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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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.
4 Citations
10 Claims
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10)
- a lead comprising a shaft having at least one electrode disposed thereon; and
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6. A system as in claim 6, wherein the shaped distal tip of the lead provides an atraumatic cover for the distal end of the sheath.
Specification