Apparatus and method for incorporation of optical sensing into neurostimulation systems

A percutaneous lead connector system for connection to an IPG, comprising:

• a connector body;
• a first connection port in the connector body;
• a second connection port in the connector body;
• a first set of internal contacts in the first connection port;
• a second set of internal contacts in the second connection port;
• an optical emitter operationally positioned in the first connection port;
• an optical detector operationally positioned in the second connection port;
• a first flexible lead, having a first set of external contacts and a second set of external contacts, attached to the connector body adjacent the first connection port;
• a second flexible lead, having a third set of external contacts and a fourth set of external contacts, attached to the connector body adjacent the second connection port;
• a first set of wires, inside the first flexible lead, connecting the optical emitter to the first set of external contacts;
• a second set of wires, inside the first flexible lead, connecting the first set of internal contacts to the second set of external contacts;
• a third set of wires, inside the second flexible lead, connecting the optical detector to the third set of external contacts;
• and,
• a fourth set of wires, inside the second flexible lead, connecting the second set of internal contacts to the fourth set of external contacts.

A laminectomy lead connection for connecting an IPG comprising:

• a connector body;
• a first connection port in the connector body;
• a second connection port in the connector body;
• a third connection port in the connector body;
• a first photo detector operationally positioned in the first connection port;
• a photo emitter operationally positioned in the second connection port;
• a second photo detector operationally positioned in the third connection port;
• a first set of internal contacts in the first connection port;
• a second set of internal contacts in the third connection port;
• a first flexible lead, having a first set of external contacts and a second set of external contacts, attached to the connector body;
• a second flexible lead, having a third set of external contacts and a fourth set of external contacts, attached to the connector body;
• wherein the first set of external contacts is electronically connected to the photo emitter and the first photo detector;
• wherein the second set of external contacts is electronically connected to the first set of internal contacts;
• wherein the third set of external contacts is electronically connected to the second photo detector and the photo emitter;
• and,
• wherein the fourth set of external contacts is connected to the second set of internal contacts.

A laminectomy lead connector comprising:

• a connector body;
• a first receiver port in the connector body;
• a first set of electrical contacts operatively disposed in the first receiver port;
• a first axial lens array operatively disposed in the first receiver port;
• a light source adjacent the first axial lens array;
• a first flexible lead attached to the connector body adjacent the first receiver port;
• a first electrode line bundle, sealed within the first flexible lead, connected to the first set of electrical contacts;
• a first power line, sealed in the first flexible lead, connected to the light source;
• a ground line, sealed in the first flexible lead, connected to the light source;
• a second receiver port in the connector body;
• a second set of electrical contacts operatively disposed in the second receiver port;
• a second axial lens array operatively disposed in the second receiver port;
• a light detector adjacent the second axial lens array;
• a second flexible lead, attached to the connector body, adjacent the second receiver port;
• a second electrode line bundle, sealed within the second flexible lead, connected to the second set of electrical contacts;
• a data line, sealed in the second flexible lead, connected to the light detector;
• a second power line, sealed in the second flexible lead, connected to the light detector;
• a third set of electrical contacts, fixed on an exterior of the first flexible lead, connected to the first electrode line bundle, the first power supply line and the ground line;
• and,
• a fourth set of electrical contacts, fixed on the exterior of the second flexible lead, connected to the second electrode line bundle, the second power supply line and the data line.

A laminectomy lead connector comprising:

