Patent ID: 6052624
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
A spinal cord stimulator system (10) comprising:an array of electrodes (23) implantable in a patient adjacent a spinal cord;a pulse generator (20) having programmable memory (67) that is capable of receiving remotely generated programming signals for altering the programmable memory for selectively applying electrical stimulation to at least two electrodes within the electrode array;a directional device (12) that generates directional signals when maneuvered by an operator; andprogramming means (50, 52, 54, 56) responsive to the directional signals for selecting a group (45) of electrodes within the array of electrodes which are to be electrically stimulated, and transmitting the selection to the programmable memory of the pulse generator, wherein electrical stimulation currents flowing between electrodes within the group of electrodes are steered to cause a stimulation area (36) adjacent the array of electrodes to move in response to the directional signals.