# US 8,543,221 B2 · External systems for detecting implantable neurostimulation leads and devices, and methods of using same

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- Number: US 8,543,221 B2
- Document ID: US8543221B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/596,592
- Filed: 2012-08-28
- Published: 2013-03-28
- Granted: 2013-09-24
- Earliest claimed: 2011-09-22
- Assignees: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
- Applicants: Michael J. Campbell; William L. Winstrom
- Inventors: Michael J. Campbell; William L. Winstrom
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8543221B2

## CPC

- A61N 1/0551: {Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes}
- A61B 5/061: {Determining position of a probe within the body employing means separate from the probe, e.g. sensing internal probe position employing impedance electrodes on the surface of the body (A61B1/00158 takes precedence)}
- 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)
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)

## Abstract

Embodiments herein include an external system and method to detect an implanted lead coupled to an implanted neurostimulation device (INSD). The system and method comprise a handheld probe having electrodes configured to be positioned external to a surface of a patient and proximate to a region of the patient having the implanted lead for an implanted INSD. The electrodes are configured to measure a stimulation output from the implanted lead of the INSD. The system and method include a controller coupled to the electrodes to receive measured signals from the electrodes. The measured signals represent the stimulation output of the INSD. The controller processes the measured signals to obtain lead information. The system includes a user interface to present the lead information to a user. The lead information is indicative of at least one of an operation of the lead and a position of the lead.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An external system to detect an implanted lead coupled to an implanted neurostimulation device (INSD), the system comprising:
a handheld probe having electrodes configured to be positioned external to a surface of a patient and proximate to a region of the patient having the implanted lead for an INSD, the electrodes configured to measure a stimulation output from the implanted lead of the INSD;
a controller coupled to the electrodes to receive measured signals from the electrodes, the measured signals representative of the stimulation output of the INSD, the controller processing the measured signals to obtain lead information;
an amplifier that compares the measured signals to obtain a difference signal, the difference signal increasing as the electrodes move closer to a source of the stimulation output; and
a user interface to present the lead information to a user, the lead information indicative of at least one of an operation of the lead and a position of the lead.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the lead information includes at least one of discharge mode, pulse width and frequency for the stimulation output of the INSD.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the lead information includes at least one a presence, signal strength, duration and shape for the stimulation output of the INSD.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the lead information includes at least one electrical occurrence of, and electrical anomalies in, the stimulation output of the INSD.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the lead information includes at least one of i) information to locate the lead in the patient and ii) information to identify improper operation of the lead.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the external electrodes include first and second electrode inputs closely spaced proximate to one another to be moved along skin of the patient while locating the lead.