Systems and methods for providing a distributed virtual stimulation cathode for use with an implantable neurostimulation system

A system for use with an implantable neurostimulation system for implant within a patient wherein the system includes at least two electrodes, the system comprising:

• a neurostimulation pulse generator operative to generate neurostimulation pulses wherein successive pulses alternate in polarity so that at least two electrodes alternate as cathodes and wherein each pulse has a cathodic amplitude sufficient to achieve cathodic capture of tissues adjacent the particular electrode used as the cathode for the pulse;
• and
• a neurostimulation pulse delivery system operative to deliver the neurostimulation pulses to patient to alternatingly capture tissues adjacent at least two opposing electrodes via cathodic capture to achieve a distributed virtual stimulation cathode.

An external system for use with an implantable neurostimulation system for implant within a patient wherein the implantable neurostimulation system includes at least two electrodes, the external system comprising:

• a distributed virtual cathodic stimulation-based programming system operative to generate a stimulation set for programming the implantable neurostimulation system to provide distributed virtual cathodic stimulation;
• and
• a telemetry system operative to control transmission of stimulation set programming commands to the implantable neurostimulation system for controlling the implantable neurostimulation system.