A deep brain stimulation (DBS) system (10) provides a multiplicity of
stimulation
channels through which stimulation may be delivered deep within the brain of the
patient. The DBS system is powered by a rechargeable battery (27). In one
embodiment, the system has four channels driving sixteen electrodes (32).
The DBS system is easily programmed for use by a clinician using a clinician programming
system (60), and further affords a simple but highly advanced hand held
programmer (50) control interface through which the patient may easily change
stimulation parameters within acceptable limits. The DBS system (10) includes
a small, implantable pulse generator (20) that is small enough to be implanted
directly in the cranium of the patient, thereby eliminating the long lead wires
and tunneling procedures that have been used in the past. Further, the DBS system
allows up to two electrode arrays (30, 30) to be attached to the
implantable pulse generator (20), thereby eliminating the requirement for
implanting two independent implantable pulse generators for bilateral stimulation
of deep brain structures.
