Positioning leads on patient model using a graphical user interface

A method of storing position information of an implanted medical lead implanted in a patient for use with a stimulation system for treating the patient,

• the method comprising:
• receiving, from a first programmer, position data that indicates an actual position of an implanted medical lead with respect to an anatomically correct representation of a spinal column for the patient;
• receiving, from the first programmer, an image identifier for selecting an image of the spinal column from a database and a lead identifier for selecting graphical models of the implanted medical lead from the database;
• storing the position data and the image identifier and the lead identifier in a memory of an electrical stimulation generator;
• transmitting the position data and the image identifier and the lead identifier to the second programmer;
• using the image identifier to select, from a plurality of images stored in the database, a copy of the image of the spinal column;
• using the lead identifier to select, from a plurality of graphical models stored in the database, a graphical model of the implanted medical lead;
• and
• displaying, via the second programmer and based on the position data, the selected copy of the image of the spinal column overlain by the selected graphical model of the implanted medical lead so as to mirror the actual position of the implanted medical lead with respect to the anatomically correct representation of the spinal column for the patient.

A medical system, comprising:

• an electrical stimulation generator having a memory and a communication unit, the electrical stimulation generator being configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the patient through an implanted medical lead having a plurality of electrodes;
• and
• a first programmer and a second programmer each configured to communicate with the electrical stimulation generator via the communication unit;
• wherein:
• the electrical stimulation generator is configured to receive, from the first programmer, position data that indicates an actual position of the implanted medical lead with respect to an anatomically correct representation of a spinal column for the patient;
• the electrical stimulation generator is configured to receive, from the first programmer, an image identifier for selecting an image of the spinal column from a database and a lead identifier for selecting graphical models of the implanted medical lead from the database;
• the electrical stimulation generator is configured to store the position data and the image identifier and the lead identifier in the memory;
• the electrical stimulation generator is configured to transmit the position data and the image identifier and the lead identifier to the second programmer via the communication unit;
• the second programmer is configured to use the image identifier to select, from a plurality of images stored in the database, a copy of the image of the spinal column;
• the second programmer is configured to use the lead identifier to select, from a plurality of graphical models stored in the database, a graphical model of the implanted medical lead;
• and
• the second programmer is configured to display, based on the position data, the selected copy of the image of the spinal column overlain by the selected graphical model of the implanted medical lead so as to mirror the actual position of the implanted medical lead with respect to the anatomically correct representation of the spinal column for the patient.