• a connector body;
• a first receiver port in the connector body;
• a first set of electrical contacts operatively disposed in the first receiver port;
• a first axial lens array operatively disposed in the first receiver port;
• a light source adjacent the first axial lens array;
• a first flexible lead attached to the connector body adjacent the first receiver port;
• a first electrode line bundle, sealed within the first flexible lead, connected to the first set of electrical contacts;
• a first power line, sealed in the first flexible lead, connected to the light source;
• a ground line, sealed in the first flexible lead, connected to the light source;
• a second receiver port in the connector body;
• a second set of electrical contacts operatively disposed in the second receiver port;
• a second axial lens array operatively disposed in the second receiver port;
• a light detector adjacent the second axial lens array;
• a second flexible lead, attached to the connector body, adjacent the second receiver port;
• a second electrode line bundle, sealed within the second flexible lead, connected to the second set of electrical contacts;
• a data line, sealed in the second flexible lead, connected to the light detector;
• a second power line, sealed in the second flexible lead, connected to the light detector;
• a third set of electrical contacts, fixed on an exterior of the first flexible lead, connected to the first electrode line bundle, the first power line and the ground line;
• a fourth set of electrical contacts, fixed on the exterior of the second flexible lead, connected to the second electrode line bundle, the second power line and the data line;
• a third flexible lead, connected to the first receiver port;
• a fifth set of electrical contacts, fixed on the exterior of the third flexible lead, and held in contact with the first set of electrical contacts;
• a third electrode line bundle, sealed in the third flexible lead, connected to the fifth set of electrical contacts;
• a first set of electrodes, fixed on an exterior surface of the third flexible lead, and connected to the third electrode line bundle;
• a first optical transmission line, sealed in the third flexible lead, adjacent the first axial lens array;
• a light dispersion element, fixed on the third flexible lead, operatively connected to the first optical transmission line;
• a fourth flexible lead, connected to the second receiver port;
• a sixth set of electrical contacts, fixed on the exterior of the fourth flexible lead, and held in contact with the second set of electrical contacts;
• a fourth electrode line bundle, sealed in the fourth flexible lead, connected to the sixth set of electrical contacts;
• a second set of electrodes, fixed on the exterior of the fourth flexible lead, and connected to the fourth electrode line bundle;
• a second optical transmission line, sealed in the fourth flexible lead, adjacent the second axial lens array;
• a light collection element, fixed on the fourth flexible lead, operatively connected to the second optical transmission line;
• a computer processor operatively connected to the first power line, the data line, the first electrode line bundle and the second electrode line bundle;
• the computer processor programmed to:
• activate the light source;
• receive a data signal from the data line;
• calculate a first stimulation signal strength based on the data signal;
• calculate a second stimulation signal strength based on the data signal;
• send the first stimulation signal to the first set of electrodes on the first electrode line bundle;
• and,
• send the second stimulation signal to the second set of electrodes on the second electrode line bundle.

A laminectomy lead connector comprising:

• a connector body;
• a first receiver port in the connector body;
• a first set of electrical contacts operatively disposed in the first receiver port;
• a first axial lens array operatively disposed in the first receiver port;
• a light source adjacent the first axial lens array;
• a first flexible lead attached to the connector body adjacent the first receiver port;
• a first electrode line bundle, sealed within the first flexible lead, connected to the first set of electrical contacts;
• a first power line, sealed in the first flexible lead, connected to the light source;
• a ground line, sealed in the first flexible lead, connected to the light source;
• a second receiver port in the connector body;
• a second set of electrical contacts operatively disposed in the second receiver port;
• a second axial lens array operatively disposed in the second receiver port;
• a light detector adjacent the second axial lens array;
• a second flexible lead, attached to the connector body, adjacent the second receiver port;
• a second electrode line bundle, sealed within the second flexible lead, connected to the second set of electrical contacts;
• a data line, sealed in the second flexible lead, connected to the light detector;
• a second power line, sealed in the second flexible lead, connected to the light detector;
• a third set of electrical contacts, fixed on an exterior of the first flexible lead, connected to the first electrode line bundle, the first power line and the ground line;
• a fourth set of electrical contacts, fixed on the exterior of the second flexible lead, connected to the second electrode line bundle, the second power line and the data line;
• a third flexible lead, connected to the first receiver port;
• a fifth set of electrical contacts, fixed on the exterior of the third flexible lead, and held in contact with the first set of electrical contacts;
• a third electrode line bundle, sealed in the third flexible lead, connected to the fifth set of electrical contacts;
• a first set of electrodes, fixed on an exterior surface of the third flexible lead, and connected to the third electrode line bundle;
• a first optical transmission line, sealed in the third flexible lead, adjacent the first axial lens array;
• a light dispersion element, fixed on the third flexible lead, operatively connected to the first optical transmission line;
• a fourth flexible lead, connected to the second receiver port;
• a sixth set of electrical contacts, fixed on the exterior of the fourth flexible lead, and held in contact with the second set of electrical contacts;
• a fourth electrode line bundle, sealed in the fourth flexible lead, connected to the sixth set of electrical contacts;
• a second set of electrodes, fixed on the exterior of the fourth flexible lead, and connected to the fourth electrode line bundle;
• a second optical transmission line, sealed in the fourth flexible lead, adjacent the second axial lens array;
• a light collection element, fixed on the fourth flexible lead, operatively connected to the second optical transmission line;
• a computer processor operatively connected to the light source and the light detector;
• the computer processor programmed to:
• measure a light intensity from the light source;
• read a set of stimulus values from a table based on the light intensity;
• and,
• send a set of stimulus signals to the first set of electrodes based on the set of stimulus values.

