Multi-programmable trial stimulator

Abstract

Disclosed are systems and methods which provide trial stimulators suited for use interoperatively and during patient trial. Trial stimulator embodiments provide a patient interface and/or clinician interface which appears and functions substantially the same as an interface of a pulse generator controller which will be used after a trial period. A compliance monitor feature may be provided to facilitate verifying the proper use of the trial stimulator during a trial period. A diagnostic feature may be provided to facilitate verifying proper operation of various aspects of a trial stimulator, such as electrode impedance analysis. Trial stimulators of embodiments provide stimulation to a plurality of tissues and/or areas of the body, such as spinal cord stimulation, deep brain stimulation, etcetera. Embodiments provide for multi-electrode stimulation and multi-stimulation programs. Embodiments are configured to provide active discharge of stimulation pulses as well as to utilize constant current sources in providing the stimulation pulses.

1 .- 6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . A system adapted for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) of a patient, the system comprising:
 a plurality of stimulation leads with each stimulation lead comprising a plurality of electrodes adapted for implantation within the epidural space of the patient;   a pulse generator for generating stimulation pulses for delivery to tissue of the patient through electrodes of the plurality of stimulation leads, wherein (i) the pulse generator is adapted to provide thirty-two (32) independent output channels, and (ii) the pulse generator comprises a plurality of ports with each port adapted for electrical connection to a distinct subset of the thirty-two independent output channels; and   at least one splitter adapter, wherein the at least one splitter adapted to connect with one of the plurality of ports and to provide electrical connection to at least two of the plurality of stimulation leads, wherein each port comprises a greater number of output channels than a number of electrodes disposed on each of the at least two of the plurality of stimulation leads;   a programmer device for communication with the pulse generator, wherein the programmer device is adapted to receive input data from a user that identifies specific lead types of the at least two of the plurality of stimulation leads selected for coupling to the at least one splitter adapter.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7  wherein the pulse generator is adapted to provide active discharge of coupling capacitors of the pulse generator by (i) omitting active discharge pulses for stimulation pulse frequencies under a first frequency (ii) provide active discharge pulses with a first pulse width ratio above the first frequency and below a second frequency, and (iii) provide active discharge pulses with a second pulse width ratio above the second frequency. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7  wherein the pulse generator is capable of providing pulse frequencies of 2 Hz to 1200 Hz. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 7  wherein pulse frequencies of operation of the pulse generator are selected according to a first frequency step size for pulse frequencies below a first frequency and according to a second frequency step size for pulse frequencies above the first frequency. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 7  wherein the pulse generator is capable of generating stimulation pulses according to a first frequency range for perception by the patient and the pulse generator is capable of generating stimulation pulses in a kilohertz range for pulses that are not perceptible by the patient. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 7  wherein (i) the pulse generator is a constant current pulse generator, (ii) the pulse generator is adapted to monitor energy usage for pulses generated according to respective stimulation sets, and (iii) the pulse generator is operable, according to programmable limit parameters, to limit increased energy usage by a respective stimulation set caused by an increase in impedance for one or more electrodes of the respective stimulation set.