Patent ID: 8359100
Filing Date: 2013-01-22
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A method of selecting electrodes for deep brain stimulation in a patient, wherein the electrode selection includes (i) implanting at least one electrical lead having a plurality of electrodes that are segmented about a circumference of the lead body for conducting electrical pulses by a pulse generating circuitry to a first neural tissue; and (ii) implanting at least one electrochemical sensor for sensing a level of one or several neurotransmitters in a second neural tissue; the method comprising: controlling a pulse generator via a programming device to apply electrical pulses to the patient through the electrical lead, wherein the programming device: i) automatically selects an electrode combination and applies stimulation in a directional manner about the circumference of the lead body to the neural tissue using the selected electrode combination; ii) senses via the electrochemical sensor the extracellular level of one or several neurotransmitters in response to the electrical stimulation and generates data related to the neurotransmitter release for the selected electrode combination that is stored in the programmer; wherein based upon the data, the programming device determines if another electrode combination is tested.