortical surface stimulation
having electrodes mounted on a paddle. The paddle can be implanted
under the skull of the patient so that the electrodes are on the
surface of the brain in a fixed position. King also discloses that
the electrical pulses are generated by a pulse generator implanted
in the patient remotely from the cranium (e.g., subclavicular
implantation). The pulse generator is coupled to the electrodes by
a cable that extends from the paddle, around the skull, and down
the neck to the subclavicular location of the pulse generator.
[0008] King discloses implanting the electrodes in contact with the
surface of the cortex to create paresthesia, which is a vibrating
or buzzing sensation. More specifically, King discloses inducing
paresthesia in large areas by placing the electrodes against
particular regions of the brain and applying an electrical stimulus
to the electrodes. This is similar to implanting therapy electrodes
at the spinal cord of a patient for masking pain in the lower
extremities of a patient, and thus King appears to require
stimulation that exceeds the membrane activation threshold for a
population of neurons at the electrodes (supra-threshold
stimulation). King further discloses applying a stimulus to one set
of electrodes, and then applying a stimulus to a separate
configuration of electrodes to shift the location of the
paresthesia.
[0009] One problem of the procedures for optimizing the
configuration of therapy electrodes for either spinal or cortical
stimulation is that existing systems and methods are expensive and
time consuming. First, it is expensive to render the patient
unconscious, implant the neural-stimulators in the patient, then
wait for the patient to regain consciousness, then test various
electrode configurations by asking the patient to subjectively
estimate the degree to which the particular stimulus masks the
pain, and then finally render the patient unconscious again to
complete the implantation. Second, it can be a reasonably high risk
operation because the patient is placed under general anesthesia at
two separate stages of the process. It will be appreciated that
this is an extremely long process that requires highly skilled
doctors and personnel to attend to the patient for a significant
period of time. Moreover, the patient occupies costly operating
rooms and utilizes expensive equipment throughout the process.
Third, relying on the subjective response from the patient may not
provide accurate data for evaluating minor variances in the
results. Fourth, the patient may experience pain or discomfort
because some configurations may provide high intensity stimulation
that exceeds the sensory level of stimulation. Therefore, existing
systems for determining a desired configuration of electrodes to
apply a neural-stimulus to specific patients are expensive, time
consuming, potentially painful, and may not determine the most
effective electrode configuration.
[0010] Another drawback of configuring the therapy electrodes using
existing systems and methods is that the procedures are not
effective for on-going use. This is because the patient's condition
changes continually. For example, the location of the pain or the
sensation typically shifts over time such that the optimal
configuration of the electrodes at one point of the therapy may not
mask the pain after a period of time. A large number of patients
accordingly terminate electrical therapies for paresthesia within
one year because of such a shift in the location of the
pain/sensation. Therefore, although electrical stimulation for
masking pain, inducing or enhancing plasticity, and other reasons
appears to be very promising, it has not yet gained wide acceptance
because of the drawbacks of configuring the therapy electrodes to
apply an effective stimulus to different patients over a long
period of time.
[0011] Additionally, it is also difficult to optimize the
parameters of the electrical or magnetic stimulus. For example,
even when a desired configuration of therapy electrodes is used,
different waveforms can produce different results in each patient.
Determining the stimulus parameters of the waveform can be even
more time consuming than determining the desirable configuration of
therapy electrodes because it involves testing a large number of
independent variables. In a biphasic pulse train, for example, the
stimulus parameters can include (a) the intensity of the electrical
current, (b) the time of the stimulus of the first phase, (c) the
time of the stimulus of the second phase, (d) the total time of the
stimulus pulse, (e) the frequency of the stimulus pulse, (f) the
pulse duty cycle, (g) the burst time of the stimulus, (h) the burst
repetition rate of the stimulus, and (i) additional variables.
Because of the large number of stimulus parameters, a particular
waveform for the stimulus is typically selected for a given
treatment for all patients such that the parameters for stimulus
itself are not optimized.
[0012] In light of the several drawbacks for existing techniques of
applying electrical or magnetic neural-stimulation to produce
desired results, there is a significant need to enhance the
procedures for applying such stimulus to individual patients. For
example, it would be desirable to have more cost effective and less
time consuming procedures for determining an effective
configuration of therapy electrodes and stimulus parameters.
Additionally, it would be desirable to update the electrode
configuration and stimulus parameters in each individual patient
without surgically operating on the patient to compensate for
shifts in the target stimulation site.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for
automatically optimizing the configuration of the electrodes and/or
the stimulus parameters in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for
automatically optimizing the configuration of electrodes and/or the
stimulus parameters in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for
optimizing the configuration of therapy electrodes that can be used
in the method of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0016] FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate various examples of using the system
of FIG. 1 to optimize the configuration of the electrodes in
accordance with an embodiment of the methods of FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method for optimizing the
stimulus parameters that can be used in the method of FIG. 2 in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of several
stimulus parameters that can be optimized using an embodiment of
the method of FIG. 5.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method for optimizing the
electrode configuration and/or stimulus parameters for inducing
and/or enhancing neural-plasticity using sub-threshold stimulation
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The following disclosure describes several methods and
apparatus for automatically determining the configuration of
therapy electrodes and/or the parameters for the stimulus to treat
or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient.
Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are
practiced using a computer to automatically implement such
processes, but it is not necessary to use a computer in all of the
embodiments. The specific details of certain embodiments of the
invention are set forth in the following description and in FIGS.
