Device site stimulation for notification

• Main Author: TORGERSON NATHAN A
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 01.11.2007
• Subjects: ELECTROTHERAPY; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HYGIENE; MAGNETOTHERAPY; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY

The disclosure is directed to techniques for delivering electrical stimulation for patient notification. An implantable medical device (IMD) may deliver patient notification stimulation via one or more device site electrodes, e.g., electrodes located proximate to an implant site for the IMD, configured as cathodes. Anodes for delivery the patient notification stimulation may be located in an electrode array that is provided by one or more leads and located distally from the implant site, e.g., an electrode array located at one or more target sites for delivery of stimulation therapy. In some embodiments, the IMD may inhibit the patient notification stimulation for a period in response to input from the patient, and then resume the stimulation at the end of the period. In this manner, the notification stimulation may be "snoozed" like an alarm clock. When the stimulation resumes, it may be different, e.g., more urgent, then prior to inhibition.