Systems and methods for model-based optimization of spinal cord stimulation electrodes and devices

A method comprising:

• at least one processor and memory for:
• providing an electroanatomical model of a patient spine and spinal cord including a map of target neural elements and non-target neural elements;
• using model electrodes to simulate electrical stimulation of the target and non-target neural elements;
• determining differences in activation thresholds between the target neural elements and the non-target neural elements in a plurality of different configurations of the model electrodes;
• and
• generating an optimal spinal cord stimulation electrode configuration based on the determined differences in activation thresholds, and
• wherein generating an optimal spinal cord stimulation electrode configuration comprises optimizing electrode geometry and spacing in a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) device based on the determined differences in activation thresholds.

A system of providing a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) device, the system comprising:

• at least one processor and memory configured to:
• provide an electroanatomical model of a patient spine and spinal cord including a map of target neural elements and non-target neural elements;
• use model electrodes to simulate electrical stimulation of the target and non-target neural elements;
• determine differences in activation thresholds between the target neural elements and the non-target neural elements in a plurality of different configurations of the model electrodes;
• and
• generate an optimal spinal cord stimulation electrode configuration based on the determined differences in activation thresholds;
• and
• a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) device including electrodes positioned based on the optimal spinal cord stimulation electrode configuration.