1-7 to provide a thorough understanding of these embodiments to a
person of ordinary skill in the art. More specifically, several
embodiments of a system in accordance with the invention are
described with reference to FIG. 1, and then several embodiments of
methods for determining a desired configuration of therapy
electrodes and/or stimulus parameters are described with reference
to FIGS. 2-7. A person skilled in the art will understand that the
present invention may have additional embodiments, or that the
invention can be practiced without several of the details described
below.
A. Systems for Automatically Optimizing Therapy Electrode
Configurations and/or Stimulus Parameters
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a system for providing
neuro-stimulation to a patient that can automatically optimize (a)
the configuration of therapy electrodes, (b) the waveform
parameters for the electrical stimulus, and/or (c) additional
stimulation parameters. In this embodiment, the system 100
comprises an electrode array 110, a stimulus unit 120 operatively
coupled to the electrode array 110, and at least one sensing device
180 operatively coupled to the stimulus unit 120. The electrode
array 110 and the sensing unit 180 can be operatively coupled to
the stimulus unit 120 by a direct connection (e.g., wires, cables,
or fiber optical lines) or an indirect connection (e.g., RF energy,
magnetic energy, infrared, etc.).
[0022] The electrode array 110 can include a support member 112 and
a plurality of electrodes 114 that are carried by the support
member 112. The electrode array 110 is generally configured to be
implanted into a patient P for cortical stimulation, deep brain
stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, cardiac stimulation, or
stimulation of other parts of the body. For example, the electrode
array 110 can be a cortical neural-stimulation device, such as one
of the devices described in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/802,808
incorporated by reference above. The electrode array 110 can
alternatively be a grid having a plurality of discreet electrodes
114 arranged in an X-Y coordinate system or another type of
coordinate system. The therapy electrodes 114 can be independently
coupled to the stimulus unit 120 by a link 116. In one embodiment,
the link 116 is a wire or another type of conductive line, but in
alternate embodiments the link 116 can be an indirect link (e.g.,
infrared, magnetic or RF energy). The link 116 can accordingly be a
direct connection or an indirect connection to operatively couple
the therapy electrodes 114 to the stimulus unit 120. It will be
appreciated that many of the electrode arrays can be implanted at
the spinal cord for spinal cord stimulation.
[0023] The stimulus unit 120 can include a controller 130 with a
processor, a memory, and a programmable computer medium. The
controller 130, for example, can be a computer and the programmable
computer medium can be software loaded into the memory of the
computer and/or hardware that performs the processes described
below. The stimulus unit 120 can further include a pulse system
140, a converter 150, and a plurality of controls/indicators 160.
The pulse system 140 can generate and send energy pulses to the
electrode array, and the converter 150 can receive signals from the
sensing device 180. The pulse system 140 and the converter 150 are
both operatively coupled to the controller 130. The controls and
indicators 160 can include a computer display, an input/output
device (e.g., a keyboard, touch sensitive screen, etc.), or other
types of devices commonly used to enter commands or receive output
from computers.
[0024] The electrode array 110 and the pulse system 140 can be
integrated into a single stimulation apparatus that can be
implanted into the patient, as described in U.S. application Ser.
No. 09/082,808. One example of an integrated pulse system 140 and
electrode array 110 is configured to be implanted into the skull of
the patient so that the electrodes contact the pia matter of the
cortex. Such a device can have an internal power source that can be
implanted into the patient and/or an external power source coupled
to the pulse system via electromagnetic coupling or a direct
connection. In alternate embodiments, the pulse system 140 is an
external unit that is not implanted into the patient. The external
pulse unit 140 can provide the electrical stimulus to the therapy
electrodes 114 using RF energy, electromagnetism, or wire terminals
exposed on the scalp of the patient P.
[0025] The sensing device 180 can be an electrode that produces an
analog signal, and the converter 150 can convert the analog signal
to a digital signal for processing by the controller 130. The
sensing device 180 can be an implantable electrode that can be
implanted at a number of different locations according to the
desired response of the stimulus applied to the therapy electrodes
114. In alternate embodiments, the sensing device 180 can be an
imaging device (e.g., an fMRI apparatus), an ultrasound apparatus,
an EEG, a device that detects somatosensory evoked potentials, or
another suitable apparatus for determining a response in the
patient P to a stimulus applied to the therapy electrodes 114. The
sensing device can alternatively detect behavioral responses. In an
alternate embodiment, the sensing device 180 can produce a digital
output and be coupled directly to the controller 130. Therefore,
the converter 150 may only be used in some of the embodiments of
the system 100.
[0026] The system 100 can automatically test the efficacy of
various electrode configurations and stimulus parameters either
with or without subjective input from the patient. In operation,
the controller 130 sends command signals to the pulse system 140
defining the configuration of active electrodes and the waveform
parameters for the stimulus. The pulse system 140 generates and
sends a single pulse or pulse train to the active therapy
electrodes in accordance with the command signals, and the sensing
device 180 senses the neural responses, motor responses, or other
types of responses to the stimulus. The sensing device 180 also
sends signals corresponding to the magnitude of the responses to
the controller 130, which compares the responses to previous
responses and/or empirical responses for the type of therapy stored
in the memory of the controller. The controller 130 then adjusts
the configuration of active therapy electrodes and/or the waveform
parameters of the stimulus to optimize the therapy for the
particular patient. Several methods for using embodiments of the
system 100 for supra- and sub-threshold neural-stimulation
therapies are described below.
