# US 7,483,747 B2 · Systems and methods for enhancing or affecting neural stimulation efficiency and/or efficacy > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,483,747 B2 - Document ID: US7483747B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 11/182,713 - Filed: 2005-07-15 - Published: 2006-01-19 - Granted: 2009-01-27 - Earliest claimed: 2004-07-15 - Assignees: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc. - Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner; Allen Wyler; Brad Fowler; W. Douglas Sheffield; Richard Kuntz; Kent Leyde; Leif R. Sloan - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7483747B2 ## CPC - A61N 1/3606: {adapted for a particular treatment} - A61N 1/36135: {using physiological parameters} - A61N 1/36146: {specified by the stimulation parameters} - G06F 13/385: {for adaptation of a particular data processing system to different peripheral devices} - H04L 49/901: using storage descriptor, e.g. read or write pointers - H04L 67/565: Conversion or adaptation of application format or content (adding application control or application functional data H04L67/561) - H04L 67/568: Storing data temporarily at an intermediate stage, e.g. caching - A61N 1/0531: {Brain cortex electrodes} - A61N 1/0534: {Electrodes for deep brain stimulation} - A61N 1/36064: {Epilepsy} - A61N 1/36067: {Movement disorders, e.g. tremor or Parkinson disease (stimulating motor muscle A61N1/36003)} - A61N 1/36082: {Cognitive or psychiatric applications, e.g. dementia or Alzheimer's disease} - A61N 1/36103: {Neuro-rehabilitation; Repair or reorganisation of neural tissue, e.g. after stroke} - A61N 1/37252: {Details of algorithms or data aspects of communication system, e.g. handshaking, transmitting specific data or segmenting data} - Y02D 10/00: Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management - A61N: ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY (measurement of bioelectric currents A61B; surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body A61B18/00; anaesthetic apparatus in general A61M; incandescent lamps H01K; infrared radiators for heating H05B) - G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N) - H04L: TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M) - Y02D: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES [ICT], I.E. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AIMING AT THE REDUCTION OF THEIR OWN ENERGY USE ## Abstract Systems and methods for enhancing or affecting neural stimulation efficiency and/or efficacy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and/or method may apply electromagnetic stimulation to a patient's nervous system over a first time domain according to a first set of stimulation parameters, and over a second time domain according to a second set of stimulation parameters. The first and second time domains may be sequential, simultaneous, or nested. Stimulation parameters may vary in accordance with one or more types of duty cycle, amplitude, pulse repetition frequency, pulse width, spatiotemporal, and/or polarity variations. Stimulation may be applied at subthreshold, threshold, and/or suprathreshold levels in one or more periodic, aperiodic (e.g., chaotic), and/or pseudo-random manners. In some embodiments stimulation may comprise a burst pattern having an interburst frequency corresponding to an intrinsic brainwave frequency, and regular and/or varying intraburst stimulation parameters. Stimulation signals providing reduced power consumption with at least adequate symptomatic relief may be applied prior to moderate or significant power source depletion. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for treating a neurological condition of a patient, comprising: applying electromagnetic signals to a patient's nervous system over a first time period with a first waveform having a first set of parameters; and applying electromagnetic signals to the patient's nervous system over a second time period with a second waveform having a second set of parameters, wherein at least one parameter of the second set is different than a corresponding parameter of the first set, and wherein the at least one parameter is selected to resume, at least approximately maintain, or resume and at least approximately maintain a therapeutic benefit resulting from signals applied during the first time period. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1 wherein applying electromagnetic signals over at least one of the first and second time periods includes applying electromagnetic signals at sub-threshold levels. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1 wherein applying electromagnetic signals over at least one of the first and second time periods includes applying electromagnetic signals at at least two of the following levels: sub-threshold, threshold, and suprathreshold. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising: interrupting the application of electromagnetic signals between the first and second time periods; and selecting the at least one parameter of the second set to reduce power consumption due to electromagnetic signals during the second time period compared with power consumption due to electromagnetic signals during the first time period. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The method of claim 4 wherein at least one of interrupting the application of electromagnetic signals and selecting the at least one parameter is performed before a power source that provides power for the electromagnetic signals is significantly depleted. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1 wherein applying electromagnetic signals over a second time period includes applying electromagnetic signals over a second time period that is sequential to the first time period. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1 wherein applying electromagnetic signals over the first time period includes applying electromagnetic signals at a first location and wherein applying electromagnetic signals over the second time period includes applying electromagnetic signals at a second location different than the first location. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1 wherein applying electromagnetic signals over a second time period includes applying electromagnetic signals over a second time period that is initiated after initiation of the first time period and completed before completion of the first time period. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1 wherein applying electromagnetic signals includes applying electromagnetic signals over multiple second time periods that are nested within the first time period. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The method of claim 9 wherein the first time period is hours-based and the second time period is based on a time period less than hours. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1 wherein applying electromagnetic signals during at least one of the time periods includes applying the electromagnetic signals in a manner that varies aperiodically. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11 wherein applying electromagnetic signals includes applying electromagnetic signals in a manner that varies chaotically. