Methods for implanting a spinal cord stimulator

Abstract

Methods for implanting spinal cord stimulators are provided, including implanting at least one electrode in an anterolateral area of the spine. Stimulation provided by the stimulator(s) may be used to treat patients with chronic pain. The stimulator(s) use a power source / storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Periodic recharging of such a power source / storage device is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external applience. The stimulators provide means of stimulating a nerve(s) or other tissue when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and / or from the stimulator(s) and for the transmission of power, if necessary. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one implant includes at least one sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.

Description

[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 929,597, filed Aug. 13, 2001, now allowed, which application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 226,333, filed Aug. 18, 2000. These applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to implantable stimulator systems, and more particularly relates to an implantable stimulator system utilizing one or more implantable microstimulators for treating chronic pain. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Chronic pain is usually a multidimensional phenomenon involving complex physiological and emotional interactions. For instance, one type of chronic pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)—which includes the disorder formerly referred to as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)—most often occurs after an injury, such as a bone fracture. The pain is considered “complex regional” since it ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is about a therapy for chronic pain that uses small neurostimulators that can be implanted through a minimally invasive procedure. These implants can stimulate nerve roots, spinal nerves, or areas of the spinal cord to decrease or increase their activity. The stimulation parameters can be adjusted to target specific neural populations and exclude others. The neurostimulator can be programmed and controlled through telemetry, and it can also sense and respond to pain to adjust its stimulation accordingly. The therapy is cost-effective, safe, and minimizes the risk of complications.

Problems solved by technology

All of the devices currently available for producing therapeutic stimulation have drawbacks.

TENS devices can produce significant discomfort and can only be used intermittently.

These devices may only be used acutely, and may cause significant discomfort.

Implantable, chronic stimulation devices are available, but these currently require a significant surgical procedure for implantation.

The implantable devices are relatively large and expensive.

In addition, they require significant surgical procedures for placement of electrodes, leads, and processing units.

Drawbacks, such as size (of internal and / or external components), discomfort, inconvenience, complex surgical procedures, and / or only acute or intermittent use has generally confined their use to patients with severe symptoms and the capacity to finance the surgery.

The gate control theory has always been controversial, as there are certain conditions such as hyperalgesia, which it does not fully explain.

A damaged nerve may be sensitive to slight mechanical stimuli (motion) and / or noradrenaline (a chemical utilized by the sympathetic nervous system), which in turn results in abnormal firing of the nerve's pain fibers.

Images