B. Methods of Optimizing Electrode Configurations and Stimulus
Parameters for Neuro-Stimulation
[0027] FIGS. 2-7 illustrate several embodiments of methods in
accordance with the invention that can be practiced using the
stimulator system 100 described above. FIG. 2, for example, is a
flow diagram illustrating an optimization process 200 that can be
executed, at least in part, in a computer for automatically
optimizing the configuration of therapy electrodes and/or the
waveform parameters for the stimulus. The optimization process 200
generally starts after the therapy electrode array has been
installed at a target stimulation site using surgical techniques
known in the art and a sensing device has been positioned to sense
a response to the electrical stimulus applied to the therapy
electrodes.
[0028] After the therapy electrode array has been installed and the
sensing device is ready to sense a response in the patient, the
optimization process 200 begins with a setup procedure 210 in which
a setup configuration of therapy electrodes and the waveform
parameters for a control stimulus are selected. The controller can
select the setup configuration for the electrodes and the control
stimulus by retrieving predetermined setup values stored in a setup
database in the memory of the controller. The setup database can
contain at least one setup configuration for the therapy electrodes
and at least one set of waveform parameters for the control
stimulus. In several embodiments, a plurality of different setup
configurations for the electrodes and the stimulus parameters can
be stored in a database so that the system 100 can be used for many
different types of neural therapies and procedures. An alternate
embodiment can involve manually inputting the setup configuration
for the electrodes and the waveform parameters for the control
stimulus either in lieu of or in addition to having the controller
retrieve setup data from memory. A practitioner, for example, can
select the setup data from pull-down menus provided by the system
100 or manually key in the data.
[0029] The setup configurations for the therapy electrodes and the
waveform parameters for control stimuli can be determined by
manually performing optimization procedures on test groups of
patients for each type of therapy. The optimal setups can be
correlated with the particular therapy (e.g., enhancing neural
plasticity in the cortex, masking pain, etc.), the particular
target site, and the patient factors. For example, a first
electrode configuration and control stimulus can be determined for
sub-threshold cortical neural stimulation to restore functionality
of a limb that was affected by a stroke or other type of brain
damage; a second electrode configuration and control stimulus can
be determined for cortical neural stimulation to enhance learning
capabilities; a third electrode configuration and control stimulus
can be determined for spinal stimulation to mask pain; and a fourth
electrode configuration and control stimulus can be determined for
sub- or supra-threshold stimulation applied to the cortex. It will
be appreciated that many additional electrode configurations and
stimulus parameters can be determined for other types of therapies
such that the foregoing is not exhaustive of the various types of
setup configurations.
[0030] Referring again to FIG. 2, the optimization process 200
continues with a stimulating procedure 220 and then a sensing
procedure 230. The stimulating procedure 220 involves applying an
electrical stimulus to a configuration of the therapy electrodes.
Several iterations of the stimulation procedure 220 are generally
performed several times at different stages throughout the
optimization process 200, and the configuration of the electrodes
and/or the stimulus parameters can be changed at each iteration of
the stimulation procedure 220. For example, the initial iteration
of the stimulating procedure 220 can involve applying the control
stimulus to the setup configuration of therapy electrodes.
Subsequent iterations of the stimulation procedure 220 can involve
applying (a) the control stimulus to an alternate configuration of
therapy electrodes; (b) an alternate stimulus with a different
waveform to the setup electrode configuration; and/or (c) alternate
stimuli with different waveforms to alternate electrode
configurations. As explained above with reference to FIG. 1, the
controller carries out the stimulation procedure 220 by sending
command signals to the pulse system, which in turn generates and
transmits energy having the parameters for the stimulus to the
selected configuration of active therapy electrodes.
[0031] The sensing procedure 230 is generally performed after each
iteration of the stimulation procedure 220. The sensing procedure
230 involves monitoring a location in the patient for a response to
the stimulus applied in the stimulation procedure 220. The location
for sensing the response and the particular type of response that
is measured varies according to the particular type of therapy and
other factors. In general, the physiologic outcome that the
response measures can be categorized into three general areas: (1)
cortical; (2) peripheral; and (3) functional. The types of
measurements for monitoring cortical physiologic outcomes include:
(a) action potential generation of the neurons; (b) excitability
changes of the neurons measured waveform characteristics of EEG or
field potentials within the cortex; (c) blood flow (e.g., doppler
measurements); (d) thermal changes; (e) pulse oxymetry; (f)
chemical metabolites; and (g) imaging techniques (e.g., functional
MRI, MR spectroscopy, diffusion MRI, PET, CT, etc.). The types of
measurements for monitoring peripheral physiologic outcomes
include: (a) EMG (surface, percutaneous, or implanted); (b)
external potentiometer or other forms of physiologic input; and (c)
motion detectors (e.g., accelerometers). The types of measurements
for monitoring functional physiologic outcomes include: (a)
force/strength tests; (b) dexterity tests; (c) speed/reflex tests;
and (d) performing complex tasks.
[0032] Several types of measurements that monitor the physiologic
outcomes can be automated so that they generate signals which can
be processed by the controller either with or without subjective
input from the patient. In the case of EMG measurements for sensing
peripheral responses to the applied stimulus, the electrical
signals from the EMG sensors are automatically received and
processed by the controller. In other applications, the data sensed
by functional MRI, blood flow monitors, thermal monitors, pulse
oxymeters, PET, MR spectroscopy, accelerometers, etc. can be
digitized and process by the controller in a similar manner. In
this manner, the stimulating procedure 220 and the sensing
procedure 230 can be automated using a controller with the
appropriate hardware and/or software.
