EXTERNAL PULSE GENERATOR DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS FOR TRIAL NERVE STIMULATION
Systems and methods for providing a trial neurostimulation to a patient for assesssing suitability of a permanently implanted neurostimulation are provided herein. In one aspect, a trial neurostimulation system includes an EPG affixation device that secures the EPG to the patient when connected to a lead extending through a percutaneous incission to a target tissue location, while allowing for ready removal of the EPG for charging or bathing. In another aspect, the system includes an EPG provided with a multi-purpose connector rectacle through which the the EPG can deliver neurostimulation therapy to an implanted lead or the EPG can be charged. In yet another aspect, the EPG can include a multi-purpose connector receptacle that is alternatingly connectable with a purality of differing connector to faciltiate differing types of therapies with one or more neurostimulation devices, ground patches or various other devices, such as charging or testing devices.
1 - 50 . (canceled)
51 . A neurostimulation system comprising:
an external pulse generator (EPG);
a percutaneous neurostimulation lead;
a releasable affixation device configured to removably secure the EPG to a patient, wherein the affixation device comprises:
a substrate;
a plurality of tabs extending from the substrate;
wherein the plurality of tabs is configured to engage an outer perimeter of the EPG and wherein a majority of the outer perimeter of the EPG is exposed when engaged by the plurality of tabs.
52 . The system of claim 51 , wherein the affixation device comprises an adhesive patch having a patient-facing adhesive surface on one side of the substrate and an EPG-engaging surface comprising the plurality of tabs on the other side of the substrate.
53 . The system of claim 52 , wherein the plurality of tabs comprise at least two resiliently deflectable tabs.
54 . The system of claim 52 , wherein the plurality of tabs comprises: a first pair of tabs configured to engage opposing sides of the EPG along a first axis; and a second pair of tabs configured to engage opposing sides of the EPG along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis.
55 . The system of claim 53 , wherein each of the at least two resiliently deflectable tabs comprises a retention feature configured to engage a corresponding retention feature on the EPG.
56 . The system of claim 55 , wherein the retention feature comprises at least one of a recess, a contoured edge, or a stepped portion.
57 . The system of claim 51 , wherein the affixation device comprises a clip configured to attach to a garment of the patient.
58 . The system of claim 57 , wherein the clip is spring-loaded.
59 . The system of claim 51 , wherein the plurality of tabs are configured such that at least two diagonally opposing corners of the EPG are exposed when engaged by the plurality of tabs.
60 . The system of claim 51 , wherein at least ⅔ of the outer perimeter of the EPG is exposed when engaged by the plurality of tabs.
61 . The system of claim 51 , wherein the affixation device is non-electrically conductive.
62 . A releasable affixation device for securing an external pulse generator (EPG) to a patient's garment, comprising:
a substrate having an EPG mounting portion;
a plurality of tabs extending from the EPG mounting portion, wherein the plurality of tabs are configured to releasably engage an outer perimeter of the EPG; and
a clip coupled to the substrate, wherein the clip is configured to releasably attach to the patient's garment.
63 . The device of claim 62 , wherein the clip is spring-loaded.
64 . The device of claim 62 , wherein the clip comprises an elongate member pivotally coupled to the substrate.
65 . The device of claim 64 , wherein the elongate member is biased towards the substrate by a spring.
66 . The device of claim 62 , further comprising a retention feature on at least one of the plurality of tabs, the retention feature configured to engage a corresponding retention feature on the EPG.
67 . The device of claim 66 , wherein the retention feature comprises at least one of a recess, a contoured edge, or a stepped portion.
68 . The device of claim 62 , wherein the plurality of tabs are configured such that at least two diagonally opposing corners of the EPG are exposed when engaged by the plurality of tabs.
69 . The device of claim 62 , wherein a majority of an outer perimeter of the EPG is exposed when engaged by the plurality of tabs.
70 . The device of claim 69 , wherein at least ⅔ of the outer perimeter of the EPG is exposed when engaged by the plurality of tabs.