System, Method, and Apparatus for Neurostimulation

A method for implanting a two-piece neurostimulator comprising an electrode lead and an implant body connectable with the lead to supply power for energizing the electrodes to apply stimulation therapy, the method comprising:

• implanting the lead using a Seldinger technique;
• and
• implanting the implant body;
• and
• connecting the implant body to the lead.

A method for implanting a two-piece neurostimulator comprising an electrode lead and an implant body connectable with the lead to supply power for energizing the electrodes to apply stimulation therapy to a patient, the method comprising:

• attaching a guidewire to the lead;
• implanting the lead using the guidewire to navigate through the patient's anatomy and position the electrodes at a desired site in the patient;
• removing the guidewire, leaving the lead implanted;
• implanting the implant body;
• and
• connecting the implant body to the lead.

A method for implanting a neurostimulator comprising an electrode lead and an implant body for supplying power for energizing the electrodes to apply stimulation therapy to a patient, the method comprising:

• attaching a guidewire to the neurostimulator;
• implanting the stimulator using the guidewire to navigate through the patient's anatomy and position the electrodes at a desired site in the patient;
• and
• removing the guidewire, leaving the stimulator.

A method for implanting a two-piece neurostimulator comprising an electrode lead and an implant body connectable with the lead to supply power for energizing the electrodes to apply stimulation therapy to a patient, the method comprising:

• anesthetizing the patient using an anesthesia solution that is sufficient for controlling pain but allows the patient to perceive paresthesia from stimulation;
• connecting the lead to an external controller that is operable to energize the electrodes to apply stimulation;
• surgically implanting the lead while applying stimulation via the electrodes;
• querying the patient for feedback regarding perceived paresthesia during while implanting the lead;
• using the feedback from the patient to assist in determining a proper position for the lead;
• securing the lead in the proper position;
• disconnecting the lead from the external controller;
• and
• surgically implanting the implant body and connecting the implant body to the lead.

A method for treating a migraine headache in a patient using an implantable neurostimulator, comprising:

• programming stimulation parameters into the neurostimulator so that patient does not perceive paresthesia from electrical stimulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG);
• implanting the neurostimulator so that a lead of the stimulator having at least one electrode is at a target position proximate to the SPG of the patient;
• delivering a non-paresthesia stimulation waveform to the at least one electrode based on a therapy parameter set (TPS), the stimulation waveform including a series of pulses configured to excite at least one of A-delta fibers or C-fibers of the SPG of the patient;
• sensing sensory action potential (SAP) signals of the patient;
• iterating the steps of delivering the non-paresthesia stimulation waveform and sensing the SAP signals while changing at least one parameter from the TPS;
• analyzing the SAP signals to obtain SAP activity data associated with the TPS for at least one of an SAP C-fiber component or an SAP A-delta fiber component to obtain a collection of SAP activity data associated with multiple therapy parameter set;
• selecting one or more parameters for the TPS based on the collection of SAP activity data;
• programming a pulse generator of the neurostimulator to deliver electrical stimulation to the SPG according to the TPS;
• and
• activating the neurostimulator so that the pulse generator delivers electrical stimulation to the patient according to the programmed TPS.