(i9) United States
(12) Patent Application Publication
Gerber et al.
(54) PATIENT-INDIVIDUALIZED EFFICACY RATING
(75) Inventors: Martin T. Gerber, Maple Grove, MN (US); John C. Rondoni, Plymouth, MN (US)
Correspondence Address:
SHUMAKER & SIEFFERT, P. A.
1625 RADIO DRIVE
SUITE 300
WOODBURY, MN 55125 (US) (73) Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
(21) Appl. No.: 11/414,616
(22) Filed: Apr. 28, 2006
Publication Classification
The disclosure is directed to techniques for providing a patient-individualized efficacy rating. Different stimulation parameters impact efficacy. For example, efficacy may be a function of parameters such as electrode combination, stimulation amplitude, pulse width, and pulse rate. Efficacy may vary from patient-to-patient. For example, efficacy may vary according to age, gender, physiology, disease state, activity level, or activity profile. Comparable stimulation programs may provide different efficacy levels for different patients, according to patient characteristics or desires. Patients may rank efficacy parameters differently. The efficacy parameters may include desirable therapeutic effects and undesirable side effects. For one patient, optimization of a particular efficacy parameter may be the paramount concern. Other patients may be willing to compromise the outcome of the same parameter in favor of better outcomes with other efficacy parameters. A patient-individualized efficacy rating permits a patient and clinician to customize efficacy evaluation according to the patient's condition or needs.
