US 8,527,059 B2 · Guided programming with feedback

Abstract

Example techniques involve generating test stimulation programs based upon specific patient feedback to guide the programming process for stimulation therapy. The patient describes positive effects and adverse effects of the test stimulation by listing and/or rating specific types of effects, both positive and adverse, and the location of each effect. In this manner, a programming device, i.e. a programmer, uses the feedback to generate subsequent test stimulation programs. Initially, programs with unipolar electrode configurations are tested, but the programmer may generate bipolar electrode configurations to test if the patient rates the unipolar electrode combinations poorly. After the stimulation programs are tested and rated, the programmer sorts the tested programs based upon the feedback and presents the tested programs to the user. The user selects the best tested program to use for chronic stimulation therapy. Additionally, the patient may utilize the guided programming technique for continued therapy optimization.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for screening a plurality of stimulation therapy programs for delivery of deep brain stimulation (DBS) by an implantable medical device (IMD) using an external programming device, the method comprising:

for each of a plurality of electrode combinations including at least one electrode on a DBS lead coupled to the IMD, controlling the IMD, with the external programming device, to incrementally ramp up an amplitude of DBS delivered via the electrode combination through a plurality of amplitude values;
presenting, via the external programming device, a user interface configured to receive user input that logs at least one of a beneficial effect or an adverse effect at each of the plurality of amplitude values for each of the plurality of electrode combinations, wherein the user interface enables the user to enter one or both of a rating value from a predetermined scale of rating values or a textual description of the beneficial effects and adverse effects;
storing, with the external programming device, the rating values or textual descriptions of the beneficial or adverse effects in association with the electrode combinations and amplitude values for which beneficial or adverse effects occurred;
and
displaying, via the external programming device, the electrode combinations for which DBS amplitude has been incrementally ramped up in conjunction with amplitude values, and associated rating values and textual descriptions.

2 more elements

An external programming device for screening a plurality of stimulation therapy programs for delivery of deep brain stimulation (DBS) by an implantable medical device (IMD), the external programming device comprising:

a communication interface for communicating with the IMD;
a user interface;
and
a processor configured to:
for each of a plurality of electrode combinations including at least one electrode on a DBS lead coupled to the IMD, control the IMD to incrementally ramp up an amplitude of DBS delivered via the electrode combination through a plurality of amplitude values,
control the user interface to receive user input that logs at least one of a beneficial effect or an adverse effect at each of the plurality of amplitude values for each of the plurality of electrode combinations, wherein the user interface enables the user to enter one or both of a rating value from a predetermined scale of rating values or a textual description of the beneficial effects and adverse effects,
store the rating values or textual descriptions of the beneficial or adverse effects in association with the electrode combinations and amplitude values for which beneficial or adverse effects occurred, and
display, via the user interface, the electrode combinations for which DBS amplitude has been incrementally ramped up in conjunction with amplitude values, and associated rating values and textual descriptions.

5 more elements

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that cause a processor of an external programming device configured to communicate with an implantable medical device (IMD) to screen a plurality of stimulation therapy programs for delivery of deep brain stimulation (DBS) by the IMD, the instructions causing the processor to:

for each of a plurality of electrode combinations including at least one electrode on a DBS lead coupled to the IMD, control the IMD to incrementally ramp up an amplitude of DBS delivered via the electrode combination through a plurality of amplitude values;
present, via the external programming device, a user interface configured to receive user input that logs at least one of a beneficial effect or an adverse effect at each of the plurality of amplitude values for each of the plurality of electrode combinations, wherein the user interface enables the user to enter one or both of a rating value from a predetermined scale of rating values or a textual description of the beneficial effects and adverse effects;
store the rating values or textual descriptions of the beneficial or adverse effects in association with the electrode combinations and amplitude values for which beneficial or adverse effects occurred;
and
displaying, via the external programming device, the electrode combinations for which DBS amplitude has been incrementally ramped up in conjunction with amplitude values, and associated rating values and textual descriptions.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Guided programming with feedback

Life of this patent

Guided programming with feedback

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20