A laminectomy lead connector comprising:

• a connector body;
• a first receiver port in the connector body;
• a first set of electrical contacts operatively disposed in the first receiver port;
• a first axial lens array operatively disposed in the first receiver port;
• a first light detector adjacent the first axial lens array;
• a first flexible lead, attached to the connector body;
• a first electrode line bundle, sealed within the first flexible lead, connected to the first set of electrical contacts;
• a power supply line, sealed in the first flexible lead, connected to the first light detector;
• a first data line, sealed in the first flexible lead, connected to the first light detector;
• a second receiver port in the connector body;
• a second axial lens array operatively disposed in the second receiver body port;
• a light source, adjacent the second axial lens array, connected to the power supply line;
• a third receiver port in the connector body;
• a second set of electrical contacts operatively disposed in the third receiver port;
• a third axial lens array operatively disposed in the third receiver port;
• a second light detector, adjacent the third axial lens array, connected to the power supply line;
• a second flexible lead, attached to the connector body;
• a second electrode line bundle, sealed within the second flexible lead, connected to the second set of electrical contacts;
• a ground line, sealed within the second flexible lead, connected to the first light detector, the second light detector and the light source;
• a second data line, sealed in the second flexible lead, connected to the second light detector;
• a third set of electrical contacts, fixed on an exterior of the first flexible lead, connected to the first electrode line bundle, the power supply line and the first data line;
• and,
• a fourth set of electrical contacts, fixed on the exterior of the second flexible lead, connected to the second electrode line bundle, the ground line and the second data line.

A laminectomy lead connector comprising:

