STIMULATION LEADS, DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE
First Claim
1. A system for positioning a lead near a spinal nerve, the system comprising:
- a lead comprising a shaft having at least one electrode disposed thereon; and
a sheath having a curved distal end, wherein the sheath is configured to extend over the shaft of the lead causing the lead to bend;
wherein the sheath has an outer diameter which allows advancement through an introducing needle into an epidural space of a spinal column and a stiffness which allows advancement along the epidural space to a position wherein the curved distal end of the sheath directs the lead toward the spinal nerve, and wherein withdrawal of the sheath positions the lead near the spinal nerve.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Devices, systems and methods are provided for accessing and treating anatomies associated with a variety of conditions while minimizing possible complications and side effects. This is achieved by directly neuromodulating a target anatomy associated with the condition while minimizing or excluding undesired neuromodulation of other anatomies. Typically, this involves stimulating portions of neural tissue of the central nervous system, wherein the central nervous system includes the spinal cord and the pairs of nerves along the spinal cord which are known as spinal nerves. In particular, some embodiments of the present invention are used to selectively stimulate portions of the spinal nerves, particularly one or more dorsal root ganglions (DRGs), to treat chronic pain while causing minimal deleterious side effects such as undesired motor responses.
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Citations
33 Claims
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1. A system for positioning a lead near a spinal nerve, the system comprising:
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a lead comprising a shaft having at least one electrode disposed thereon; and a sheath having a curved distal end, wherein the sheath is configured to extend over the shaft of the lead causing the lead to bend; wherein the sheath has an outer diameter which allows advancement through an introducing needle into an epidural space of a spinal column and a stiffness which allows advancement along the epidural space to a position wherein the curved distal end of the sheath directs the lead toward the spinal nerve, and wherein withdrawal of the sheath positions the lead near the spinal nerve. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system for positioning a lead near a spinal nerve, the system comprising:
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a lead comprising a shaft having a stylet lumen extending at least partially therethrough and at least one electrode disposed thereon; a sheath having a curved distal end, wherein the sheath is configured to extend over the shaft of the lead causing the lead to bend; and a stylet configured to be positioned within the stylet lumen of the lead, wherein the sheath is advanceable through an introducing needle into an epidural space of the spinal column and along the epidural space to a position wherein the curved distal end of the sheath directs the lead toward the spinal nerve, and wherein advancement of the stylet positions the lead near the spinal nerve. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A system for accessing a nerve root which extends from a spinal column along a nerve root sleeve angulation, the system comprising:
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a lead comprising a shaft having a stylet lumen extending at least partially therethrough and at least one electrode disposed thereon; a sheath having a curved distal end, wherein the sheath is configured to extend over the shaft of the lead; and a stylet having a curved distal end, wherein the stylet is configured to be positioned within the stylet lumen of the lead, wherein the lead is configured to be positioned along the spinal column, wherein positioning of the curved distal end of the sheath over the lead bends the lead along a first curvature toward the nerve root and wherein advancement of the lead and the stylet therein beyond the sheath bends the lead along a second curvature so that the lead extends from the spinal column along the nerve root sleeve angulation. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification