Patent ID: 8620452

Claim:
A method comprising delivering stimulation to a patient via at least one of three columns of electrodes implanted within the patient, wherein at least one of the three columns of electrodes extends in a longitudinal direction wherein the stimulation is delivered according to a trial electrode combination from each of at least five groups of electrode combinations during a therapy evaluation period, wherein a first group is characterized by a rostral anode electrode pattern, a second group is characterized by a caudal anode electrode pattern, a third group is characterized by a first cathode disposed between two anodes, the first cathode and anodes being located in a same column of electrodes, a fourth group is characterized by a second cathode disposed between a first row of anodes and a second row of anodes, and a fifth group is characterized by a transverse electrode combination, wherein anodes of the transverse electrode combination are displaced substantially transversely relative to a third cathode of the transverse electrode combination and relative to the longitudinal direction, and a stimulation field resulting from delivery of stimulation via the transverse combination is oriented substantially transversely relative to a target tissue for the stimulation.