• a connector body;
• a first receiver port in the connector body;
• a first set of electrical contacts operatively disposed in the first receiver port;
• a first axial lens array operatively disposed in the first receiver port;
• a first light detector adjacent the first axial lens array;
• a first flexible lead, attached to the connector body;
• a first electrode line bundle, sealed within the first flexible lead, connected to the first set of electrical contacts;
• a power supply line, sealed in the first flexible lead, connected to the first light detector;
• a first data line, sealed in the first flexible lead, connected to the first light detector;
• a second receiver port in the connector body;
• a second axial lens array operatively disposed in the second receiver port;
• a light source, adjacent the second axial lens array, connected to the power supply line;
• a third receiver port in the connector body;
• a second set of electrical contacts operatively disposed in the third receiver port;
• a third axial lens array operatively disposed in the third receiver port;
• a second light detector, adjacent the third axial lens array, connected to the power supply line;
• a second flexible lead, attached to the connector body;
• a second electrode line bundle, sealed within the second flexible lead, connected to the second set of electrical contacts;
• a ground line, sealed within the second flexible lead, connected to the first light detector, the second light detector and the light source;
• a second data line, sealed in the second flexible lead, connected to the second light detector;
• a third set of electrical contacts, fixed on an exterior of the first flexible lead, connected to the first electrode line bundle, the power supply line and the first data line;
• a fourth set of electrical contacts, fixed on the exterior of the second flexible lead, connected to the second electrode line bundle, the ground line and the second data line;
• a flexible paddle;
• a first set of electrodes fixed in the flexible paddle;
• a second set of electrodes fixed in the flexible paddle;
• a first optical guide, fixed in the flexible paddle, adjacent the first set of electrodes;
• a second optical guide, fixed in the flexible paddle, adjacent the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes;
• a third optical guide, fixed in the flexible paddle, adjacent the second set of electrodes;
• a third flexible lead, attached to the flexible paddle and to the third receiver port;
• a fifth set of electrical contacts, operatively disposed on an exterior of the third flexible lead and in contact with the second set of electrical contacts;
• a third electrode line bundle, sealed in the third flexible lead, connected to the first set of electrodes and the fifth set of electrical contacts;
• a first collet, attached to the third flexible lead, adjacent the third axial lens array;
• a first optical transmission line, sealed in the third flexible lead, attached to the first collet and the first optical guide;
• a fourth flexible lead, attached to the flexible paddle and the second receiver port;
• a second collet, attached to the fourth flexible lead, adjacent the second axial lens array;
• a second optical transmission line, sealed in the fourth flexible lead, attached to the second collet and the second optical guide;
• a fifth flexible lead, attached to the flexible paddle and to the first receiver port;
• a sixth set of electrical contacts, operatively disposed on the exterior of the fifth flexible lead and in contact with the first set of electrical contacts;
• a fourth electrode line bundle, sealed in the fifth flexible lead, connected to the second set of electrodes and the sixth set of electrical contacts;
• a third collet, attached to the fifth flexible lead, adjacent the first axial lens array;
• a third optical transmission line, sealed in the fifth flexible lead, attached to the third collet and the third optical guide;
• and,
• a computer processor operatively connected to the first data line, the second data line, the first electrode line bundle and the second electrode line bundle;
• the computer processor programmed to:
• activate the light source;
• receive a first data signal from the first data line;
• receive a second data signal from the second data line;
• calculate a first stimulation signal based on at least one of the group of the first data signal and the second data signal;
• calculate a second stimulation signal based on at least one of the group of the first data signal and the second data signal;
• send the first stimulation signal to the first electrode line bundle;
• and,
• send the second stimulation signal to the second electrode line bundle.

A laminectomy lead connector comprising:

• a connector body;
• a first receiver port in the connector body;
• a first set of electrical contacts operatively disposed in the first receiver port;
• a first axial lens array operatively disposed in the first receiver port;
• a first light detector adjacent the first axial lens array;
• a first flexible lead, attached to the connector body;
• a first electrode line bundle, sealed within the first flexible lead, connected to the first set of electrical contacts;
• a power supply line, sealed in the first flexible lead, connected to the first light detector;
• a first data line, sealed in the first flexible lead, connected to the first light detector;
• a second receiver port in the connector body;
• a second axial lens array operatively disposed in the second receiver port;
• a light source, adjacent the second axial lens array, connected to the power supply line;
• a third receiver port in the connector body;
• a second set of electrical contacts operatively disposed in the third receiver port;
• a third axial lens array operatively disposed in the third receiver port;
• a second light detector, adjacent the third axial lens array, connected to the power supply line;
• a second flexible lead, attached to the connector body;
• a second electrode line bundle, sealed within the second flexible lead, connected to the second set of electrical contacts;
• a ground line, sealed within the second flexible lead, connected to the first light detector, the second light detector and the light source;
• a second data line, sealed in the second flexible lead, connected to the second light detector;
• a third set of electrical contacts, fixed on an exterior of the first flexible lead, connected to the first electrode line bundle, the power supply line and the first data line;
• a fourth set of electrical contacts, fixed on the exterior of the second flexible lead, connected to the second electrode line bundle, the ground line and the second data line;
• a flexible paddle;
• a first set of electrodes fixed in the flexible paddle;
• a second set of electrodes fixed in the flexible paddle;
• a first optical guide, fixed in the flexible paddle, adjacent the first set of electrodes;
• a second optical guide, fixed in the flexible paddle, adjacent the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes;
• a third optical guide, fixed in the flexible paddle, adjacent the second set of electrodes;
• a third flexible lead, attached to the flexible paddle and to the third receiver port;
• a fifth set of electrical contacts, operatively disposed on the exterior of the third flexible lead and in contact with the second set of electrical contacts;
• a third electrode line bundle, sealed in the third flexible lead, connected to the first set of electrodes and the fifth set of electrical contacts;
• a first collet, attached to the third flexible lead, adjacent the third axial lens array;
• a first optical transmission line, sealed in the third flexible lead, attached to the first collet and the first optical guide;
• a fourth flexible lead, attached to the flexible paddle and the second receiver port;
• a second collet, attached to the fourth flexible lead, adjacent the second axial lens array;
• a second optical transmission line, sealed in the fourth flexible lead, attached to the second collet and the second optical guide;
• a fifth flexible lead, attached to the flexible paddle and to the first receiver port;
• a sixth set of electrical contacts, operatively disposed on the exterior of the fifth flexible lead and in contact with the first set of electrical contacts;
• a fourth electrode line bundle, sealed in the fifth flexible lead, connected to the second set of electrodes and the sixth set of electrical contacts;
• a third collet, attached to the fifth flexible lead, adjacent the first axial lens array;
• a third optical transmission line, sealed in the fifth flexible lead, attached to the third collet and the third optical guide;
• a computer processor operatively connected to the light source, the first light detector and the second light detector;
• the computer processor programmed to:
• measure a first light intensity from the first light detector;
• measure a second light intensity from the second light detector;
• read a first set of stimulus values from a table based on the first light intensity;
• read a second set of stimulus values from the table based on the second light intensity;
• send a first set of stimulus signals to the first set of electrodes based on the first set of stimulus values;
• and,
• send a second set of stimulus to the second set of electrodes based on the second set of stimulus values.

