Method and apparatus for controlling stimulation pulses during the programming of an implantable pulse generator

A method for controlling stimulation pulses applied via a plurality of electrodes to tissue of a patient during the programming of a pulse generator using a controller device by a user, comprising:

• selecting one of a plurality of electrode combinations defined in the controller device;
• setting the amplitude for the stimulation pulse to be applied to the electrodes of the selected electrode combination;
• and
• receiving input from the user to change the selected one of the plurality of electrode combinations to a different one of the plurality of electrode combinations;
• determining if the amplitude for the stimulation pulses is greater than a predetermined amplitude value, and if the determination is positive, automatically changing the amplitude of the stimulation pulses to be equal to or less than the select predetermined value;
• and
• if the determination is negative or subsequent to the changing the amplitude of the stimulation pulses, changing the selected one of a plurality of electrode combinations to the different one of the plurality of electrode combinations.

A method for controlling stimulation pulses delivered via a plurality of electrodes to tissue of a patient during the programming of a pulse generator using a controller device by a user, comprising:

• selecting a perception amplitude corresponding to the minimum amplitude of the stimulation pulses for which the patient can detect stimulation;
• selecting one of a plurality of electrode combinations defined in the controller device;
• setting the amplitude for the stimulation pulses to be applied to the electrodes of the selected electrode combination;
• receiving input from the user to change the selected one of the plurality of electrode combinations to a different one of the plurality of electrode combinations;
• determining if the amplitude for the stimulation pulses is greater than the perception amplitude, and if the determination is positive, automatically changing the amplitude of the stimulation pulse to less than or equal to the perception amplitude;
• and
• if the determination is negative or subsequent to the changing of the amplitude for the stimulation pulses to be less than or equal to the perception amplitude, changing the selected one of a plurality of electrode combinations to the different one of the plurality of electrode combinations.