LEAD ANCHORS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

• US 20130204336A1
• Filed: 01/25/2013
• Published: 08/08/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 01/25/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nevro Corporation
• Original Assignee: Nevro Corporation
• Inventors: Sharma, Vivek, Chitre, Yougandh, Walker, Andre B., Parker, Jon, Moore, Ellen, Villamil, Daniel
• Granted Patent: US 8,954,165 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/117
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0558 Anchoring or fixation means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2001/0582 Suture sleeves

Abstract

The present technology is directed generally to a lead anchor for positioning and securing spinal cord modulation leads and associated systems and methods. In at least some contexts, the lead anchor includes a central lumen surrounded by a restriction feature. The restriction feature can interface with a tightening screw or other actuator and can be configured to provide a radial compressive fit around the lead body. In some embodiments, the clamp can be disengaged upon twisting or other unlocking motion to release the lead.

Claims

1. A lead anchor, comprising:

an implantable anchor sleeve having a lumen extending therethrough, the lumen being positioned to removably receive an implantable lead;

a securement device within the anchor sleeve, the securement device including a lead opening aligned with and positioned along the lumen of the anchor sleeve to removably receive the implantable lead;

a press member positioned within the securement device, the press member being slideable within the securement device toward the lead opening to clamp the implantable lead, and away from the lead opening to release the implantable lead;

a rotatable actuator threadably engaged with the press member to move the press member toward the lead opening when rotated in a first direction, and move the press member away from the lead opening when rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction; and

a retention element carried by the securement device and positioned to at least restrict axial motion of the actuator toward and away from the lead opening.

2. The lead anchor of claim 1, further comprising the implantable lead.

3. The lead anchor of claim 1 wherein the actuator includes a recess, and wherein the retention element projects inwardly from the securement device and into the recess.

4. The lead anchor of claim 1 wherein the retention element includes a cap positioned over the actuator, with the actuator positioned between the cap and the lead opening.

5. A lead anchor, comprising:

a securement device having a lead opening positioned to removably receive an implantable lead; and

an actuator carried by the securement device to move an element of, or carried by, the securement device toward and away from the lead opening to releasably secure the implantable lead in the lead opening.

6. The lead anchor of claim 5, further comprising a press member positioned within the securement device and operably engaged with the actuator, the press member being movable within the securement device toward the lead opening to clamp the implantable lead, and away from the lead opening to release the implantable lead.

7. The lead anchor of claim 6 wherein the press member has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape.

8. The lead anchor of claim 5, further comprising a retention element carried by the securement device and positioned to at least restrict motion of the actuator toward and away from the lead opening.

9. The lead anchor of claim 5, further comprising a sleeve positioned around at least a portion of the securement device, the sleeve having one or more suture eyelets positioned to receive suture thread to secure the sleeve to patient tissue.

10. The lead anchor of claim 5, further comprising a flexible actuator sleeve at least partially surrounding the securement device, and wherein the securement device includes external elements positioned to restrict relative motion between the securement device and the sleeve.

11. The lead anchor of claim 5 wherein in the securement device includes a body having one or more collet fingers positioned around the lead opening, and wherein the actuator is movably engaged with the body to move the collet fingers radially inwardly to secure the lead, and radially outwardly to release the lead.

12. The lead anchor of claim 5 wherein the securement device includes a flexible, resilient retention member positioned at least partially around the lead opening, and wherein the actuator is engaged with the retention member and is movable to flex the retention member toward the lead opening to secure the lead.

13. The lead anchor of claim 12 wherein the restriction member comprises sheet metal.

14. The lead anchor of claim 12, wherein the restriction member has a C-shaped cross-section.

15. A method for securing an implantable lead in a patient, comprising:

positioning the lead in the patient;

advancing a lead anchor along the lead;

securing the lead anchor to patient tissue; and

releasably securing the lead anchor to the lead by activating an actuator, causing the actuator to move an element into contact with the lead.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein activating the actuator includes rotating the actuator.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein wherein causing the actuator to move an element includes causing the actuator to move a press member along a generally linear path into contact with the lead.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

restricting or preventing axial motion of the actuator; and

restricting or preventing rotational motion of the press member.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein causing the actuator to move an element includes causing the actuator to move collet fingers radially inwardly into contact with the lead.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising suturing the lead anchor to the patient'"'"'s tissue.