[0033] The optimization process 200 also includes performing an
evaluation procedure 240 after one or more iterations of the
stimulating procedure 220 and the sensing procedure 230. The
evaluation procedure 240 can involve a determination routine 242 in
which a sensed response from the sensing procedure 230 is compared
with a desired response range and/or other responses from previous
iterations of the stimulation procedure 220 and the sensing
procedure 230. Based upon whether the sensed response is within a
desired range and/or shows an improvement compared to previous
responses or target ranges, the controller can automatically test
the effectiveness of other electrode configurations and stimulus
parameters. For example, if the response is not within the desired
response range, then the determination routine 242 directs the
controller to select an alternate configuration for the therapy
electrodes and/or alternate parameter for the stimulus.
Alternatively, in one embodiment when the sensed response is within
the desired response range, the determination routine 242 can
direct the controller to proceed directly to a stop 270 and
indicate that the configuration of therapy electrodes and the
parameters for the stimulus have been optimized to treat the
specific patient. In another embodiment when the sensed response is
within the desired response range, the determination routine 242
directs the controller to select additional alternate
configurations of the therapy electrodes and/or stimulus parameters
to discover whether a more effective response can be achieved.
[0034] The process of selecting alternate therapy electrode
configurations or stimulus parameters is performed by an analyzing
procedure 260. In one embodiment, the analyzing procedure 260 is
predicated upon the understanding that the electrode configuration
and each of the stimulus parameters are independent variables that
can be individually optimized while keeping the other variables
constant. The analyzing procedure 260, therefore, can proceed by
keeping one of the configuration of the therapy electrodes or the
stimulus parameters constant and then progressively adjusting the
other of these variables until the most effective result is
obtained for the adjusted variable. For example, when the analyzing
procedure 260 selects alternate stimulus parameters, it typically
maintains the previous configuration of therapy electrodes and it
adjusts only one of the stimulus parameters at a time. Conversely,
the analyzing procedure 260 can keep the same stimulus parameters
and select alternate configurations of therapy electrodes. The
analyzing procedure 260 can select alternate inputs for the
stimulus parameters and/or the electrode configurations by
dynamically estimating new parameters based on projected response
patterns for using empirical data developed for particular
therapies and/or actual responses from previous stimuli applied to
the patient. In one embodiment, the controller automatically
analyzes the responses from previous stimulating procedures 220 to
determine a pattern of improved or degraded effectiveness of the
corresponding configurations of therapy electrodes and stimulus
parameters that were applied in the iterations of the stimulation
procedure 220. Based upon the pattern of responses, the analyzing
routine 260 can then incrementally change one of the variables in a
manner that concurs with a pattern showing improved responses or
moves away from the pattern that shows deteriorated responses.
[0035] A basic example of the analyzing routine 260 involves
optimizing the frequency of the electrical stimulus. As such, the
configuration of electrodes and the other stimulus parameters
remain constant for several iterations of the applying procedure
220. In one iteration a stimulus having a first frequency (e.g., 50
Hz) may produce marginal results as determined by the sensing and
evaluation procedures 230 and 240. Without additional data, the
analyzing procedure 260 selects a second stimulus with a second
frequency either less or greater than the first frequency to get a
general understanding of whether higher or lower frequencies
produce more efficacious results. The controller, for example, can
select a second frequency of 25 Hz. If a frequency of 25 Hz
produces better results than 50 Hz, the controller can select still
lower frequencies in the analyzing procedure 260; but, assuming for
the sake of this example that a frequency of 25 Hz produces a worse
result than 50 Hz, then the controller can select a third frequency
higher than the second frequency (e.g., 100 Hz). If the higher
third frequency (e.g., 100 Hz) produces a better result than the
first frequency (e.g., 50 Hz), then the controller can select a
still higher fourth frequency (e.g., 200 Hz) in a subsequent
iteration of the procedure. The method 200 can continue in this
manner by adjusting variables in a direction that produces better
results until the results begin to deteriorate. At this point, it
is expected that the optimal value for the variable is bracketed
between the last value selected for the variable and the value of
the iteration immediately preceding the penultimate iteration
(i.e., the second-to-the-last iteration).
[0036] Several embodiments of the optimization procedure 200 that
use the system 100 are expected to reduce the cost and time for
optimizing the configuration of the therapy electrodes and the
stimulus parameters. One feature of the optimizing method 200 is
that the pulse system and the therapy electrodes can be an
integrated unit that is implanted into the patient and controlled
externally from the patient such that an external controller can
adjust the variables (e.g., electrode configuration and/or stimulus
parameters) without requiring opening the patient for access to the
pulse system and/or the therapy electrodes. One benefit of this
feature is that several different electrode configurations and
stimulus parameters can be adjusted after implanting the electrode
array, and the variables can also be tested rather quickly because
the controller can automatically adjust the variables and apply the
stimulus to the therapy electrodes in a manner that is expected to
be much faster than manually adjusting the variables. Another
benefit of this feature is that the patient need only be subject to
a single application of an anesthetic because the patient can be
closed up soon after implanting the electrode array and the test
can be performed after closing the patient. As a result, several
embodiments of the optimization procedure 200 are expected to
reduce the time and costs for determining a desirable electrode
configuration and stimulus parameters.
