SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAKING AND USING A SPLITABLE LEAD INTRODUCER FOR AN IMPLANTABLE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM
First Claim
1. A lead introducer comprising:
- a split-release insertion needle configured and arranged for insertion into an epidural space of a patient, the split-release insertion needle having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, the split-release insertion needle comprising a plurality of body elements that laterally mate along the longitudinal axis of the split-release insertion needle, wherein when the plurality of body elements are mated, the plurality of body elements define a lumen along the longitudinal axis of the split-release insertion needle, wherein the lumen is configured and arranged to receive a distal end of a neurostimulation lead; and
a removable retaining member disposed over at least a portion of each of the plurality of body elements;
wherein the plurality of body elements are configured and arranged to at least partially separate from one another when the retaining member is removed from the plurality of body elements.
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Abstract
A lead introducer includes a split-release insertion needle configured and arranged for insertion into an epidural space of a patient. The split-release insertion needle has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. The split-release insertion needle includes a plurality of body elements that laterally mate along the longitudinal axis of the split-release insertion needle. When the plurality of body elements are mated, the plurality of body elements define a lumen along the longitudinal axis of the split-release insertion needle. The lumen is configured and arranged to receive a distal end of a neurostimulation lead. A removable retaining member is disposed over at least a portion of each of the plurality of body elements. The plurality of body elements are configured and arranged to at least partially separate from one another when the retaining member is removed from the plurality of body elements.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A lead introducer comprising:
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a split-release insertion needle configured and arranged for insertion into an epidural space of a patient, the split-release insertion needle having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, the split-release insertion needle comprising a plurality of body elements that laterally mate along the longitudinal axis of the split-release insertion needle, wherein when the plurality of body elements are mated, the plurality of body elements define a lumen along the longitudinal axis of the split-release insertion needle, wherein the lumen is configured and arranged to receive a distal end of a neurostimulation lead; and a removable retaining member disposed over at least a portion of each of the plurality of body elements; wherein the plurality of body elements are configured and arranged to at least partially separate from one another when the retaining member is removed from the plurality of body elements. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for implanting a neurostimulation lead into a patient, the method comprising:
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inserting a lead introducer into the patient, the lead introducer comprising a split-release insertion needle disposed in a removable retaining member, the split-release insertion needle comprising a plurality of body elements laterally mated with one another along a longitudinal axis of the split-release insertion needle to define a lumen extending along a length of the split-release insertion needle; inserting into the lumen of the splitable insertion needle a distal end of a neurostimulation lead, the neurostimulation lead comprising a plurality of electrodes disposed along the distal end of the neurostimulation lead and a plurality of terminals disposed along at least one proximal end of the neurostimulation lead; guiding the lead introducer in proximity to a target stimulation location within the patient; removing the retaining member from the plurality of body elements, thereby causing the at least two of the plurality of body elements to at least partially separate from one another along the longitudinal axis of the split-release insertion needle; and removing the at least two body elements from the neurostimulation lead, leaving at least the distal end of the neurostimulation lead implanted in the patient. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification