SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE INTERVERTEBRAL DISC

• US 20110046695A1
• Filed: 11/02/2010
• Published: 02/24/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: John Erickson, Philip M. Finch, Scott F. Drees
• Original Assignee: John Erickson, Philip M. Finch, Scott F. Drees
• Inventors: Finch, Philip M., Drees, Scott F., Erickson, John
• Granted Patent: US 8,086,317 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/46
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0558 Anchoring or fixation means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36017 with leads or electrodes penetrating the skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36021 for treatment of pain
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36071 Pain

Abstract

In one embodiment, a method electrically stimulates an area in a spinal disc. The method comprises: implanting at least one steerable lead at a placement site for stimulating a spinal disc such that the lead is disposed exterior and immediately adjacent to and circumferentially along an annulus of the spinal disc, the at least one lead including a plurality of electrodes distributed along a majority of a circumference of the annulus; connecting the lead to a signal generator; and generating electrical stimulation pulses using the generator to stimulate targeted portions of the spinal disc, wherein the stimulation of the targeted portion of the spinal disc sufficiently stimulates nerve tissue within the spinal disc to prevent communication of pain signals originating in the spinal disc without damaging tissue of the spinal disc.

Claims

1. A method for electrically stimulating an area in a spinal disc, comprising:

implanting at least one steerable lead at a placement site for stimulating a spinal disc such that the lead is disposed exterior and immediately adjacent to and circumferentially along an annulus of the spinal disc, the at least one lead including a plurality of electrodes distributed along a majority of a circumference of the annulus;

connecting the lead to a signal generator; and

generating electrical stimulation pulses using the generator to stimulate targeted portions of the spinal disc, wherein the stimulation of the targeted portion of the spinal disc sufficiently stimulates nerve tissue within the spinal disc to prevent communication of pain signals originating in the spinal disc without damaging tissue of the spinal disc.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

inserting an introducer to introduce the lead to the placement site; and

steering the lead to the placement site.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the introducer possesses a curved distal end.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein the introducer is inserted into a lateral portion of the annulus of the spinal disc.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein the introducer is a shielded introducer.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising:

determining an insertion depth into the annulus of the spinal disc by impedance monitoring.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the implanting comprises:

implanting a first steerable lead on a first side of the annulus; and

implanting a second steerable lead on a second side of the annulus.