[0037] Several embodiments of the optimization procedure 200 are
also expected to provide better results than relying solely on the
subjective input of the patient. Another aspect of several
embodiments of the system 100 is that the sensing device provides
objective criteria that measures the response to the stimuli. This
feature is expected to provide better accuracy in determining the
effectiveness of the individual stimuli applied to the therapy
electrodes. Moreover, the optimization procedure 200 can also
expediently optimize the waveform parameters in addition to
optimizing the configuration of therapy electrodes such that both
the electrical components of the stimulus and the location(s) where
the stimulus is applied are optimized for specific patients.
[0038] Another feature of several embodiments of the optimization
method 200 using the system 100 is that they are expected to
provide more effective therapies over a long period of time without
additional surgical procedures. One feature that provides this
benefit is that the pulse system and the electrode array can be
implanted into the patient and controlled externally from the
patient. As a result, when the effectiveness of the therapy
degrades because the target site shifts or another variable
changes, the sensing device 180 can be positioned relative to the
patient and coupled to the controller to re-optimize the electrode
configuration and/or the stimulus parameters without having to
perform surgery on the patient. The system 100 can accordingly be
operated using embodiments of the optimization procedure 200 at any
time to compensate for shifts in the target location. Several
embodiments of the optimization procedure 200 that use the system
100 are accordingly expected to provide more effective therapies
for ongoing applications.
[0039] Still another benefit of several embodiments of the method
200 is that they are expected to be more comfortable for patients.
One feature of the method 200 is that the sensing procedure can
sense responses at levels that the patient cannot feel any
sensations. As a result, is it not likely that the application of
the stimulus will cause pain or discomfort.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a
method for optimizing the configuration of therapy electrodes in
accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, the method 300
can include a setup procedure 310 in which a setup configuration of
therapy electrodes is selected. The setup configuration of therapy
electrodes can be based upon historical data obtained from previous
optimization procedures for specific patients or different types of
therapies. After performing the setup procedure 310, the method 300
continues with a stimulating procedure 320 in which a control
electrical stimulus is applied to the selected configuration of
therapy electrodes. A response in the patient to the applied
control stimulus is then sensed in a sensing procedure 330, which
is generally performed after each iteration of the stimulating
procedure 320. The stimulating procedure 320 and the sensing
procedure 330 can be similar to those described above with
reference to FIG. 2, except that the stimulating procedure 320
involves applying the same control stimulus for each iteration. The
primary difference, therefore, is that the configuration of therapy
electrodes can be changed for each iteration of the stimulating
procedure 320.
[0041] The method 300 continues with an evaluation procedure 340 in
which the sensed response from the sensing procedure 330 is
compared with a predetermined range of desired responses and/or
previous responses from the sensing procedure 330. The evaluation
procedure 340 can have several different embodiments. The
evaluation procedure 340, for example, can include a determination
routine 342 that determines whether the sensed response is the
optimized response. In one embodiment, the sense response is
considered to be optimized when it is within a desired range of
responses. The method 300 can accordingly proceed to stop when such
a response is sensed. In another embodiment, the sensed response is
considered to be optimized when it provides the best result of all
possible configurations of electrodes. This embodiment generally
involves applying the control stimulus to all possible
configurations of electrodes before identifying the optimized
electrode configuration. In still another embodiment, the sensed
response is the optimized response when it provides the most
effective result compared to other responses without testing all of
the possible configurations of electrodes. This embodiment involves
testing a number of electrode configurations, identifying a trend
in electrode configurations that produce effective results, and
determining if or when the trend no longer holds true. It will be
appreciated that the evaluation procedure 340 can have several
additional or different embodiments.
[0042] The method 300 can continue with an analyzing procedure 360
that selects an alternate therapy electrode configuration. The
alternate therapy electrode configuration selected in the analyzing
procedure 360 can be determined by comparing previous responses to
other configurations of therapy electrodes to develop a pattern of
improved responses and selecting a configuration that is expected
to continue the trend. Alternatively, the analyzing procedure 360
can simply select another therapy electrode configuration that has
not yet been tested. The method can also include a final selection
procedure 365 that selects the optimized configuration of the
therapy electrodes based upon the sensed responses. The process 300
can then terminate with a final stop procedure 370 in which the
optimized electrode configuration is stored in memory, displayed to
a practitioner, or otherwise presented for use.
[0043] FIGS. 4A-4L illustrate several examples of therapy electrode
configurations that can be selected in the analyzing procedure 360
and then tested in the stimulating procedure 320, the sensing
procedure 330, and the evaluation procedure 340. In these
embodiments, a therapy electrode array 400 for use with the system
100 (FIG. 1) can include an implantable support member 410 and a
plurality of electrodes 420 carried by the support member 410. The
therapy electrodes 420 can be individual electrodes that are
arranged in a grid array having M columns and N rows. The electrode
array 400 can have several other arrangements of electrodes 420,
such as concentric circles, elongated lines, or many other
patterns. Each of the electrodes 420 can be independently coupled
to a pulse system so that individual electrodes 420 can be
activated or inactivated using the controller 130 (FIG. 1) and the
pulse system 140 (FIG. 1). The electrode array 400 is typically
implanted into the patient so that the electrodes 420 are placed
generally over or proximate to a target location T for stimulation.
In many embodiments, the target location T can be at the surface of
the cortex, along the spinal cord, or within a deep brain region of
a patient depending upon the particular treatment being applied to
the patient.
