Methods for implanting a spinal cord stimulator

Abstract

Methods for implanting spinal cord stimulators are provided, including implanting at least one electrode in an anterolateral area of the spine. Stimulation provided by the stimulator(s) may be used to treat patients with chronic pain. The stimulator(s) use a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Periodic recharging of such a power source/storage device is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external applience. The stimulators provide means of stimulating a nerve(s) or other tissue when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the stimulator(s) and for the transmission of power, if necessary. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one implant includes at least one sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.

1 - 24 . (canceled)  
     
     
         25 . A method for implanting a spinal cord stimulator, comprising: 
 providing at least one stimulator having at least two electrodes;    implanting the at least one stimulator in, on or near an anterolateral area of the spinal cord;    providing operating power to the at least one stimulator;    providing stimulation parameters to the at least one stimulator;    generating stimulation pulses in accordance with the stimulation parameters; and    delivering the stimulation pulses to nerves and tissue of the anterolateral area of the spinal cord via the at least two electrodes;    wherein the stimulator has a size and shape suitable for placement in, on or near the anterolateral area of the spinal cord.    
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the stimulation pulses are delivered at greater than about 100 Hz.  
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 25  further comprising implanting the at least one stimulator in position to deliver the stimulation pulses to at least one nerve fiber of C 5 , C 6 , C 7 , C 8 , and T 1  to treat chronic pain located in one or both arms.  
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 25  further comprising implanting the at least one stimulator in position to deliver the stimulation pulses to at least one nerve fibers of L 1 -L 5 , S 1 , and S 2  to treat chronic pain located in one or both legs.  
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 25  further comprising implanting the at least one stimulator in position to deliver the stimulation pulses to at least one nerve fibers of T 10 , T 11 , T 12 , L 1 -L 5 , and S 1 -S 5  to treat chronic pain located in the pelvic region.  
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 25  further comprising implanting the at least one stimulator in position to deliver the stimulation pulses to at least one nerve fibers of T 1 -T 2 , L 1 -L 5 , and S 1  to treat chronic pain located in the back.  
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 25  further comprising implanting the at least one stimulator in position to deliver the stimulation pulses to at least one nerve fibers of C 2 , C 3 , C 4 , and C 5  to treat chronic pain located in the cervical region.  
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 25  further comprising implanting the at least one stimulator in position to deliver the stimulation pulses to at least one nerve fibers of C 1 -C 8  to treat chronic pain located in the head/neck region.  
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 25  further comprising: 
 providing at least one sensor;    using the at least one sensor to sense at least one physical condition; and    determining the stimulation parameters based upon the at least one sensed condition.    
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 25  wherein providing stimulation parameters comprises receiving the stimulation parameters from at least one external appliance.  
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 25  wherein providing operating power comprises receiving the operating power from at least one external appliance.  
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 25  further comprising providing and implanting more than one stimulator.  
     
     
         37 . A method for treating a patient with chronic pain, comprising: 
 providing at least one stimulator having at least two electrodes;    implanting at least one electrode in, on or near an anterolateral area of the spinal cord;    providing operating power to the at least one stimulator;    providing stimulation parameters to the at least one stimulator;    generating stimulation pulses in accordance with the stimulation parameters; and    delivering the stimulation pulses to nerves and tissue of the anterolateral area of the spinal cord via the at least two electrodes;    wherein the stimulator has at least one electrode suitable for placement in, on or near the anterolateral area of the spinal cord.    
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37  wherein the body of the stimulator is no more than 150 mm from the tissue to be stimulated.  
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 37  wherein one of the at least two electrodes is a case electrode.  
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 37  wherein at least one of the at least two electrodes is positioned on an implantable lead electrically connected to the body of the stimulator.  
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40  wherein the implantable lead is up to 150 mm long.  
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 37  wherein the stimulation parameters are determined using at least one external appliance.  
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 37  wherein providing operating power to the at least one stimulator comprises receiving power from at least one external appliance.  
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 43  wherein providing power to the at least one stimulator further comprises storing the power received from the at least one external appliance.