A laminectomy lead system comprising:

• an IPG;
• an IPG header fixed to the IPG, wherein the IPG header further comprises a first connector array and a second connector array;
• a connector body;
• a set of flexible connector leads connecting the connector body to the IPG header;
• wherein the set of flexible connector leads further comprises a first flexible lead connected to the first connector array, and a second flexible lead connected to the second connector array;
• wherein the first connector array further comprises a first set of stimulation signal connectors, a light signal connector and a ground connector;
• wherein the second connector array further comprises a second set of stimulation signal connectors, a data signal connector and a power connector;
• a light source connected to the light signal connector;
• a light detector connected to the data signal connector, and,
• a set of laminectomy leads connected to the connector body.

A laminectomy lead system comprising:

• an IPG;
• an IPG header fixed to the IPG, wherein the IPG header further comprises a first connector array and a second connector array;
• a connector body;
• a set of flexible connector leads connecting the connector body to the IPG header;
• wherein the set of flexible connector leads further comprises a first flexible lead connected to the first connector array, and a second flexible lead connected to the second connector array;
• wherein the first connector array further comprises a first set of stimulation signal connectors, a light signal connector and a ground connector;
• wherein the second connector array further comprises a second set of stimulation signal connectors, a data signal connector and a power connector;
• a light source connected to the light signal connector;
• a light detector connected to the data signal connector,
• a set of laminectomy leads connected to the connector body;
• wherein the connector body further comprises a first cylindrical port, adjacent the first flexible lead, and a second cylindrical port, adjacent the second flexible lead;
• wherein the set of laminectomy leads further comprises a first laminectomy lead removably connected to the first cylindrical port, and a second laminectomy lead removably connected to the second cylindrical port;
• the first laminectomy lead further comprises a first set of individually addressable electrodes and a first optical transmission fiber terminating in a first light dispersion element the second laminectomy lead further comprises a second set of individually addressable electrodes and a second optical transmission fiber terminating in a second light dispersion element;
• wherein the connector body further comprises:
• a first electrical contact means for connecting the first set of individually addressable electrodes to the first set of stimulation signal connectors;
• a second electrical contact means for connecting the second set of individually addressable electrodes to the second set of stimulation signal connectors;
• a first optical connector means for connecting the light source to the first optical transmission fiber;
• a second optical connector means for connecting the light detector to the second optical transmission fiber;
• wherein the IPG further comprises a computer processor programmed to:
• activate the light source to emit light through the first optical connector means;
• receive data related to the light from the light detector through the second optical connector means;
• calculate a first set of stimulation signals based on the data;
• calculate a second set of stimulation signals based on the data;
• send the first set of stimulation signals to the first set of individual addressable electrodes through the first electrical contact means;
• and,
• send the second set of stimulation signals to the second set of individually addressable electrodes through the second electrical contact means.

