Method for optimizing location of implanted electrode array during implant surgery

Abstract

A method for determining an effectual placement of an electrode array during a surgical procedure to implant the lead is provided. This method involves placing a lead having electrodes in a first location in a patient then (1) activating electrical stimulation to produce paresthesia, (2) “electronically trolling” the length of the electrode array and (3) determining whether the paresthesia is in an effective location. If the paresthesia is not in an effective location to match the location of the pain, the lead is moved to a different location steps (1) through (3) are repeated. The process of electronically trolling involves moving the electrical stimulation along the electrode array so that all regions of the electrode array provide stimulation. This method reduces or eliminates the need to move the lead during the implant procedure and thus simplifies the implant procedure compared to the currently used physical trolling method, reducing the risks to the patient. Additionally, this method saves time and improves outcomes by allowing multiple electrode combinations to be tested in a relatively short amount of time.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the benefit of priority to, U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 355,955, filed Jan. 31, 2003, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 354,098, filed Feb. 4, 2002. These prior applications are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) systems and more particularly to methods for efficiently searching for an effective SCS system stimulation parameter sets. An SCS system treats chronic pain by providing electrical stimulation pulses through the electrodes of an electrode array placed epidurally next to a patient's spinal cord. The stimulation parameter set determines the characteristics of the stimulation pulses provided through the electrode array, and the electrodes used to provide the stimulation pulses. The optimal stimulation parameter set for a specific patient may be determined from the res...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for searching for an effective set of stimulation parameters for an SCS system. The method improves the efficiency of the search by organizing the search based on predetermined stimulation parameter sets. A clinician first ranks the effectiveness of a very small set of trial stimulation parameter sets, and then searches for an optimum stimulation set around the highest ranked trial stimulation parameter set.

[0018] This method reduces or eliminates the need to continually move the lead and electrode array during the implant procedure while still allowing the electric field produced by the stimulating electrodes to be moved. This method thus simplifies the implant procedure compared to the physical trolling method and reduces the risks to the patient. Additionally, this method saves time by allowing multiple electrode combinations to be tested in a shorter amount of time than the known method of painstakingly ramping stimulation up and down to test a single electrode combination.

Problems solved by technology

There is, however, an extremely large number of possible combinations of stimulation parameters, and evaluating all possible sets is very time consuming, and impractical.

There is no systematic method to guide the clinician.

The combination of the time required to test each parameter set, and the number of parameter sets tested, results in a very time consuming process.

Thus, correct lead placement can mean the difference between effective and ineffective pain therapy.

This method has several disadvantages, including the fact that only one electrode combination is used and the possible benefits of different electrode combinations are not explored.

Additionally, this method involves a more complicated surgical procedure that presents additional risks to the patient.

This method can result in a time consuming and frustrating surgical procedure for the patient.

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