[0044] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate two alternate embodiments of
selecting therapy electrode configurations. Referring to FIG. 4A, a
setup configuration of two active electrodes 420a can be selected
such that the electrodes are within the target location T. One of
the active electrodes 420a can be biased with a positive polarity
and the other active electrode 420a can be biased with a negative
polarity. Referring to FIG. 4B, a subsequent iteration of the
process can include selecting an alternate configuration of therapy
electrodes in which the polarity of the active electrodes 420a is
switched. FIGS. 4C-4E illustrate alternate embodiments of selecting
different configurations of therapy electrodes using the analyzing
procedure 360 explained above with reference to FIG. 3. As can be
seen from FIGS. 4C-4E, the active therapy electrodes 420a can be
inside and/or outside of the target location T FIG. 4C illustrates
an embodiment in which all of the active electrodes 420a are within
the target location and adjacent to one another, and FIGS. 4D and
4E illustrate embodiments in which at least some of the active
electrodes 420a are outside of the target location T and one or
more inactive electrodes 420 are between some of the active
electrodes 420a. It will be appreciated that the analyzing
procedure 360 can select any configuration of therapy electrodes
420 in the M.times.N electrode array 400 such that any combination
of electrodes 420 can be active electrodes.
[0045] FIG. 4F illustrates another aspect of selecting a desired
configuration of therapy electrodes in which an original target
location T.sub.o (shown in broken lines) has changed to a current
target location T.sub.c. The shift from the original target
location T.sub.o to the current target location T.sub.c can be
caused by several generally unpredictable factors. The methods 200
and 300 can compensate for such a target location shift without
additional surgery because the therapy electrodes can be optimized
using an external control and indirect coupling with the pulse
system and/or or the electrode array. Thus, the application of the
stimulus can be changed as the target location of neural activity
shifts to provide efficacious treatment over a long period of
time.
[0046] FIGS. 4G and 4H illustrate different embodiments of therapy
electrical configurations that can be selected in the analyzing
procedure 360 in which several electrodes on opposite areas of the
target location are activated with a common polarity. Referring to
FIG. 4G, for example, this embodiment illustrates a series of
active electrodes on opposite ends of the target location T One
embodiment of this configuration applies a common polarity to a
first set 420.sub.a1 of active electrodes and an opposite polarity
to a second set 420.sub.a2 of active electrodes. Another embodiment
can apply the same polarity to all of the active electrodes in both
of the sets 420.sub.a1 and 420.sub.a2. FIG. 4H illustrates a
related embodiment in which a number of electrodes on opposite
sides of the target location T are active electrodes. The electrode
configuration shown in FIG. 4H can also apply a common polarity to
all of the active electrodes on each side of the target location T
or all of the electrodes on both sides of the target location
T.
[0047] FIGS. 4I and 4J illustrate additional embodiments of
electrode configurations that can be selected in the analyzing
procedure 360 and then tested in the stimulation procedure 320.
FIG. 4I illustrates an embodiment in which a first set 420.sub.a1
of active electrodes has a common polarity at one end of the target
location T, and a second set 420.sub.a2 of active electrodes is
located at an opposite end of the target location T The polarity of
the electrodes in the second set 420.sub.a2 can be opposite or the
same as those of the active electrodes in the first subset
420.sub.a1. FIG. 4J illustrates a similar embodiment in which a
first set 420.sub.a1 of active electrodes is located within the
target location T along one side, and a second set 420.sub.a2 of
active electrodes is located within a target location T along an
opposite side. The electrodes in the first set 420.sub.a1 can have
one polarity, and the electrodes in the second set 420.sub.a2 can
have an opposite polarity.
[0048] FIGS. 4K and 4L illustrate additional embodiments of therapy
electrode configurations that can be selected in the analyzing
procedure 360 and then tested in the stimulation procedure 320.
Referring to FIG. 4K, this embodiment illustrates a first set
420.sub.a1 of active electrodes at one end of the target location T
and a second set 420.sub.a2 of active electrodes at an opposite end
of the target location T. The active electrodes in the first set
420.sub.a1 can have opposite polarities and similarly the active
electrodes in the second set 420.sub.a2 can have opposite
polarities. The active electrodes in the first and second sets
420.sub.a1 and 420.sub.a2 can be located outside of the target
location T as shown in FIG. 4K. FIG. 4L illustrates a related
embodiment in which the active electrodes in the first set
420.sub.a1 have opposite polarities, and the active electrodes in
the second set 420.sub.a2 have opposite polarities. The active
electrodes in the first and second sets 420.sub.a1 and 420.sub.a2
shown in FIG. 4L are located within the boundaries of the target
location T. It will be appreciated that the invention can have
several additional embodiments in which the individual sets of
electrodes can be inside, outside, inside and outside, and have
different combinations of polarities.
[0049] Another aspect of the invention is optimizing the parameters
for the electrical stimulus in addition to or in lieu of optimizing
the configuration of therapy electrodes. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram
of a method for optimizing the desired parameters for the
electrical stimulus in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. In this embodiment, the method 500 can include a setup
procedure 510 in which a therapy electrode configuration and the
initial parameters for the electrical stimulus are selected. The
configuration of therapy electrodes can be the optimized
configuration from the method 300 explained above with reference to
FIG. 3, or it can be another configuration input by a practitioner
or retrieved from memory in the controller. The same configuration
of therapy electrodes is generally maintained throughout the method
500. After performing the setup procedure 510, the method 500
continues with a first stimulating procedure 520 in which the
electrical stimulus is applied to the selected configuration of
therapy electrodes using the initial parameters of the electrical
stimulus. A response in the patient to the initial electrical
stimulus is sensed in a first sensing procedure 530. The procedures
510-530 accordingly provide a response to an initial electrical
stimulus based upon the initial stimulus parameters to provide a
baseline response.