A laminectomy lead system comprising:

• an IPG;
• an IPG header fixed to the IPG, wherein the IPG header further comprises a first connector array and a second connector array;
• a connector body;
• a set of flexible connector leads connecting the connector body to the IPG header;
• wherein the set of flexible connector leads further comprises a first flexible lead connected to the first connector array, and a second flexible lead connected to the second connector array;
• wherein the first connector array further comprises a first set of stimulation signal connectors, a first data line connector and a power connector;
• wherein the second connector array further comprises a second set of stimulation signal connectors, a second data line connector and a ground connector;
• a light source connected to the power connector;
• a first light detector connected to the first data line connector,
• a second light detector connected to the second data line connector;
• and,
• a set of laminectomy leads connected to the connector body.

A laminectomy lead system comprising:

• an IPG;
• an IPG header fixed to the IPG, wherein the IPG header further comprises a first connector array and a second connector array;
• a connector body;
• a set of flexible connector leads connecting the connector body to the IPG header;
• wherein the set of flexible connector leads further comprises a first flexible lead connected to the first connector array, and a second flexible lead connected to the second connector array;
• wherein the first connector array further comprises a first set of stimulation signal connectors, a first data line connector and a power connector;
• wherein the second connector array further comprises a second set of stimulation signal connectors, a second data line connector and a ground connector;
• a light source connected to the power connector;
• a first light detector connected to the first data line connector,
• a second light detector connected to the second data line connector;
• a set of laminectomy leads connected to the connector body comprising a first laminectomy lead, a second laminectomy lead, and a third laminectomy lead;
• wherein the connector body further comprises:
• a first cylindrical port;
• the first laminectomy lead removably connected to the first cylindrical port;
• a second cylindrical port;
• the second laminectomy lead removably connected to the second cylindrical port;
• a third cylindrical port;
• the third laminectomy lead removably connected to the third cylindrical port;
• a silastic sheet;
• a first set of electrodes embedded in the silastic sheet;
• a second set of electrodes embedded in the silastic sheet;
• a first optical director embedded in the silastic sheet adjacent the first set of electrodes;
• a second optical director embedded in the silastic sheet adjacent the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes;
• a third optical director embedded in the silastic sheet adjacent the second set of electrodes;
• the first laminectomy lead further comprises a first set of individually addressable electrode lines connected to the first set of electrodes and a first optical transmission fiber connected to the first optical director;
• the second laminectomy lead further comprises a second optical transmission fiber connected to the second optical director;
• the third laminectomy lead further comprises a second set of individually addressable electrode lines connected to the second set of electrodes and a third optical transmission fiber connected to the third optical director;
• wherein the connector body further comprises:
• a first electrical contact means for connecting the first set of individually addressable electrode lines to the first set of stimulation signal connectors;
• a second electrical contact means for connecting the second set of individually addressable electrode lines to the second set of stimulation signal connectors;
• a first optical connection means for connecting the first light detector to the first optical transmission fiber;
• a second optical connection means for connecting the light source to the second optical transmission fiber;
• a third optical connection means for connecting the second light detector to the third optical transmission fiber;
• wherein the IPG further comprises a computer processor programmed to:
• activate the light source to emit light through the first optical connection means;
• receive first data related to the light from the first light detector through the second optical connection means;
• receive second data related to the light from the second light detector through the third optical connection means;
• calculate a first set of stimulation data signals based on the first data and the second data;
• calculate a second set of stimulation data signals based on the first data and the second data;
• send the first set of stimulation data signals to the first set of electrodes through the first electrical contact means;
• and,
• send the second set of stimulation data signals to the second set of electrodes through the second electrical contact means.