Integrated electromyographic clinician programmer for use with an implantable neurostimulator

An integrated electromyography (EMG) and signal generation clinician programmer coupleable with an implantable temporary or permanent lead in a patient and at least one EMG sensing electrode minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient, the integrated clinician programmer comprising:

• a portable housing having an external surface and enclosing circuitry at least partially disposed within the housing;
• a lead connector disposed on the housing for electrical connection with the implantable lead;
• a signal generator disposed within the housing and configured to deliver test stimulation to a nerve tissue of the patient via the implantable lead;
• an EMG signal processor disposed within the housing and configured to record a stimulation-induced EMG motor response for each test stimulation via the at least one EMG sensing electrode;
• and
• a graphical user interface at least partially comprising the external surface of the housing and configured to facilitate positioning and programming of the implantable lead based at least on the EMG recording;
• wherein the clinician programmer includes at least one EMG connector on the housing for connection with the at least one EMG sensing electrodes, and a memory having recorded thereon instructions for effecting each of:
• a lead placement procedure, and
• a programming procedure,
• wherein the instructions are further configured such that:
• absent detection of EMG electrodes connected to the at least one EMG connector, the graphical user interface performs the lead placement and programming procedures based on responses input by the clinician via the graphical user interface;
• and
• upon detection of EMG electrodes connected to the at least one EMG connector, the graphical user interface performs the lead placement and programming procedures based on EMG responses received via the at least one EMG connector and displayed on the graphical user interface.