US 7,496,404 B2
Rechargeable spinal cord stimulator systemGeneral
US 7,496,404 B2
Rechargeable spinal cord stimulator system
Tech Center:
3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing and Medical Devices/Processes
Examiner:
George Manuel
Art Unit:
3762 Refrigeration, Vaporization, Ventilation, and Combustion
Agent:
Inventors:
Paul M. Meadows; Carla Mann Woods; David K. Peterson; Joey Chen; David H. Payne
Priority:
07/27/99
Filed:
12/10/04
Granted:
02/24/09
Expiration:
03/08/21
Abstract
A spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system includes multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) which channels can provide concurrent, but unique stimulation fields, permitting virtual electrodes to be realized. The SCS system includes a replenishable power source (e.g., rechargeable battery), that may be recharged using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery can be used to charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. An included bi-directional telemetry link in the system informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery. Other processing circuitry in the IPG allows electrode impedance measurements to be made. Further circuitry in the external battery charger can provide alignment detection for the coil pairs.
Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)
A61A61N1/36071A61NH01H85/201H01H