Implantable neurostimulator supporting trial and chronic modes

摘要

The disclosure is directed to a chronic implantable neurostimulator that supports trial and chronic modes of operation. The implantable neurostimulator can alternatively include one or more sensors that may or may not function differently in trial and chronic modes. In particular, the device is designed to be used as both a trial neurostimulator and a permanent, or chronic, neurostimulator. A trial neurostimulation period is generally desired to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy. A percutaneous or implantable trial neurostimulator is used for the trial neurostimulation period. In most cases, the trial period is successful, in which case the trial stimulator is explanted and replaced with a permanent, i.e., “chronic,” implantable stimulator. In accordance with the disclosure, an implantable neurostimulator supports both trial neurostimulation and chronic neurostimulation in the event trial stimulation is successful. In this manner, the additional surgery ordinarily required for replacement of the trial stimulator can be avoided. Instead, the implanted neurostimulation device remains implanted and is reconfigured to transition from trial stimulation to chronic stimulation.

主权项

1. An implantable neurostimulator comprising:
a neurostimulation generator; a processor that controls the neurostimulation generator to generate neurostimulation in a trial mode as a first operating mode upon initial implantation of the neurostimulator and before generation of electrical stimulation in any chronic mode by the neurostimulation generator, to evaluate efficacy of the neurostimulator; and one or more sensors that sense one or more parameters related to a patient during the trial mode, wherein the processor controls the neurostimulation generator to generate neurostimulation in the chronic mode after completion of the trial mode and only if the trial mode indicates that the neurostimulator provides efficacious therapy to the patient, wherein the processor controls the neurostimulation generator to generate neurostimulation in the chronic mode according to a set of electrical stimulation parameter values that is different than any sets of electrical stimulation parameter values that define neurostimulation generated during the trial mode.