Patent ID: 7493159

Claim:
A trial neuro stimulator with diagnostics for screening a patient to evaluate the efficacy of neuro stimulation comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor containing a therapy program; a therapy module operated according to the therapy program to produce stimulation signals, the therapy module having a therapy module connector that includes at least one therapy connector plug; a therapy lead having a distal end for implantation in the patient and a proximal end that includes a therapy lead connector, the therapy lead connector configured to couple with the therapy module connector outside of the patient and including at least one lead connector pin that is received by the therapy connector plug; a lead diagnostic module configured for detecting at least one of an operational disconnection of the therapy lead from the therapy module, degradation of a conductor of the therapy lead, or discontinuity of the conductor of the therapy lead, and determining that the therapy lead is not operational to deliver stimulation signals based on the detection; and a switch, wherein the lead connector pin actuates the switch, and the lead diagnostic module detects an operational disconnection of the therapy lead from the therapy module by detecting whether the therapy lead connector is operationally connected to the therapy module connector based on actuation of the switch, and wherein the trial neuro stimulator is configured for ambulatory operation.