[0050] The method 500 continues with an adjusting procedure 540 in
which one of the stimulus parameters for the electrical stimulus is
adjusted, and then a second stimulating procedure 550 in which the
adjusted stimulus is applied to the therapy electrodes. A response
to the adjusted stimulus is then determined using a second sensing
procedure 560. The method 500 can repeat the procedures 540-560
several times for each of the parameters of the electrical stimulus
to develop a plurality of responses for each parameter.
[0051] The method 500 can then continue with an evaluation
procedure 570 in which the responses are evaluated to determine
specific values for the stimulus parameters that provide an
efficacious result. The evaluation procedure 570 can include a
determination routine 572 that determines whether a parameter of
the stimulus has been optimized. If the response for a parameter is
not optimized, then the method can continue by repeating the
procedures 540-560 for the parameters that are not within a desired
range. However, if the response is optimized, then the
determination routine 572 can continue to a final selection
procedure 580 in which a set of electrical parameters that produce
a desirable response are selected.
[0052] FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating some of the stimulus
parameters that can be optimized using the method 500. A stimulus
start time t.sub.o defines the initial point at which an electrical
or magnetic pulse is applied to the therapy electrodes. For a
biphasic waveform, the parameters typically include a pulse width
t.sub.1 for a first phase, a pulse width t.sub.2 for a second
phase, and a stimulus pulse width t.sub.3 for a single biphasic
pulse. The pulse can alternatively be a monophasic pulse. The
parameters can also include a stimulus repetition rate 1/t.sub.4
corresponding to the frequency of the pulses, a stimulus pulse duty
cycle equal to t.sub.3 divided by t.sub.4, a stimulus burst time
t.sub.5 that defines the number of pulses in a pulse train, and/or
a stimulus pulse repetition rate 1/t.sub.6 that defines the
stimulus burst frequency. Another parameter of the electrical
stimulus is the intensity of the current I.sub.1, for the first
phase and the current intensity I.sub.2 for the second phase of
each pulse. In another embodiment, a continuous pulse train can be
used such that t.sub.5=t.sub.6.
[0053] In a typical application, one of the parameters is adjusted
for each application of the stimulus while maintaining the other
parameters constant to determine the affect that adjusting the one
parameter has on the response in the patient. Each of the
parameters are believed to be independent from one another, thus
one of the parameters can be optimized by applying a number of
different stimuli using different values for the parameter to
determine whether increasing or decreasing the parameter enhances
the efficacy of the stimulus. Once it is determined whether
increasing or decreasing the parameter provides a better result,
then the parameter can be further increased or decreased (whichever
is more desirable) until the effectiveness of the stimulation
degrades. The optimized value for a particular stimulus parameter
can then be stored in memory, and then a different stimulus
parameter can be optimized using a similar procedure for that
parameter. As such, one or more of the stimulus parameters can be
optimized using this procedure.
[0054] The embodiments of the methods 200, 300 and 500 described
above can be used to optimize procedures for cortical stimulation,
spinal stimulation, deep brain stimulation, and peripheral
stimulation for a number of different applications. The spinal
stimulation and certain aspects of the cortical stimulation can be
used to mask pain, such as back pain, phantom limb pain experienced
by amputees, or pain in the lower extremities. The deep brain
stimulation can be optimized to treat movement disorders (e.g.,
Parkinson's disease, distonia, etc.), depression, or other
functions related to deep brain neural activity. The methods can
also be used to optimize therapies for cortical stimulation that
enhance learning functions, restore motor functions (e.g., use of
muscle groups affected by stroke or other trauma), and treating
diseases or seizures (e.g., Alzheimer's, epilepsy, etc.). Many of
the embodiments of the methods 200, 300 and 500 for masking pain
involve applying supra-threshold activation stimuli to the therapy
electrodes. On the other hand, several of the cortical
neural-stimulation procedures that are not directed toward masking
pain but rather seek to enhance existing functions (e.g., learning)
or rehabilitate impaired functions (e.g., brain damage) use
sub-threshold activation stimuli that do not exceed the membrane
activation threshold of a population of neurons in the target
stimulation site. Several embodiments of the methods 200, 300 and
500 that are directed more specifically toward sub-threshold
optimization of the neural-stimulation procedures are described
below with reference to FIG. 7.
C. Sub-Threshold Optimization Methods
[0055] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment for
optimizing a sub-threshold simulation therapy. Sub-threshold
simulation involves training and/or recruiting neurons to perform a
neural-function. The target location can be a site where
neural-plasticity is occurring or is expected to occur. The present
inventors believe that neurons become more likely to be able to
carry out desired neural-functions for enhancing, repairing or
restoring functionality after being stimulated electrically at a
level below the membrane activation threshold for a significant
population of neurons at the target site. The present inventors
also believe that certain sub-threshold simulation lowers the
threshold at which neurons are activated in response to physical or
cognitive input to produce a lasting change in the membrane
potential such that the neurons may eventually "fire" in response
to motor or cognitive functions after termination of the stimulus.
The optimization procedure for sub-threshold simulation accordingly
seeks to select stimulus parameters that produce the desired
neural-activity at the lowest level of stimulation.