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11 wherein applying electromagnetic signals includes applying electromagnetic signals in a manner that corresponds at least generally to an iterative function. ### Claim 14 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11 wherein applying electromagnetic signals includes applying electromagnetic signals in a manner that corresponds at least generally to a partial sum of an infinite series. ### Claim 15 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11 wherein applying electromagnetic signals includes applying electromagnetic signals in a manner that corresponds at least generally to a metastable attractor. ### Claim 16 An apparatus for treating a neurological condition of a patient, comprising: a signal delivery device configured to be positioned in signal communication with neural tissue of a patient's nervous system; a signal generator; a signal communication link operatively coupled between the signal delivery device and the signal generator; and a controller operatively coupled to the signal generator, the controller being configured to provide instructions to the signal generator that: direct an application of electromagnetic signals to the patient's nervous system over a first time period with a first waveform having a first set of parameters; and direct an application of electromagnetic signals to the patient's nervous system over a second time period with a second waveform having a second set of parameters, wherein at least one parameter of the second set is different than a corresponding parameter of the first set and is selected to resume, at least approximately maintain, or resume and at least approximately maintain a therapeutic benefit resulting from signals directed during the first time period. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the signal generator is configured to direct application of electromagnetic signals at sub-threshold levels. ### Claim 18 (depends on 16) The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the controller includes stored instructions that direct electromagnetic signals over the first and second time periods. ### Claim 19 (depends on 16) The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the signal delivery device includes an electrode device that includes at least one electrode. ### Claim 20 (depends on 16) The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the signal generator includes an implantable pulse generator configured to be implanted in the patient. ### Claim 21 (depends on 16) The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the signal generator includes an implantable housing configured to be implanted in the patient, and wherein the housing carries a first pulse generator and a second pulse generator. ### Claim 22 (depends on 21) The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the first pulse generator is configured to deliver electromagnetic signals over the first time period, and the second pulse generator is configured to deliver electromagnetic signals over the second time period. ### Claim 23 (depends on 21) The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the first pulse generator is configured to deliver electromagnetic signals to a first location of the patient's body and the second pulse generator is configured to deliver electromagnetic signals to a second location of the patient's body. ### Claim 24 (depends on 16) The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the controller is configured to provide instructions that direct the application of electromagnetic signals over a second time period that is sequential to the first time period. ### Claim 25 (depends on 16) The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the controller is configured to provide instructions that direct the application of electromagnetic signals over multiple second time periods that are nested within the first time period. ### Claim 26 (depends on 16) The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the controller is configured to provide instructions that: interrupt the application of electromagnetic signals between the first and second time periods; and select the at least one parameter of the second set to reduce power consumption due to electromagnetic signals during the second time period compared with power consumption due to electromagnetic signals during the first time period. ### Claim 27 (depends on 26) The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising a power source coupled to the signal generator, and wherein at least one of the interrupt instruction and the select instruction is provided before the power source is significantly depleted. ### Claim 28 A method for treating a neurological condition of a patient, comprising: applying electromagnetic signals to a patient's nervous system over a first time period with a first waveform having a first set of parameters; applying electromagnetic signals to the patient's nervous system over a second time period with a second waveform having a second set of parameters, wherein at least one parameter of the second set is different than a corresponding parameter of the first set and is selected to reduce power consumption due to electromagnetic signals during the second time period compared with power consumption due to electromagnetic signals during the first time period; and interrupting the application of electromagnetic signals between the first and second time periods. ### Claim 29 (depends on 28) The method of claim 28 wherein at least one of interrupting the application of electromagnetic signals and selecting the at least one parameter is performed before a power source that provides power for the electromagnetic signals is significantly depleted. ### Claim 30 An apparatus for treating a neurological condition of a patient, comprising: a signal delivery device configured to be positioned in signal communication with neural tissue of a patient's nervous system; a signal generator; a signal communication link operatively coupled between the signal delivery device and the signal generator; and a controller operatively coupled to the signal generator, the controller being configured to provide instructions to the signal generator that: direct an application of electromagnetic signals to the patient's nervous system over a first time period with a first waveform having a first set of parameters; direct an application of electromagnetic signals to the patient's nervous system over a second time period with a second waveform having a second set of parameters, wherein at least one parameter of the second set is different than a corresponding parameter of the first set and is selected to reduce power consumption due to electromagnetic signals during the second time period compared with power consumption due to electrical signals during the first time period; and interrupt the application of electromagnetic signals between the first and second time periods. ### Claim 31 (depends on 30) The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising a power source coupled to the signal generator, and wherein at least one of the interrupt instruction and the select instruction is provided before the power source is significantly depleted. ### Claim 32 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising identifying the neurological condition as including depression, and wherein applying electromagnetic signals over the first and second time periods includes applying electrical signals to electrodes implanted within the patient's skull, via a signal generator implanted within the patient's body. ### Claim 33 (depends on 32) The method of claim 32 wherein applying electromagnetic signals over the first and second time periods includes applying the signals from a plurality of electrical contacts positioned at a cortical surface of the patient's brain.