[0056] Referring to the flow diagram of FIG. 7, this figure
illustrates an embodiment of a method 700 including a setup
procedure 710 in which the configuration of therapy electrodes and
the parameters for the stimulus are selected. The therapy electrode
configuration and the stimulus parameters can be determined by
optimizing them as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-6. The
method 700 then continues with an activation threshold
determination procedure 720 that determines the intensity of the
electrical current for the stimulus that causes a reaction in a
population of the neurons at the target location to exceed the
membrane activation threshold. In one embodiment, the threshold
determination procedure 720 involves sensing responses in the
patient that are related to changes in the membrane potential of
the neurons. It is difficult to measure the actual membrane
potential of a neuron, so the determination procedure 720 generally
measures a tangible response that is a surrogate for the change in
the membrane potential. One such surrogate measurement of changes
in the membrane potential is the EMG response to the stimulus
applied to the therapy electrodes. The threshold determination
procedure 720 accordingly involves adjusting the stimulus
parameters until the electrical current intensity just begins to
produce an EMG response indicating that a significant population of
neurons at the target location have just exceeded their membrane
potential. After the EMG indicates a threshold electrical current,
the method 700 includes a delaying period 730 in which the effects
of the supra-threshold stimulus are allowed to "wash out" from the
neurons.
[0057] The method 700 further includes a sub-threshold stimulation
procedure involving a selecting procedure 740 in which the
intensity of the electrical current is lowered to a "sub-threshold"
level, and a stimulation procedure 750 in which the sub-threshold
stimulus is applied to the configuration of therapy electrodes. The
selecting procedure 740 can involve selecting an electrical current
that is a percentage of the threshold electrical current identified
in the threshold determination procedure 720. In one embodiment,
the sub-threshold current intensity is initially selected to be
from approximately 40%-99% of the threshold electrical current
membrane. After the sub-threshold electrical current intensity has
been applied to the electrode configuration in the stimulation
procedure 750, a sensing procedure 760 determines whether the
sub-threshold stimulus reduced the membrane activation threshold
for a population of neurons.
[0058] The sensing procedure 760 can proceed in a manner similar to
the activation threshold procedure 720 explained above by applying
an electrical pulse having a sensing current intensity above the
sub-threshold stimulus applied in the stimulating procedure 740 and
below the initial threshold stimulus level that was measured in the
threshold determining procedure 720. For example, if the threshold
current for the threshold stimulus that produced the threshold
activation was 10 mA and the sub-threshold current applied in the
stimulating procedure 750 was 7 mA, then the sensing procedure 760
can start with a sensing current intensity of 7.5 mA and
incrementally increase the sensing current intensity (e.g., by 0.5
mA increments). The sensing current is increased until the EMG
measurements indicate that the membrane potential of a population
of neurons has been exceeded. This is a ramp up procedure that
works up from the sub-threshold current intensity applied in the
stimulating procedure 750. An alternate embodiment is a ramp down
procedure in which the sensing current intensity is initially set
at a level near the threshold current intensity (e.g., 90-99%) and
works down until a threshold activation is not detected. In either
case, the sensing procedure 760 determines a secondary threshold
current intensity corresponding to a change in the membrane
threshold activation.
[0059] The method 700 then continues with an analyzing procedure
770 that determines whether the secondary current intensity is less
than the initial threshold current intensity. If so, then the
method 700 continues to identify that the stimulation is enhancing
the plasticity of the neurons at stage 772, and then the method 700
either repeats procedures 740-760 with a lower sub-threshold
electrical current intensity or it selects an optimized
sub-threshold current intensity for use with the patient at stage
782. If the analyzing procedure 770 determines that the threshold
activation of the neurons is not decreasing, then the method 700
proceeds to stage 774. In one embodiment in which a number of
different electrical current intensities have reduced the
activation threshold of the neurons, the method 700 continues from
stage 774 to stage 782 to select the most effective sub-threshold
current intensity that has been tested for use on the patient. In
another embodiment in which the stimulus parameters applied to the
therapy electrodes have not decreased the activation threshold, the
method 700 can repeat procedures 740-770 to determine whether a
different electrical current intensity can produce a lower
activation threshold. In still another embodiment in which the
activation threshold does not decrease after application of the
stimulus, the method 700 can continue with stage 784 that involves
adjusting the electrical configuration, the timing parameters of
the electrical stimulation, and/or the target location of the
electrodes. After stage 784, the method 700 can then proceed with
repeating procedures 740-770 to determine whether the activation
threshold can be lowered by applying the new stimulus parameters to
the therapy electrodes in accordance with the changes that were
made in stage 784.
[0060] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific
embodiments of the invention have been described herein for
purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be
made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.
For example, the electrode arrays and sensing devices could be
configured for use in cardiac applications to optimize implantable
pacemakers or implantable defibrillators. It will be appreciated
that the applications of the invention in the field of cardiology
are embodiments of optimizing a peripheral stimulation treatment.
Many aspects of the invention are also applicable to magnetic
stimulation in addition to or in lieu of electrical stimulation. In
magnetic applications, the parameters for the stimulation can be
automatically set using the algorithms explained above for
electrical stimulation; but, instead of selecting different
configurations of a subcutaneous array of electrodes, the location
and configuration of a magnetic transducer can be moved externally
relative to the body. In still further applications of the
inventions, many of the embodiments of the apparatus and methods
can be particularly useful for optimizing spinal cord stimulation
therapies and procedures. Accordingly, the invention is not limited
except as by the appended claims.
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